David Brian's Blog - Posts Tagged "death"
The pain of loss.
First off, let me apologize. This post is not book related, and some may consider it heavy going for a first blog on goodreads. But, please, stick with me, I'm sure some of you will get it.
Many of us love our pets, and many too have known the pain which their passing can inflict upon us.
Some people just don't get it. 'It was only a cat/dog/hamster/(insert as necessary).' The thing is, that animal (particularly in the case of a dog or cat) was more a part of your family than some long lost aunt/uncle, who you last saw at cousin sally's wedding.
On the 29th of July 2012 my heart was broken, again. Sam, my wire haired jack russell terrier faced his final trip to the vets. Sam had been deaf for the last two years. He only had 40% vision in his good eye, and had been on medication for over a year due to the onset of fits. But he remained a happy dog, and I am sure he thoroughly enjoyed his fifteen plus years with me.
When the end came, well unfortunately it's a path I'd trodden before. Personally, I'm a dog person, always have been, always will be. But I know cat lovers who suffer that same sense of loss. If you are 'an animal person' then you'll understand what I mean.
I wrote a poem in 1997, on the night that Gemma, my red fell terrier died. It was later published and won a number of credits.
Although it was written for and named after Gemma, it could just as easily have been called Blackie/Bella/Gemma/Gem/Ellie/Chloe or Sam.
I'd like to put that poem up on here now, and I'd like to dedicate it to all of those whom I've loved then lost, and just as importantly, it is dedicated to any loved pets who have passed on from you. I hope you enjoy and can take comfort from my words. Peace.
GEMMA
You're leaving me now for a little while,
But I must hide my grief, and shed no tears.
I must just grit my teeth and turn my mind to our golden years.
It starts out bravely, I raise a gallant smile, and for
your sake I hope I can hold it a while.
Inside I have so much grief and pain. Life to continue,
Why the need to change?
But I know that is selfish, those thoughts are for me.
To let you continue, what sort of friend could I be?
And I know for your sake, our time has come to part.
You reach out your paw, place it on to my hand.
I look in your eyes, do you really understand?
I comfort you, and hold you near.
And as you pass, it all becomes clear.
I never need be afraid to die,
Because I have a friend waiting, high in the sky.
For Sam; rest in peace, little buddy.
Many of us love our pets, and many too have known the pain which their passing can inflict upon us.
Some people just don't get it. 'It was only a cat/dog/hamster/(insert as necessary).' The thing is, that animal (particularly in the case of a dog or cat) was more a part of your family than some long lost aunt/uncle, who you last saw at cousin sally's wedding.
On the 29th of July 2012 my heart was broken, again. Sam, my wire haired jack russell terrier faced his final trip to the vets. Sam had been deaf for the last two years. He only had 40% vision in his good eye, and had been on medication for over a year due to the onset of fits. But he remained a happy dog, and I am sure he thoroughly enjoyed his fifteen plus years with me.
When the end came, well unfortunately it's a path I'd trodden before. Personally, I'm a dog person, always have been, always will be. But I know cat lovers who suffer that same sense of loss. If you are 'an animal person' then you'll understand what I mean.
I wrote a poem in 1997, on the night that Gemma, my red fell terrier died. It was later published and won a number of credits.
Although it was written for and named after Gemma, it could just as easily have been called Blackie/Bella/Gemma/Gem/Ellie/Chloe or Sam.
I'd like to put that poem up on here now, and I'd like to dedicate it to all of those whom I've loved then lost, and just as importantly, it is dedicated to any loved pets who have passed on from you. I hope you enjoy and can take comfort from my words. Peace.
GEMMA
You're leaving me now for a little while,
But I must hide my grief, and shed no tears.
I must just grit my teeth and turn my mind to our golden years.
It starts out bravely, I raise a gallant smile, and for
your sake I hope I can hold it a while.
Inside I have so much grief and pain. Life to continue,
Why the need to change?
But I know that is selfish, those thoughts are for me.
To let you continue, what sort of friend could I be?
And I know for your sake, our time has come to part.
You reach out your paw, place it on to my hand.
I look in your eyes, do you really understand?
I comfort you, and hold you near.
And as you pass, it all becomes clear.
I never need be afraid to die,
Because I have a friend waiting, high in the sky.
For Sam; rest in peace, little buddy.
