It was exactly one year ago today that I wrote a blog called Losing an Animal at the Holidays. Although I hadn’t suffered a loss at this time of the year, I had come awfully close. I didn’t know that 12 months later I would be experiencing the heartbreak I had written about, having just lost my dear tiger cat, Pippen, last week.
Pippen LOVED to sleep under the Christmas tree, on my treasured angel skirt. Within moments of finishing the tree she would be under there with her sister, Molly. Seeing the two of them curled up beneath the greenery always brought me so much joy.
I thought about not setting up my tree this year. It was very tempting, but I knew Pippen would want me to. So my fully decorated tree now stands in the living room, the angel skirt tucked beneath the branches.
Perhaps…if I am very still…I may see the folds of that skirt ripple ever so gently, a sign that my angel kitty has come back for one more holiday nap.
Oh, I hope so…
Chris
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9 comments:
Chris, you're very brave for setting the stage for sadness but remembering with gladness. I'm sure her angel is napping under the tree.
I am having similar issues with our tree Chris. Although there was no tree there in September, it is exactly in the place where Cory took his last breath, with our arms around him. Now I find Cory's kitty, Novia, lying under the Christmas tree whenever I look for her. I think she likes it because of the smell and the shelter of the branches. But it is a sacred place this year more so than ever.
Bernadette, I know Pippen and Dickens would not want me to be sad this Christmas. I feel their presence, and will continue to peek under the tree for signs that my angel kitties have stopped by for a nap!
Sandra, my heart goes out to you this holiday season. Your Christmas tree truly is in a sacred place, and I'm guessing Novia senses that, too. Perhaps Cory will join his kitty for a holiday nap - I hope so!
I have not faced a holiday loss myself, but I do know it is really tough. We get many questions about how to deal with holiday grief issues. I'm glad that you chose to put up your tree anyway. I am sure Pippen would have wanted that!
Tammy, I think Pippen is purring her approval!
Oh, my! Farewell, dear Pippen!
We just lost our 15 yr old dog, Maggie, last Friday...miss the sound of her sticking her head in the bags under the tree and tearing up the tissue paper! I just got the "For Every Dog An Angel" book and it is wonderful! Thank you for writing it! Going to be a very sad Christmas this year...
Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss - I know how much you will be missing Maggie this Christmas. My heart goes out to you...
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