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My little furry hero is gone ...


Izegrim

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First of all thank you for giving me an opportunity to express my grief. The situation I'm in now (diagnosed with Asperger and taking care of my old mum) doesn't make things any easier.

 

I had to put my cat to sleep on 24th May. Since March he kept pulling his hair and we went to the vet to get him checked. This was a Belgian vet working in Holland, but he's mostly treating larger animals. His partner does the smaller pets, but I don't know if she works here or not. Fact is that they advertise that you can bring your pet with you when you visit them. Which isn't true, so the poor thing had to endure the stress of travelling at least three times before the vet could see him. He didn't do a good job and barely checked the cat. Just assumed it was lice and fleas. Gave him a shot, made me pay and we went. But the cat kept pulling out his hair. So we went back the next week. Got a shot again, some external treatment and the bill again. But it still didnt work.

So a week and a half later we went to Belgium to visit the other vet. It took only 1 minute to get a decent diagnosis: he had a tumour under his tongue. My heart broke ...

She knew her partner screwed things up, because she explicitely told us that she always checks the mouth! As a way of apology she only charged a small amount.

 

We gave ourselves some time to make a decision. We didn't want to be selfish and let the suffering continue. But it would be a hard decision anyway. The cat was still very lively. I combed his hair because he wasn't able to get rid of the shedding hair. I gave him wet food, but he only licked off the jelly. He was still happy and my little mate kept me company as usual. Often standing between me and my laptop to receive a little cuddle, which was very good against my stress. He lay right next to (almost on) the laptop and we spent many hours like that. His little paws always making a little contact with my arm.

 

At some moment I asked my mother what to do. And she was very determined: we'll put him to sleep on Friday. I cried my eyes out ... I tried to behave like the grown man I am and made an appointment. I told them that we didn't to prolong the suffering and choose to put him asleep. Because I didn't get any response from my vet, I went there myself. They got the appointment totally wrong and I rescheduled. But within a few days I had my doubts. Weren't there any other options? So I told my vet that I wanted to know if there were any other options. She phoned me and we agreed that she would sedate the cat, take a good look to see if the tumout could be removed and if that wasn't possible, he would die there. BUT when we got there, they just took him in and told us to pick him up within a few hours. They just took a biopt and send that off. I got a heavily sedated cat back. I cried my eyes out again: this was exactly the opposite of what I wanted ... the poor thing ate a little bit, but I was scared that he was killing himself ... his head was so deep in his bowl. Later on he threw up and I had to hold him up. He was still so sedated. Thank god that he didn't meow too much (I hate the sound of a suffering cat).

Later he lied on the couch, but my mother let him go after me into the kitchen. Suddenly I heard him meowing again, because he tried to jump on the couch again but couldn't. He just clawed into some blanket and fell off again, while my mother was sitting right there !@#$%^&*()OP_+{

I took the cat with me to the other room and he only meowed when I was on the phone with my sister. He wanted to sit on the chair and he somehow managed to jump on it.

 

A week later we still didn't hear from the vet. So by Tuesday we called and we got bad news: it was an agressive tumour and they could send the cat to some clinic for treatment. We told her that we did not want that. She asked if he was still eating and drinking and told us to make the best of it while it lasted. Problem was that by now I didn't want to let go. I still saw a lively cat that still left me "little presents" on my doorstep.

But one Monday he was really not well. I knew that he sometimes had some problems with his bowel movements. I massaged his belly and it would be fine. But I guess from all different food and such, the stool was too hard for him. Later on he went outside (although he had been with me all day and seemed fine overall). He was hissing at me and hid in the bushes. I was very worried and we called several vets, but not one of them wanted to do anything. We almost called the vet that was on duty to have him put down immediately. But I kept checking the cat and wasn't ready to do just that. I saw that he was calming down and I just let him be. The next day he was lively again and it seemed as if nothing had happened.

But we couldn't keep on going like that. So I looked for a vet who would be willing to put him asleep in our own home. I found one near our home, who's website was the only one dealing with this topic. When I went to make an appointment, my mother assumed I was going to take the cat with me and have it done. Really? Was she that eager to get rid of him?

I got to the vet and a very understanding assistent wrote down all the details. When I got home, they called that they could do it the next day, right before noon.

I didn't sleep mucht that night and let the cat go out earlier than usual. I wanted to make it as easy as it could. The rest of the morning he was beside me. Mostly because the housekeeper (we're not rich, but nowadays the community pays for some housekeeping) was using the hoover. I was scared that we wanted to go outside and I wouldn't be able to find him by the time the vet would come. I took him for a little walk, but my feelings were off. Dead cat walking ...

The vet's office called that she was on the way and a half hour later she was there. Charming young woman who heard our story and did check the cat. I didn't see the purpose why, but I was too sad to make a whole scene. She told us that she was going to give him a shot in the hindleg. In hindsight: I was not happy with that. It may be the normal procedure, but it did hurt the cat. He jumped off the table, but the door was closed. I picked him up and tried to comfort him a little bit. Within half a minute he fell over. She put him on a cover and checked again to see if he was sedated enough. My mum kept babbling and babbling. Eventually she gave him the final shot (straight in the heart, although the belly would've been an option too ... but we wanted it to be quick and painless). And so my little furry hero passed away .... right next to me, where I'm sitting now.

I expected him to slowly get sedated and come to me for comfort and 'fall asleep' in my arms. But alas that wasn't the case. Although I think the vet did a good job, it wasn't so easy as I expected it to be. Maybe my imagination made it more beautiful and soft. I didn't perceive it that way.

 

I told the vet I would come to the office to pay so I had a chance to get out of the house. But first I showed her out and then I crashed. I almost panicked, but decided to bury him. I imagined taking some pictures and did just that. One when he was lying on the table, one in his favourite basket (which I bought for him to lie in when the sun went down at the end of the day) and one in his little grave (which I dug with my nephew, who owned the cat before ... long story).

Although I had my doubts, the evening before I got a scare when I saw that the hair under the mouth of the cat was bloody. I didn't check it, but it convinced me that it was the right thing to do when I made the appointment earlier that day. The day after, I also saw a little blood, but I wasn't so worried. I was more busy with it being his last moments and was counting down.

 

But this is all the rational part of the story. Emotionally I'm dying ... like I said (and from what I wrote above) these are stressful times. Taking care of my mum, who's quite stubborn. But also going through some rough times myself (my best girlfriend suffering from breast cancer, the mum of counsellor dying (he's more of a mate than a counsellor)), this also triggered my fear of abandonment. Losing my father 15 years ago was bad, but just last Thursday I remembered what helped. A few days after my father was buried, I went to my pub and every friend who was there gave me a big hug to comfort me.

And that was also what my cat meant to me: my little friend who I could give a hug and comfort me. But now he's gone. I have to say that my 'new' counsellor is doing a great job, but it seems like I'm taking steps backwards in this whole process, instead of moving on. I try to go out of the house, but I'm scared. I feel panicky, I even start crying while I drive. The absence of my little friend is so overwhelming. I cry when I go to sleep and when I wake up. I get up and the door is still closed. I open it and go outside and go to his little grave and cry. I try to do what I have to do each day, but my heart isn't in it. I try distract myself, but it's not really working. I miss my little mate ... there's nothing there to get me through this, while it was him that made it all bearable. I thought some Family day would distract be a bit, but besides some snide remarks it were the pets that bothered me. And in this day and age they all had their smartphones to show us how lovely the pets are that weren't there. It hurt like hell to sit there and not being able to talk about my loss. I wasn't going to open to them and turn it into some therapy session. I tried to joke some, but it was all behind a painted smile ...

In the mean time I've been writing to get things off my chest, but it doesn't work. Most people are very understanding and try to comfort me, but some fail miserably. Especially my mother, my brother and my sister. I'm also disappointed by my gf: I understand that she is having a hard time with her illness and her bad relationship. But if she calls me at one in the morning and she's crying (after about two hours she's laughing again), I expect some comforting back. Even just a simple question like: how are you doing/coping? We even have almost the same cat ...

And my best friend is throwing all his 'garbage' at me because he is also trying to care of his parent (although via his rich and demanding brother). I can understand it all: those people need me ... I lent them my ear and eye, because I'm their friend. But now I need somebody ... and there is nobody to give me a hug ...

 

I just don't know what to do. I planted a little tree on the grave and water it. But it's still so sad. It seems that my mind and my soul are so out of balance ... At moments I confront myself, but it's not a relieve afterwards. I just feel tired of all the emotions ... I thought I was moving forward a little bit, but these last few days it seems as if I'm taking steps backward. Crying and hurting more and more ... and today is particularly bad.

 

I miss my cat sooo much!

 

 

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I am so sorry for the loss of your cat.  I lost my Miss Mocha one year ago and I know all too well how hard it is to get used to, they are a very integral part of our lives.

Your GF doesn't have anything within her to give right now, she is consumed by her own scare, anyone who has the C word it's a very hard thing to go through, I'm afraid you'll need to cut her some slack for not being there for you the way you'd want her to, even though you've been there for her.

You speak of losing your dad 15 years ago...sometimes when we have a major loss and later on go through another major loss, it brings up the old one and now we have compounded grief.  I don't know if where you live they have professional grief counselors but I'd recommend it if there are any...not just any counselor, but one especially trained in grief.  Here they also have Grief Support Groups and that can be of help as well as everyone who is there is going through grief and gets what you're going through in a way that others cannot.

Your cat is beautiful, I'm just so sorry, I know she was a huge support to you and you're really feeling her absence.  I had a cat that had cancer spread from his eyes/sinuses to the roof of his mouth/back of his throat, and I made the immediate choice to euthanize when I found out because he'd been suffering horribly and now I understood why.  It was spread too much to do anything about, he'd been misdiagnosed at first and I feel bad that I didn't have him euthanized a month sooner but I didn't know what we were dealing with.  I'd lost my husband a year before that and I felt "Can't God leave me anything!"  It was a gut wrenching cry I've never forgotten.  

It's hard to find supportive people, when my husband died, all of our friends disappeared overnight, I don't get how friends can be like that, but I've since learned it is too common a response, people aren't comfortable with death and so they disappear.  Well we don't like it either, but we have no choice but to face it!  Hence the Grief Support Groups.  I live in the country and there were none nearby but this year I've started one and lead it.  I can't believe how many people are hurting out there.

You've done everything you can, done all the right things, it's just that death is so hard to deal with, loss, our grief continues.  I've learned to look for something good in each day no matter how small and learn to appreciate what IS rather than merely focusing on what ISN'T, but learning this as a way of life has been an ongoing process and it does take concerted effort, it's not easy but it's changed my outlook and helped.  I wish you well in your journey.

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Hi KayC,

 

Thank you for your comforting words. I feel sorry about your loss, both human and animal.

 

I want to tell you more about my gf, but I'm afraid it would derail this whole topic. Fact is that the cancer is as good as gone (we hope). It's not the main topic of our conversations anymore. It just a pity she drowns her sorrow in substance (ab)use. And I do think that if there is room for chitchat, there could be a little room for my grief too ... I'm only human. Just that one simple question would do. But if it's not, I'm still there for her ... 24/7.

 

I think you're right about disappearing friends. We don't learn to deal with death when we grow up. And all those emotions scare people. And if they can run, they will. That's why a forum like this is so good. There just doesn't seem to be any room in daily life for people to show their grief. R.E.M. may be singing that 'everybody hurts', but in daily life it's still considered as to be weakness. We lick our own wounds and try to march on ... get things done. As if that is the ultimate virtue. It reminds me of a story by a priest, Han Fortmann. He tells about an Indian yogi and a Russian bureaucrat. The first one deals with all things in a mental way, the second in a physical way. Both are wrong/right, but need to balance their approach. I think that's why Mindfulness is so popular nowadays. Gives us room to take a little break and just look where we are standing. I always imagine a pan with some greasy liquid in it. And the mindfulness is like a drop of washing liquid ... you see the grease retract to the sides and it feels more tranquil. The dirt is still there, but now you have a chance to look at it and maybe find a way to start somewhere to clean it up. If I'd compare it to life: there will always be dirt (pain, loss, grief), but maybe this way we can manage it. We may not always solve things ... only manage and maybe cope.

 

I understand when you say that you feel regret about not euthanising your cat earlier. Was it shock, ignorance about the situation, maybe a little selfishness for not being able to let go? I think a lot of people struggle with that. And afterwards they end up with feeling guilty about it. But I try to tell people that if you have the authority to blame yourself, you also have the authority to take the next step: forgive yourself! Maybe not now ... someday ...

 

But having said all that: I still feel so out of balance. Still crying about the loss and feeling the emptiness. I don't feel guilty, but I do regret things that happened. I feel angry about it all ... in a big way ... blaming our creator for playing such a cruel joke on us human beings by creating love and loss. But I also know that would be a useless battle to pick. I've got enough battle scars as is.

I cleaned my cat's grave a little bit yesterday and it felt good. But I still cry like a little child ... the hurt is still so overwhelming. I wish I had some ritual to deal with it. Now it seems that everywhere I go, I feel his absence. I'm scared to go to sleep and scared to wake up ... feeling so vulnerable. I eat almost nothing and only drink a little ...

I'm just tired of everything .... can't cope.

 

 

Sorry to anybody if they feel offended by my ranting about God. Not going to explain my negative experiences with men of the cloth ... different topic. What I'm trying to say: I think it's great if people really believe in a supreme being and lay their trouble in its hands. It's just not my cup o' tea and hope they can give me some space to express myself. I'll wait for the 'dies irae' if He exists.

 

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On 6/12/2017 at 6:07 AM, KayC said:

 I had a cat that had cancer spread from his eyes/sinuses to the roof of his mouth/back of his throat, and I made the immediate choice to euthanize when I found out because he'd been suffering horribly and now I understood why.  It was spread too much to do anything about, he'd been misdiagnosed at first and I feel bad that I didn't have him euthanized a month sooner but I didn't know what we were dealing with.

As I said, I had him euthanized as soon as I knew he had cancer spread throughout, it was the vet's misdiagnosing that caused my cat to suffer a needless month longer than he should have.

I'm sorry your GF isn't more empathetic to your grief.  A lot of people don't understand how huge a loss it is to us and think "it's just a cat" or "it's just a dog" when in fact, they're our best friend and companion, the one that loves us unconditionally, the one that greets us when we come in the door.  It's not that easy to get through.

 

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I'm sorry I misunderstood your message. I did not mean to say that you were in shock, ignorant or selfish. Being a non-native speaker of the English language may be the cause. I was talking in general, but now that I look back at what I wrote it could come across as if it was about you. Maybe it was more about me ...

 

Getting misdiagnosed seems to happen quite often. I see now why the second vet told me she specifically checked the mouth. It seems a common thing with cats from that age (mine was about 14). Problably from licking his fur and getting carcinogenic in their body. The fact that the tumour in my case was under his tongue, didn't make it any better. It was at the base and that made it almost impossible to operate. And that was my starting point: no prolonging of the suffering.

 

When it comes to loyalty: I had two dogs, but my cat was more loyal to me than those two. The youngest dog had to be put down after one year because of epilepsy (too much breeding), but left quite an impact when he was gone. Still shoved my plate with food from the edge of the table for quite some time. My oldest dog was deaf and blind, but a good and loyal pet. They did euthanize him without telling me. I still hold a grudge against some people for that. Just like now ... my aunt calling every evening to ask about 'the situation'. And the evening he was gone, she had the nerve to call and start a discussion that her pain was much worse when her cat died. To be honest: it was an awful cat, who even hissed when she saw her own reflection in my glasses. And my aunt just used it to breed (Birman).

My cat didn't even have a name: what was the point? If I called, he didn't come. But we did communicate on a different level. I just whistled and he would come when he was outside. We had our rituals and I knew him through and through. I knew what scared him and what triggered him. He bit and scratch my mum often, because she didn't respect him. Not violent towards him, but just too stubborn to really see what was going on. Claiming places and putting him aside. Even treating him like a human being. And that's not right!

 

Sorry again about the miscommunication: you've been very kind and the last person I want offend here!

 

Izzy

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They say the greatest loss their is, is your own, and I'm sure that is true even to your aunt.  I've learned we can't compare losses, to each person, theirs is unique and the greatest.  I'm sorry your dog was euthanized without letting you know beforehand, I went through that with my first dog, I was five when I got him, left home at 17 but they wouldn't let me take him, by that time he'd become "the family dog"...my parents had him put to sleep when I was 20 and didn't tell me until afterwards so I never got to say goodbye.  I am not sure why a parent wouldn't consider that it might affect you.  ?!

I had to smile when I read:

12 hours ago, Izegrim said:

My cat didn't even have a name: what was the point? If I called, he didn't come.

True spoken about a cat. :)  I got my current cat when she was ten so she was already named "Kitty", original, huh!  

I wasn't offended, just answering your questions. ;)

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Today seems to be miserable again. Dreamed about my cat. Well not really him, but I heard him meowing. When I looked down, it was some bird mimicking his sound. Really strange: the bird wasn't even the kind that reproduces sounds. And now that I think of it: I doubt any bird could've come so close to get lessons from him!

But it did disturb me. As a person with Asperger I'm very sensitive when it comes to sound. So 'hearing' my cat again upset me and I woke up crying. Lucky enough it was early so I could sleep a little more. I'm very tired these days anyway.

 

When I got up and checked the forum I moderate (a Dutch grammar forum), somebody answered a message unexpectedly. He talked about how he loved Holland, but also how wonderful it was with all the cats there. He told us how a cat was his favourite animal and even his alter-ego. I was flabbergasted ... how did he start with that? I just answered a grammar question and he starts about cats? So that was surprise number two.

 

Yesterday I got an idea to put some pebbles on the grave of the cat. I didn't like the rubble on it now. I was thinking about small white and maybe even some black rocks. So I went to the store and didn't really find what I was looking for. But then I saw some Carrara stones. Way bigger than I wanted, but I thought he deserved the best. (did make me ponder about the leftovers from those extremely expensive marble plates: about 500 dollar per 1000 kilo of their waste ... ). So I bought one sack and went home. All the hard work and stress made me sad again and I started crying in the car. But then something really surprised me: when I came home, I unloaded the car and brought the stones to the yard. Not using them immediately ... just waiting for the right moment. It was already getting cloudy and expected some rain and lightning, but still wanted to water the little tree. I use an empty plastic milk can for it. But when I put it back, I saw a little pluck of white hair on the small barrel I usually put that can on ... probably of his fur. What I don't understand is how this happened, because we use this can on a daily basis and usually submerge it in some rainwater reservoir to fill it. What I do know is that I'm still crying ... and it makes me crazy. Is this a sign? I'm too sober to really believe in it ... but it's eerie!

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Wow, that's amazing! (grammar forum going into cats...)

Also the fur, yes I would take it as a sign.  It's these unexplainable things that speak directly to us that "signs" are comprised of.  Sometimes they have to work really hard to send us one, and not everyone gets them, I think we have to be open to them.  It's accepting what we can't understand or explain.

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I'm really starting to feel the emptiness that death has left behind. Especially with all the aggravation in my life ... as if the burden of the loss isn't enough. I know that everyday life continues and that I can't hide from it. But why can't people just ASK if I want me to do something instead of forcing my hand over and over again? It drains the life out of me ...

And when it comes to finding comfort, I miss my little furry friend so so much ... it's killing me. Just that little cuddle to relieve the stress.

 

I thought the change in routine would be painful but something I could handle. But it seems that all my energy reserves are gone. I barely cry, but the pain is no less ... it's just as if I'm too tired to mourn. But even during the night it seems that my body reacts to all the stress and I get stomach pains. Which keep me from resting and in the morning I feel like somebody drove a truck over me. And that is just the start of a new day ...

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1 hour ago, Izegrim said:

I barely cry, but the pain is no less

I'm so sorry, but I can relate.  When I lost my husband I cried until there were no more tears, and now I rarely ever cry, but that's no reflection on the pain inside that we carry.  You might want to take a trip to the doctor to see if anything can help you through the stress, the stomach pain and lack of sleep makes it harder to function.  Grief IS a lot of work!

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Today I brought back home my mum and a nearby neighbour. They go to some daycare-thing every Friday. Someone of her acquintances picks them up and haul them back in ...

 

When that neighbour gets home, I always get her keys (she's getting forgetful) and open the door for her ... just to see that she get's home safely. But today a little black cat was sleeping on the doormat. I asked her about it and it was one of her cats. Pretty young, completely black ... and the thing tiny was lying there, 'til I approached. Was a bit shy, she told me. But it didn't move that far ... just a few yards. We talked a little bit about my cat and she told me to get a new one. I told her that it was a bit too early. But when I reached out for that little one, it started to smell my hand, let me caress it a little bit and while I was standing up and talking, it came and leaned into my legs ... how cats do. Very familiar ...

 

You have no idea how happy I was ... that little bit of contact took sooooo much stress away from me! I thought this day was going to be a bad day, because I felt so sad (very tired and emotional), but this made up for it (at least for a big part).

 

I just need pets around me ... I never knew how much they meant to me until now. I need their love and their 'understanding' ... and especially their hugs!!! *crying*

 

I want to thank all my little non-humans for their support: I love you still!

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On 6/23/2017 at 2:41 PM, Izegrim said:

I just need pets around me

Me too.  (((hugs)))

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Thanks

 

Had a big row with my mum yesterday. I told her I was thinking about getting a cat again. She was adamant about it: no more pets! We'll see ...

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When we are pet people, there is a void in our hearts that only a pet can fill.  Each new one comes and takes a part of our heart for its inhabitance.

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I'm having a bad day ... Sunday my mum went to watch the yearly procession and she told me to close the door or the cat would escape and it would scare him. What the @#$%^??

It made me sad and I felt really hurt. Wasn't even able to talk about it hours later. I already had a bad Saturday: I really missed my cat and this didn't make it any better. And today is bad too ... it feels like some dancing procession: three steps forward and two steps back. In the end it's one step forward, but it costs so much energy and it doesn't feel like progress.

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The daily routines we've shared with our pet become deeply ingrained in us.  Many people have shared how months after losing their spouse they expect to see them coming in the door, expect to hear their voice on the phone, think they'll tell them about something, only to get hit all over again with the realization that they're gone.  It's no different with our animals.  Your mom must have felt terrible.  It's not something she did on purpose, but that those continual thinking about your cat moments continue to hit, it's hard to turn that off and it takes time for it to fully sink in to the brain, it's all part of the processing grief.  Try not to be mad at her, it wasn't something she could help and it's a very normal grief response.  I'm sorry it was such a hard trigger for you.

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Just one of those drunken evenings here ... trying to cope with the loss. Just drinking (yes, it's part of dealing with things for me ... hope nobody gets offended) and processing all the hurt. I know there'll be some backfire tomorrow, so unless anyone wants to follow me: DON'T! There's only one thing I learned and 'cherish' from my army time: big boy in the evening, big boy in the morning.

 

Hugged 'my' little black cat a few hours ago. The owner almost offered her to me, but I smiled when she told me that it would be back in the wink of an eye. She let me pick her up ( the cat not the woman ;) ) and when I put her back on the ground, she let me scratch her belly (again the cat, NOT the owner) ... lucky me.

 

Excuse me again ... it seems I lost a good pal 'today'. Been forum mates on a Dutch Borderline Syndrome forum ... had the same sense of humour. My bff told me this afternoon that he died. Didn't know it ... I knew he had emphysema and from what I found online he was up for a lung transplant in june 2015. I still have his phone number on my phone, although I never used it. But somehow it meant a sign of trust.

 

Also the fifth anniversary of a dear old friend: she died five years ago. Thought she had pneumonia, but it was ovarian cancer, which had spread. She was gone within a month, but I did have the luck to say goodbye IRL. We shared some fries, which a nurse brought her.

She always told me I was like a little brother to her .... *crying* I did bring her some gift: a little knitted mouse, because when we met the first time and went to some restaurant/bar, they were renovating it and a mouse was seeking for 'relocation'. That was our thing. She understood it immediately ...

I realised this week that I'm older now than she ever got to be ... and somehow I feel a little guilty about it. But then again: it's nonsense. I'm also thinner than her and taller than her ... why the guilt?

 

I just put one of those marble rocks on my little hero's grave. I wanted to place as many as the days he was gone, but I was not ready for it. Somehow planting this one stone is good too. I can't go back and this may be the first day to let go of all my sadness, frustration, anger, etc. Plant a rock a day and let go of the pain: one rock at a/the time (is it 'a' or 'the'?)

 

Sorry again if I bother anyone by saying I've had a few drinks. I don't mean to offend anyone and I don't want to show off my drunk skills. I like to be open about my thoughts and condition. If I really act like an idiot, tell me .... I'm all about respect.

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On 7-7-2017 at 9:24 PM, Izegrim said:

 ... it seems I lost a good pal 'today'. Been forum mates on a Dutch Borderline Syndrome forum ... had the same sense of humour. My bff told me this afternoon that he died. Didn't know it ... I knew he had emphysema and from what I found online he was up for a lung transplant in june 2015. I still have his phone number on my phone, although I never used it. But somehow it meant a sign of trust.

.......

I just put one of those marble rocks on my little hero's grave. I wanted to place as many as the days he was gone, but I was not ready for it. Somehow planting this one stone is good too. I can't go back and this may be the first day to let go of all my sadness, frustration, anger, etc. Plant a rock a day and let go of the pain: one rock at a/the time (is it 'a' or 'the'?)

Been searching for a few days and finally got some confirmation that my pal died last year 5th november, only 45 ... still shocked to find out. If his GF had told us what his nick was when she wrote about him, we would've known who she was talking about. I don't know if she wanted to be discrete or something, but it's strange because he's always been a well known member there.

 

The marble project is still going ... one rock per day and then I take one photo. Maybe make some animated GIF. Although I was a little pissed off this morning. Seems that some animal disturbed the grave and started digging in the dirt. From what I saw, I think it's the work of the neighbour's chicken. I only see their waste and the mess they leave when they dig stuff up. But this is a step too far ... was even contemplating borrowing a BB gun from a friend. But I don't want to hurt or kill an animal because it follows its own instinct.

Thought of abandoning the project and put all the rocks there at once, but that would feel wrong too. Maybe put some little fence around it ...

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Is there a way to put up a wire cage around it to keep the chicken, etc. out?

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I'M FURIOUS!!!!

 

Just got a bill from some Belgian lab: they want me to pay for their research, but I already paid the vet. They never told me I had to pay the costs for that lab separately and I thought it was included in the price. If they told me, I would've never agreed. And I wasn't even the official owner of the cat ...

 

This is so painful and infuriating!

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I would contact the vet and the lab and tell them what you've just told us.

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I'm going to ignore it ... it is not my problem that they send the bill to the wrong person and I'm not going to make it mine ...

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Despite being 'on the right track' it seems like I keep losing my compass ... what is right and wrong? I know I have my rituals to try and cope with my loss. But somehow I feel like I'm losing ...

 

I was visiting a friend (an Asperger also) and when I broke down while telling about my cat, he held my hand and his wife put her hands on my shoulders ... that's about the most spontaneous reaction I got. But the lack of empathy of my mother is killing me ....

 

My friend also told me something that keeps bothering me: maybe will talk about that some other time ....

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I'm so upset and pissed off ... chickens disturbed the grave again. I told my mom this week to talk to the neighbours to let them deal with this .... but nooooooooooo, the lazy cunt doesn't move her ass to get anything done!!!!

 

I told her to her face that I will commit suicide when she's gone. What my friend told me (and he was right): when she dies, I won't inherit anything! I can't even refuse it ... the government will take it anyway. But they still expect me to take care of her ... and even demand of me to volunteer because I'm on the dole! WTF is wrong with this world?????

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I've calmed down a bit ... and feel a bit embarassed by my previous posts. But I won't ask to delete them ... it's all part of my mourning. Sorry if I offended anybody ....

 

I just want to express my anger. Not to offend, but to show how it can be part of the process we all go through here. Don't get me wrong: this isn't a show! Every word is sincere ... the bad ones and the good ones! I'm only ventilating my anger and frustration in the process. It may be offensive to some, but I want to share this as well. Lashing out to people near you is part of it ... and I write it down here. Not my finest moment, but I'm not going to hide it ... neither going to make a habit of it.

 

Positive: I saw my mum strolling to the neighbour's house to ask them. They weren't at home, but it gives me hope in my relation towards her.

 

She also gave me some old pictures she found, so I can go on with my hobby ... genealogy.

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I thought I'd mentioned it once before, but put a piece of plywood or metal over the grave so the chickens can't disturb it.  I live in the country and when my friend buried his dog, we had to do that so other critters couldn't dig it up.  After a year or so it should be safer to remove.

I don't know how old you are, but since your mom isn't taking care of it, maybe you could deal with the situation yourself.  Some people just don't realize how devastating it is to lose a pet because they're not a "pet person", they don't feel the loss like you do. I'm sorry you're not feeling validated by others, but I hope you realize your feelings are very valid and give yourself that validity.

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I am so sorry for your loss Izegrim. I truly know what you are going through. It takes everything you got to keep going. 

Remember that your cat loved you and appreciated everything you did. He will always be with you my friend.

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Just posting a pic ...

20170524_123613.jpg

My little friend in his grave ... resting as if nothing happened. I still miss you ....

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I feel so dead inside ... only if I drink I can bare to listening to music. But music has always been my saviour during my life. Now every sound seems to bother me ...

 

Even when I listen to some online radio station, where I made some friends, I break down when tuning in ...

 

I went to a friend two weeks ago (an Asperger too) and he showed me how lonely I am ... In his mind he's very rational. And I understand him very well. I'm not denying that he's right. But what bothers me is that he fillets the emotional side out of things. He analyses the things almost like I do, but he leaves the emotional part completely out of it.

 

Sometimes I admire that part, but on the other hand: I feel the pain and it makes me feel alive! But somehow I can't deal with it ... that's the empty gap between Autism and sensitivity for me.

Kat 2.jpg

I miss you so much ... my little friend

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I'm so sorry you're going through this.  The death of my husband has been the worst loss in my life, we were soulmates, but the next worst loss to me has been my animals.  We interact with them every day, they are so much a part of our lives, our routines are deeply ingrained with them, they are so loving and bring us smiles, and de-stress us as well!  I just feel they are one of God's greatest gifts to us.  I feel your pain, I wish I knew some way to alleviate it, but I only know one way through grief and that is straight through it, letting ourselves feel it and experience it.

Just a caution, alcohol is a depressant, not something we need when we're grieving.  That said, if a drink relaxes you, go for it, just be careful not to overdo.  

I have a close friend who is Asperger's.  His emotion is tied up with odd things, not always what you'd think.  I've seen him seem to unfeeling when you'd expect him to feel something, and cry over things you wouldn't think would affect him.  I just think it affects the emotions but not always rationally.  Knowing this about him has helped me adjust my expectations so I just think, it's just how he is and accept it.  Analysis is fine but I wouldn't want to be solely analytical and not feel anything either.

BTW, beautiful pictures...

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Just another two pics ... it's ten weeks today. The project is still going, but I don't seem to get anywhere myself ...

20140103_152554.jpg

20170430_123323.jpg

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What I liked about his physic is the symmetry ... I don't know if I could stand a pet that didn't have that. Asperger anyone? ;)

 

 

20150212_113052.jpg

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Izegrim, I have been reading your posts. I have been wanting to respond, but what you write always has me crying before I can attempt to write you.  I am so deeply sorry your lost your best friend. I have pets myself and have lost quite a few over the years. I had a special bond with each one and took their losses very hard for a long time. I decided to block the tears, the pics of your cat are wonderful, and respond to your latest, because I was drawn to your comment about the symmetry of your cat's body. I agree, cats have such a graceful, perfect symmetry to their form. They are pure magic when at rest or moving around. God created each animal so perfectly with their individual forms, symmetries, grace and power. Their own individual markings are so unique. We know in our hearts that only God could have created such beauty as in animals.

I know how much in pain you are with losing your fur friend. Have patience with yourself. Always remember, he is with you spiritually, walking alongside you.

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Thank you very much for persevering to send me a message to comfort me ... I just found an 'intimate' pic of me and my cat I want to share.

 

20170507_223709.jpg

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On 8/5/2017 at 8:12 AM, Izegrim said:

What I liked about his physic is the symmetry

Very beautiful markings, indeed!

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That's very nice.  It helps to have some way to honor our loved ones that have passed, and this is a very beautiful tribute.

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Drunk or sober, I'm still crying my eyes out. It's like I'm walking backwards in all of this. As if the little things that I missed in the beginning and forgot, all come back to haunt me ...

 

4 months on and not one step of progression ... still trying to let go of my grief, one stone a day, but not succeeding ... I miss him soo much *crying*

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Izegrim,

I am so sorry you are still enduring so much pain. I know it isn't easy when we lose a pet. They are a very special part of us. Have you considered volunteering at an animal shelter? All the animals in shelters need someone to spend time with them. They need affection, attention, to help keep them socialized while waiting for a new home. Maybe you could check it out? You could spend some of your time with petting cats, playing with them. It is healing for us to find ways to get out of our own heads and grieving for a while. We need to find other ways to direct our focus so we are not getting stuck in our grieving.  I wish you well and you are always in my prayers.

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It is easy to get stuck. I am six weeks now without my cat and still I am easily able to slip back in a very dark place. I am so sorry for your loss, your kitty was so sweet. The loss is incredibly hard. That cat will never be replaced... however, for me, I love cats so much and I know so many need a good home with someone to take care of them. So I will be adopting in a couple months. Have you thought of that? 

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17 hours ago, Izegrim said:

4 months on and not one step of progression

That is not surprising to me.  They say the measure of our grief is determined by the depth of our relationship.  Those who find themselves here are the ones who were extremely close to our pets and are struggling.  It can take a long time for the intensity to fade, for us to make any adjustments, it's hard.  I think losing a beloved pet is next only to when I lost my husband.  My dog is everything to me, and even though my cat is extremely independent and grumpy, I love her and don't want to lose her.  I already lost my Miss Mocha, that's hard enough, but I know the day is coming I'll be dealing with this with Kitty and Arlie too.  I only know that every day we have them is a gift, we don't get guaranteed any measure of time with them, I knew this the day I adopted them, and yet we hope against hope that this is not so, that we'll have them forever.  Well in a way I guess we do, just not in this life, not physically here...there comes a time we have to wait to be rejoined with them and it hurts like hell.

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I'm glad!  One thing I've learned in grief is not to compare and throw out the "shoulds"!  You are right where you are supposed to be in your grief and it takes as long as it takes!  It is us who get impatient with ourselves but we need to realize that everything we are experiencing is "normal" and extend ourselves the same courtesy and patience and understanding as we would readily give someone else.

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145 days .... still crying my eyes out .... but there seems to be some change, but I can't put my finger on it. I do know that have trouble coping with the grief itself ... afraid to let go. Feeling like I'm betraying my little mate if I let go ... is this the guilt kicking in? I don't know ... *sigh*

20171128_083554.jpg

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It's a byproduct of grief, but try to keep in mind that it is the love, not the grief, that binds us.  It's okay to smile, okay to have a normal day!  

What a beautiful rock garden! 

https://www.griefhealingblog.com/2012/12/grief-and-burden-of-guilt.html 

https://www.griefhealingblog.com/2012/03/guilt-and-regret-in-grief.html 
(More links at the bottom of this article as well.)

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@Izegrim, I totally understand. I feel the same way. For me it is not guilt (although I have that!) it is... the grief keeps him alive. It keeps me thinking about him, remembering him and loving him.

It is destructive because I am not moving on, I am a little stuck. I am so sad still. I am not willing to let go of the grief. Then it is like he IS really really gone. So that is it for me. It is probably not healthy and I don't think I can keep doing this for much longer. But I do not know. I guess we need to do our best right? 

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BUT we can learn to incorporate them into our heart without the grief being the connection...it really is our love that connects us, after all.  And we never move on FROM them, we continue our lives with them safely nested in our hearts.  I do not like the term "move on", it implies we leave them behind, that we get past our grief, which we never do.  It is about learning to continue our lives WITH our grief, in a healthy and productive way.

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That's a good analysis ...

 

Maybe we call it 'moving on' or 'continueing' ... but it's a next stage. And in a linear time frame it's 'moving on'. Not leaving things behind, but extending into a different stage. A stage in which we can REALLY take some emotional distance from our grief.

 

I don't think it's less emotional, but more like a helicopter view of our feelings: there may be more things that touch us, but the intensity of that particular place of which we let go is still the same. We just get more aware of other things ... and maybe joy can be the most painful of all those senses .... but we have to live our lives!

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