The Hardest Post of All

This was the last picture I took of my little Buddy...he passed away last Sunday evening.  I knew I loved the little guy, but I couldn't have even begun to imagine the depth of my grief at his death.  Oh, I know that death is inevitable for each of us, little furry creatures and mankind alike, yet somehow that does not ease my grief.

A couple of years ago, I spend some time in Thailand.  I was extremely impressed the faith and dedication of the Buddhist people I saw there.  I visited many temples and participated in some of the rituals they practiced there.  It was very peaceful.  As I have been grieving this week, I came across a statement regarding the Buddhist way of thinking about death...they seem to have a great understanding of the IMPERMANANCE of life and are quite accepting of it.

As a Registered Nurse, I have experienced death in many forms and many times.  I have always been saddened by the lack of teaching and understanding of death and all that surrounds it in this Country.  I think that most people try to pretend that it will never happen, and they don't want to discuss it for fear they may somehow make it more real.  As a result, when death is experienced, people don't know what to say.  Friends avoid friends because they are uncomfortable, those who do visit or accidentally bump into someone who has recently experienced loss, stumble and fumble over the "right" thing to say.  Actually there really is no right thing to say.  It is enough to let the person know you feel their pain, and allow them their grief.

Every person grieves differently.  There is no "quick" or easy way to grieve.  I also know that there is no such thing as "just an animal" to those of us who have lost our precious "fur babies."  Those little guys and gals become a part of our families.  The grief at their loss is real and lasting and must be worked through just as any other loss.

I have been keeping my little "grand dog" for the past couple days to help keep my mind busy and fill my home with her activity so that it doesn't feel quite so empty.  Just when I think that the last of the tears may be past, I touch something or remember something and I am once again feeling the emptiness of loss.  This will take time...I know that.  I have experienced loss in the past.  I relish the wonderful time and joy I had with my little Buddy and will never forget hime.  He can not be "replaced" with another animal, but I also know that at some point I will seek another little companion whom I will shower with love just as I did Buddy.  There will never be another Buddy, but I hope that I can bring as much joy and love to my next little "fur baby" as what I shared with Buddy.

To those of you who have known this loss, I send my love and blessings...

PEACE, LOVE & JOY


LINDA

Need A Lift?

The really great man is the man who makes every man feel greatG.K.Chesterson

I read a book some years ago called Balcony People. I can't tell you how much help this little book was to me at a time when I felt like the whole world was crushing in on me.

Here is a very brief synopsis of what "Balcony People" is about.

Basement people are people who constantly pull you down or discourage you. Basement people in our grieving process can and do cause us much hurt and distraction. Basement people are the people who do not wish to hear about your difficulty, they do not want to talk about your hurt or actively help you go through the grief process. Basement people are also people who say ugly or uneducated things about your loss such as “Aren’t you over that by now?” Basement people criticize your bereavement or question every method you chose in dealing with your loss. Basement people make everything about them and their feelings; disregarding your feelings. Basement people can cause a lot of hurt (often, unintended) to you during your difficult times.

Balcony people are the people who pull you forward and along the road of grief or sorrow. Balcony people come beside you and cry with you, spend time listening to you talk of your loss and tell you stories they remember, too. Balcony people encourage you to seek ways to heal and process your loss. They understand that the way you chose to deal with the death or other loss may not be their way but it is what is good for you. Balcony people understand when you do not want them around but stand by just in case you change your mind. Balcony people cook or clean for you because you just do not have the energy or they do not comment when the house is a little (or a lot) messier than it used to be. Balcony people understand that you will never be the “old” you and help you to find the “new” you who will emerge through the grief and loss you have sustained.

Regardless of what your grief or loss may involve, death...divorce...loss of a job...loss of a home.."Balcony People" can help you through your tough times by teaching you to identify the balcony people and shy away from the basement people. Balcony People can even help you when you are struggling through the challenges of everyday life, and there seem to be those around who are dragging you down rather than lifting you up. We all need Balcony People in our lives!

So, if you are dealing with a time of loss or grief, or you know someone who is, try out the book "Balcony People."

TODAYS RECIPE

Here is a happy little recipe to put some zip in your life without putting pounds on your hips!

Banana Dream

1 Pint fat free sour cream
1 small box fat free/sugar free vanilla pudding (can use cheesecake flavor too)
8 ounce can crushed pineapple in own juice (drained)
2 sliced bananas
8 ounces fat free cool whip

Combine sour cream, pudding mix and pineaple. Pour into 8 x 8 pan. Slice bananas over mixture (if you are not a fan of bananas, you can use cherries, blueberries or other fruit)
Spread Cool Whip over fruit, and chill.

Serve when cold....makes 6 servings (only 3 WW points each) and it tastes like cheese cake!