Randy. This is so hard - hard to read and harder to experience. Maybe a little wisdom from my mom will help. Once in my twenties I was tearfully recounting the end of what was surely a heartbreaking relationship. She was a fourth generation Nashville native and a southern lady. She said. “You know what will help you get over her?” I sobbed a little and said “no - is it just time?” She said, “No - another girl.”
Oh gosh, do ever feel you here Randy, not because I'm a super empathetic person, but because your vulnerability, once again, is such a natural agent of connection. This sad story on one hand is about the nobility and innocence of children and the magical influence of pets. On the other hand, this is a story about the wisdom of connection, as you demonstrate what it looks like to transform the burden of grief into community healing. I truly feel honored that you've shared your heartbreak and to be given a chance to participate in absorbing the weight of it with your community of readers. You're a good man sir.
Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear about Buttercup and the how this is effecting your family. I feel like I have a para social relationship with Buttercup having followed the cats journey with your family! This is so sad. Losing a pet is so difficult at any age, but especially as a kid. Thinking of you and your family!
Heart-wrenching. I'm not a cat person, but I had come to like the mischief that little fur ball was throwing into your lives.
Your description (and your mother's) of parenting. 1000% correct. Doesn't matter if you are a first world parent or a third world parent. When our kids hurt, we hurt too.
Randy. This is so hard - hard to read and harder to experience. Maybe a little wisdom from my mom will help. Once in my twenties I was tearfully recounting the end of what was surely a heartbreaking relationship. She was a fourth generation Nashville native and a southern lady. She said. “You know what will help you get over her?” I sobbed a little and said “no - is it just time?” She said, “No - another girl.”
From laughter to tears jumping from one issue to the next.
Dammit Randy. I'm so sorry about Buttercup. Hope you're all hanging in there okay.
(Your writing felt so alive in this one, by the way.)
Oh gosh, do ever feel you here Randy, not because I'm a super empathetic person, but because your vulnerability, once again, is such a natural agent of connection. This sad story on one hand is about the nobility and innocence of children and the magical influence of pets. On the other hand, this is a story about the wisdom of connection, as you demonstrate what it looks like to transform the burden of grief into community healing. I truly feel honored that you've shared your heartbreak and to be given a chance to participate in absorbing the weight of it with your community of readers. You're a good man sir.
Oh no!! I’m so sorry to hear about Buttercup and the how this is effecting your family. I feel like I have a para social relationship with Buttercup having followed the cats journey with your family! This is so sad. Losing a pet is so difficult at any age, but especially as a kid. Thinking of you and your family!
So sorry that you’re going through this Randy.
As a parent of a child whose struggled, it’s SO hard. Thinking of you friend
Heart-wrenching. I'm not a cat person, but I had come to like the mischief that little fur ball was throwing into your lives.
Your description (and your mother's) of parenting. 1000% correct. Doesn't matter if you are a first world parent or a third world parent. When our kids hurt, we hurt too.
Sending your home some loving.