Jennie and I would like to thank everyone who stood and prayed for our dog Solomon’s health. I am sorry to say that he took his final breath on Tuesday September 22, 2009 at the age of six years old. We unfortunately had to put him down due to kidney failure which was completely unrelated to his injury in his leg. This took us by surprise. The good thing is that he is no longer suffering and we believe he is in a better place. We laid him to rest today, Saturday, September 26, 2009 on Jennie’s Daddy’s property in Liberty Mississippi. These Pictures show his grave within a few feet of a wooden cross in the yard. Again we thank you for your prayers.
Jerry & Jennie
Matthew 10:29-31 (Amplified Bible)
29Are not two little sparrows sold for a penny? And yet not one of them will fall to the ground without your Father's leave (consent) and notice. (Notice that God even cares about the smallest sparrow).
Dedicated to Solomon
Animals teach us so many things: to love unconditionally, to care about others rather than our possessions, to remember to be playful in life, and to snuggle with those we love as much as possible. They do not discriminate against others based on race, gender, religious affiliation, national identity, or sexual orientation. They allow us to see things the way they do -- with curiosity and enthusiasm, and to wake up knowing that each day is a new adventure. They remind us to take a walk and enjoy the sunshine from time to time, and to trust that the world will provide everything we need. They remind us with their wagging tail, their joyful whinnying, or their delicious purring, “Don’t worry. Be happy”. They allow us to be ourselves, as well as to let our hair down. We confide in them, and they do not judge us. They love us unconditionally. They are as much a part of our families as our husbands and wives, our parents and our children. They are fiercely loyal, and they will do anything for us in their power. From time to time, we hear of animals rescuing their people from burning buildings, approaching cars, and speeding bullets. They make it possible for people who cannot see or hear to live alone safely. One dog even learned to call 911 and saved someone’s life during a heart attack.
Because of our intense love and devotion for our pets, when they pass, there is a great deal of grief. We feel it in our bones, and we feel it with full intensity. The heart knows no difference between the loss of a human and the loss of an animal. To our hearts, there is only pain – pain caused by losing someone we love deeply and unreservedly.
When we tell our close friends and family about our loss they usually say some kind words. We shrug it off and say things like, “I know he was just a horse or a dog but it is really sad. We hate to say good-bye”. At times, the depth of our pain is so real, so intense, and so raw, we are embarrassed. In society bereavement and mourning are reserved for losing humans, not for our pets. We do not get "paid animal bereavement days" at work. No one would understand if we missed a business trip because our cat was dying. We are not allowed to grieve in a normal, healthful way and are left feeling alone, managing our pain privately.
As you express your emotions of grief for your (loved one or your pet) remember the following:
Although it hurts….there is no way to predict how you feel. The reactions of grief are not like recipes, with the given ingredients and certain results. As each person morns in a different way, you may cry hysterically or you may remain outwardly controlled showing little emotion. You may lash out in anger against your family and friends, or you may express your gratitude for their dedication. You may be calm one moment or in turmoil the next. Reactions are varied and contradictory. Grief is universal, at the same time it is very personal. Heal in your own way and know that you will experience in your grief “a tangled ball of emotions”. By: H. Norman Wright
No comments:
Post a Comment