Re: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-24 Thread Sheila208
Thank You Nina, for sharing that with us. Gracie has touched my heart as if she was mine. I cry with you. Sheila


Re: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread lernermichelle

Nina, I am so sorry I can hardly stand it.
Michelle-Original Message-From: Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.orgSent: Fri, 23 Sep 2005 11:29:20 -0700Subject: Gracie is at peace now


Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has been there with us throughout our journey together. Your support has meant the world to us.  Grace is free now. She was more than ready to go, she was anxious to go. She knew two days ago, I knew yesterday. Thankfully she didn't seem to suffer too much in her last days, just very tired, very ready. I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. Ortega that helped her across. She never left my touch and I spoke to her the whole time. It was gentle and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was kind and considerate, just like we knew she would be. There was no trouble finding a vein in her back leg. Blessings to those who know what they are doing. She even purred when we entered the exam room. She had been pulling away from me these last couple of days. That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing, that while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that held her to this world. I began mourning her two days ago when I knew she would never again jump gaily in my lap. Never again be my "heart warmer". I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get her heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times. I thought that was never to be again. When we sat peacefully waiting for the doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift. She stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my scratching her neck and her chest. I am so grateful that she chose to be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind. Bruce and I have just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would sit and watch and listen and nap for hours. It was so hard to let go of her perfect little body for the last time. Because, you see, it was perfect. I told her that all the time. That she was perfect, just the way she was. I wouldn't change a thing about knowing her and loving her. She has been an incredible joy in my life and she always will be.  The first time we almost lost her she was only 5 mos old. Gracie has trusted me to decide what was best for her, she has been my willing partner in trying to find a way to help her stay. It was time to trust her, she knew what was best. We were partners, we were friends, she was my girl and she welcomed me as her mommy without fur. I thank her for her gifts to me and for the lessons we learned together.  Much love, Nina  TenHouseCats wrote:  >oh, nina-- > >i'm so sorry. this is the first time i've had the computer up in more >than a day--glorious thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe >that grace is at the bridge as i write this. > >all GLOW to her to find her way safely, and to heal your heart... > >i really liked the illusion of a great heart being able to break time >and time again, and still have room to love again. someone said once >that the pain we feel when they leave is their little claws digging >their permanent, forever place in our hearts. > >i've done things every way there is--holding on too long for ME, >rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's "easier" in >ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my preferred way >when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to the emergency >vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, holding their >paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, against my >heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they haven't quite >been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them to let go and >go home, i've begged the universe to let them stay with me, i've >wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if it's not >really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax only to >return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my arms >when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone when >that's what they wanted--tho that is the HARDEST for me, to respect >their need to transition in their own space; i've done mouth-to-snout >resuscitation > >i have learned to listen to them, knowing that they are much wiser >about the cycles of life than i will ever be. i make sure they know >how much i love them, that i will ALWAYS love them, i thank them for >sharing their lives with me, and i tell them they are free to go when >it is time. i ask them to tell me if they need my help; i talk to them >about their kittenhoods, and how much fun we've had together, and how, >at the bridge, they will have young healthy bodies 

Re: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread Terri Brown




I share the grief of your loss.  Great big hugs to you and 
Bruce.  Grace will always be near in spirit.
 
Goodnight, sweet Grace...
 
=^..^= Terri, Siggie the Tomato Vampire, Guinevere, Sammi, Travis, and 5 
furangels: RuthieGirl, Samantha, Arielle, Gareth, Alec & Salome' 
=^..^=
 
Furkid Photos! http://mysite.verizon.net/vze7sgqa/My 
FeLV Site: http://pages.ivillage.com/ruthiegirl1/MyFeLVinformationSite/My 
Personal Page: http://www.geocities.com/ruthiegirl1/terrispage.html?1083970447350

  - Original Message - 
  From: Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 2:29 
  PM
  Subject: Gracie is at peace now
  Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has 
  been there with us throughout our journey together.  Your support has 
  meant the world to us. Grace is free now.  She was more than 
  ready to go, she was anxious to go.  She knew two days ago, I knew 
  yesterday.  Thankfully she didn't seem to suffer too much in her last 
  days, just very tired, very ready.  I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. 
  Ortega that helped her across.  She never left my touch and I spoke 
  to her the whole time.  It was gentle and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was 
  kind and considerate, just like we knew she would be.  There was no 
  trouble finding a vein in her back leg.  Blessings to those who know 
  what they are doing.  She even purred when we entered the exam 
  room.  She had been pulling away from me these last couple of 
  days.  That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing, that 
  while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that held her 
  to this world.  I began mourning her two days ago when I knew she 
  would never again jump gaily in my lap.  Never again be my "heart 
  warmer".  I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get 
  her heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times.  I 
  thought that was never to be again.  When we sat peacefully waiting 
  for the doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift.  
  She stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my 
  scratching her neck and her chest.  I am so grateful that she chose 
  to be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she 
  had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind.  Bruce and I 
  have just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would 
  sit and watch and listen and nap for hours.  It was so hard to let go 
  of her perfect little body for the last time.  Because, you see, it 
  was perfect.  I told her that all the time.  That she was 
  perfect, just the way she was.  I wouldn't change a thing about 
  knowing her and loving her.  She has been an incredible joy in my 
  life and she always will be.The first time we almost lost her she was 
  only 5 mos old.  Gracie has trusted me to decide what was best for 
  her, she has been my willing partner in trying to find a way to help her 
  stay.  It was time to trust her, she knew what was best.  We 
  were partners, we were friends, she was my girl and she welcomed me as her 
  mommy without fur.  I thank her for her gifts to me and for the 
  lessons we learned together.Much love,NinaTenHouseCats 
  wrote:>oh, nina-->>i'm so sorry. this is the first 
  time i've had the computer up in more>than a day--glorious 
  thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe>that grace is at the 
  bridge as i write this.>>all GLOW to her to find her way safely, 
  and to heal your heart...>>i really liked the illusion of a 
  great heart being able to break time>and time again, and still have 
  room to love again. someone said once>that the pain we feel when they 
  leave is their little claws digging>their permanent, forever place in 
  our hearts.>>i've done things every way there is--holding on too 
  long for ME,>rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's 
  "easier" in>ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my 
  preferred way>when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to 
  the emergency>vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, 
  holding their>paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, 
  against my>heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they 
  haven't quite>been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them 
  to let go and>go home, i've begged the universe to let them stay with 
  me, i've>wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if 
  it's not>really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax 
  only to>return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my 
  arms>when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone 
  when>that's what they wanted--tho that is the

Re: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread Del Daniels



Nina,
 
Hugs to you in your grief of losing Gracie.  
She sounds so wonderful in your memories.
 
Del

  - Original Message - 
  From: 
  Nina 
  
  To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org 
  
  Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 1:29 
  PM
  Subject: Gracie is at peace now
  Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has 
  been there with us throughout our journey together.  Your support has 
  meant the world to us. Grace is free now.  She was more than 
  ready to go, she was anxious to go.  She knew two days ago, I knew 
  yesterday.  Thankfully she didn't seem to suffer too much in her last 
  days, just very tired, very ready.  I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. 
  Ortega that helped her across.  She never left my touch and I spoke 
  to her the whole time.  It was gentle and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was 
  kind and considerate, just like we knew she would be.  There was no 
  trouble finding a vein in her back leg.  Blessings to those who know 
  what they are doing.  She even purred when we entered the exam 
  room.  She had been pulling away from me these last couple of 
  days.  That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing, that 
  while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that held her 
  to this world.  I began mourning her two days ago when I knew she 
  would never again jump gaily in my lap.  Never again be my "heart 
  warmer".  I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get 
  her heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times.  I 
  thought that was never to be again.  When we sat peacefully waiting 
  for the doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift.  
  She stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my 
  scratching her neck and her chest.  I am so grateful that she chose 
  to be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she 
  had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind.  Bruce and I 
  have just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would 
  sit and watch and listen and nap for hours.  It was so hard to let go 
  of her perfect little body for the last time.  Because, you see, it 
  was perfect.  I told her that all the time.  That she was 
  perfect, just the way she was.  I wouldn't change a thing about 
  knowing her and loving her.  She has been an incredible joy in my 
  life and she always will be.The first time we almost lost her she was 
  only 5 mos old.  Gracie has trusted me to decide what was best for 
  her, she has been my willing partner in trying to find a way to help her 
  stay.  It was time to trust her, she knew what was best.  We 
  were partners, we were friends, she was my girl and she welcomed me as her 
  mommy without fur.  I thank her for her gifts to me and for the 
  lessons we learned together.Much love,NinaTenHouseCats 
  wrote:>oh, nina-->>i'm so sorry. this is the first 
  time i've had the computer up in more>than a day--glorious 
  thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe>that grace is at the 
  bridge as i write this.>>all GLOW to her to find her way safely, 
  and to heal your heart...>>i really liked the illusion of a 
  great heart being able to break time>and time again, and still have 
  room to love again. someone said once>that the pain we feel when they 
  leave is their little claws digging>their permanent, forever place in 
  our hearts.>>i've done things every way there is--holding on too 
  long for ME,>rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's 
  "easier" in>ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my 
  preferred way>when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to 
  the emergency>vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, 
  holding their>paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, 
  against my>heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they 
  haven't quite>been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them 
  to let go and>go home, i've begged the universe to let them stay with 
  me, i've>wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if 
  it's not>really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax 
  only to>return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my 
  arms>when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone 
  when>that's what they wanted--tho that is the HARDEST for me, to 
  respect>their need to transition in their own space; i've done 
  mouth-to-snout>resuscitation>>i have learned to 
  listen to them, knowing that they are much wiser>about the cycles of 
  life than i will ever be. i make sure they know>how much i love them, 
  that i will ALWAYS love them, i thank them for>sharing their lives with 
  me, and i tell 

RE: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread Hideyo Yamamoto
Nina - thank you for writing to us - I know you probably are not up for
anything right now, but I feel peaceful knowing that Grace is -
I am crying so very hard reading your email, but almost feel like
congratulating on Grace's new journey - free of pain - I know she so
wanted to be out of the body - as I said to you last night, I am so very
proud of her all the gifts she has shared with you and your family
during her journey of this life time she just passed -

I am so sure that you and Grace will meet again - just like I and George
(and all other kitties who passed before me) - until then... so long..

PS. Remember, though we can't see them, they can see you -- be happy for
Gracie -

Love and big hugs to you and Gracie.

Hideyo
-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of MacKenzie,
Kerry N.
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 1:04 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: RE: Gracie is at peace now

Dear Nina
It's clear Grace lived up to her name till the last physical moment she
shared with you; thank you for taking the time in the midst of your
grief to share those last moments with us. These are heartbreaking times
for you, but it seems to me the bond you and Grace have is so strong
that she will always be with you. For certain, she couldn't have chosen
a more loving or devoted companion than you, dear Nina, to share her
life with.
Sharing your tears, 
much love, Kerry


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 1:29 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Gracie is at peace now


Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has been there 
with us throughout our journey together.  Your support has meant the 
world to us. 

Grace is free now.  She was more than ready to go, she was anxious to 
go.  She knew two days ago, I knew yesterday.  Thankfully she didn't 
seem to suffer too much in her last days, just very tired, very ready.  
I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. Ortega that helped her across.  She 
never left my touch and I spoke to her the whole time.  It was gentle 
and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was kind and considerate, just like we knew she

would be.  There was no trouble finding a vein in her back leg.  
Blessings to those who know what they are doing.  She even purred when 
we entered the exam room.  She had been pulling away from me these last 
couple of days.  That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing, 
that while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that 
held her to this world.  I began mourning her two days ago when I knew 
she would never again jump gaily in my lap.  Never again be my "heart 
warmer".  I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get her 
heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times.  I thought 
that was never to be again.  When we sat peacefully waiting for the 
doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift.  She 
stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my 
scratching her neck and her chest.  I am so grateful that she chose to 
be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she 
had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind.  Bruce and I have

just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would sit 
and watch and listen and nap for hours.  It was so hard to let go of her

perfect little body for the last time.  Because, you see, it was 
perfect.  I told her that all the time.  That she was perfect, just the 
way she was.  I wouldn't change a thing about knowing her and loving 
her.  She has been an incredible joy in my life and she always will be.

The first time we almost lost her she was only 5 mos old.  Gracie has 
trusted me to decide what was best for her, she has been my willing 
partner in trying to find a way to help her stay.  It was time to trust 
her, she knew what was best.  We were partners, we were friends, she was

my girl and she welcomed me as her mommy without fur.  I thank her for 
her gifts to me and for the lessons we learned together.

Much love,
Nina

TenHouseCats wrote:

>oh, nina--
>
>i'm so sorry. this is the first time i've had the computer up in more
>than a day--glorious thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe
>that grace is at the bridge as i write this.
>
>all GLOW to her to find her way safely, and to heal your heart...
>
>i really liked the illusion of a great heart being able to break time
>and time again, and still have room to love again. someone said once
>that the pain we feel when they leave is their little claws digging
>their permanent, forever place in our hearts.
>
>i've done things every way there is--holding on too long for ME,
>rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's "easier" in
>ways to do so), having

Re: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread Julie Johnson
Dear Nina,
 
I am so happy she gave you that last precious gift.  Revel in the precious gift of all the memories you have of her.  She received many lifetimes of love in the short time she was here.  Take care of yourselves; you're in my thoughts and prayers.
 
Love, JulieNina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has been there with us throughout our journey together. Your support has meant the world to us. Grace is free now. She was more than ready to go, she was anxious to go. She knew two days ago, I knew yesterday. Thankfully she didn't seem to suffer too much in her last days, just very tired, very ready. I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. Ortega that helped her across. She never left my touch and I spoke to her the whole time. It was gentle and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was kind and considerate, just like we knew she would be. There was no trouble finding a vein in her back leg. Blessings to those who know what they are doing. She even purred when we entered the exam room. She had been pulling away from me these last couple of days. That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing,
 that while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that held her to this world. I began mourning her two days ago when I knew she would never again jump gaily in my lap. Never again be my "heart warmer". I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get her heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times. I thought that was never to be again. When we sat peacefully waiting for the doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift. She stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my scratching her neck and her chest. I am so grateful that she chose to be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind. Bruce and I have just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would sit and watch and listen and nap for hours. It was so hard to let go of her perfect little body for the last time.
 Because, you see, it was perfect. I told her that all the time. That she was perfect, just the way she was. I wouldn't change a thing about knowing her and loving her. She has been an incredible joy in my life and she always will be.The first time we almost lost her she was only 5 mos old. Gracie has trusted me to decide what was best for her, she has been my willing partner in trying to find a way to help her stay. It was time to trust her, she knew what was best. We were partners, we were friends, she was my girl and she welcomed me as her mommy without fur. I thank her for her gifts to me and for the lessons we learned together.Much love,NinaTenHouseCats wrote:>oh, nina-->>i'm so sorry. this is the first time i've had the computer up in more>than a day--glorious thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe>that grace is at the bridge as i write this.>>all GLOW to her
 to find her way safely, and to heal your heart...>>i really liked the illusion of a great heart being able to break time>and time again, and still have room to love again. someone said once>that the pain we feel when they leave is their little claws digging>their permanent, forever place in our hearts.>>i've done things every way there is--holding on too long for ME,>rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's "easier" in>ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my preferred way>when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to the emergency>vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, holding their>paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, against my>heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they haven't quite>been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them to let go and>go home, i've begged the universe to
 let them stay with me, i've>wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if it's not>really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax only to>return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my arms>when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone when>that's what they wanted--tho that is the HARDEST for me, to respect>their need to transition in their own space; i've done mouth-to-snout>resuscitation>>i have learned to listen to them, knowing that they are much wiser>about the cycles of life than i will ever be. i make sure they know>how much i love them, that i will ALWAYS love them, i thank them for>sharing their lives with me, and i tell them they are free to go when>it is time. i ask them to tell me if they need my help; i talk to them>about their kittenhoods, and how much fun we've had together, and how,>at the bridge,
 they will have young healthy bodies again and can do>all the things the current body can't do any longer... . i DO believe>that euthanasia is often the final gift that we can give them in>return for all they have given us--the most profound 

RE: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread MacKenzie, Kerry N.
Dear Nina
It's clear Grace lived up to her name till the last physical moment she
shared with you; thank you for taking the time in the midst of your
grief to share those last moments with us. These are heartbreaking times
for you, but it seems to me the bond you and Grace have is so strong
that she will always be with you. For certain, she couldn't have chosen
a more loving or devoted companion than you, dear Nina, to share her
life with.
Sharing your tears, 
much love, Kerry


-Original Message-
From: [EMAIL PROTECTED]
[mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of Nina
Sent: Friday, September 23, 2005 1:29 PM
To: felvtalk@felineleukemia.org
Subject: Gracie is at peace now


Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has been there 
with us throughout our journey together.  Your support has meant the 
world to us. 

Grace is free now.  She was more than ready to go, she was anxious to 
go.  She knew two days ago, I knew yesterday.  Thankfully she didn't 
seem to suffer too much in her last days, just very tired, very ready.  
I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. Ortega that helped her across.  She 
never left my touch and I spoke to her the whole time.  It was gentle 
and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was kind and considerate, just like we knew she

would be.  There was no trouble finding a vein in her back leg.  
Blessings to those who know what they are doing.  She even purred when 
we entered the exam room.  She had been pulling away from me these last 
couple of days.  That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing, 
that while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that 
held her to this world.  I began mourning her two days ago when I knew 
she would never again jump gaily in my lap.  Never again be my "heart 
warmer".  I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get her 
heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times.  I thought 
that was never to be again.  When we sat peacefully waiting for the 
doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift.  She 
stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my 
scratching her neck and her chest.  I am so grateful that she chose to 
be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she 
had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind.  Bruce and I have

just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would sit 
and watch and listen and nap for hours.  It was so hard to let go of her

perfect little body for the last time.  Because, you see, it was 
perfect.  I told her that all the time.  That she was perfect, just the 
way she was.  I wouldn't change a thing about knowing her and loving 
her.  She has been an incredible joy in my life and she always will be.

The first time we almost lost her she was only 5 mos old.  Gracie has 
trusted me to decide what was best for her, she has been my willing 
partner in trying to find a way to help her stay.  It was time to trust 
her, she knew what was best.  We were partners, we were friends, she was

my girl and she welcomed me as her mommy without fur.  I thank her for 
her gifts to me and for the lessons we learned together.

Much love,
Nina

TenHouseCats wrote:

>oh, nina--
>
>i'm so sorry. this is the first time i've had the computer up in more
>than a day--glorious thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe
>that grace is at the bridge as i write this.
>
>all GLOW to her to find her way safely, and to heal your heart...
>
>i really liked the illusion of a great heart being able to break time
>and time again, and still have room to love again. someone said once
>that the pain we feel when they leave is their little claws digging
>their permanent, forever place in our hearts.
>
>i've done things every way there is--holding on too long for ME,
>rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's "easier" in
>ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my preferred way
>when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to the emergency
>vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, holding their
>paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, against my
>heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they haven't quite
>been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them to let go and
>go home, i've begged the universe to let them stay with me, i've
>wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if it's not
>really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax only to
>return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my arms
>when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone when
>that's what they wanted--tho that is the HARDEST for me, to respect
>their need to transition in their own space; i've don

Re: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread Lewis Faye
Nina, I have been reading about your struggles with Gracie and so sorry that you lost this precious baby.  She was so lucky to have you She really, truly was.  She isn't far away from you. I believe this with all my heart.  She will always be with you.  My prayers are with you.  God Bless.
 
FayeNina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has been there with us throughout our journey together. Your support has meant the world to us. Grace is free now. She was more than ready to go, she was anxious to go. She knew two days ago, I knew yesterday. Thankfully she didn't seem to suffer too much in her last days, just very tired, very ready. I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. Ortega that helped her across. She never left my touch and I spoke to her the whole time. It was gentle and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was kind and considerate, just like we knew she would be. There was no trouble finding a vein in her back leg. Blessings to those who know what they are doing. She even purred when we entered the exam room. She had been pulling away from me these last couple of days. That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing,
 that while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that held her to this world. I began mourning her two days ago when I knew she would never again jump gaily in my lap. Never again be my "heart warmer". I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get her heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times. I thought that was never to be again. When we sat peacefully waiting for the doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift. She stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my scratching her neck and her chest. I am so grateful that she chose to be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind. Bruce and I have just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would sit and watch and listen and nap for hours. It was so hard to let go of her perfect little body for the last time.
 Because, you see, it was perfect. I told her that all the time. That she was perfect, just the way she was. I wouldn't change a thing about knowing her and loving her. She has been an incredible joy in my life and she always will be.The first time we almost lost her she was only 5 mos old. Gracie has trusted me to decide what was best for her, she has been my willing partner in trying to find a way to help her stay. It was time to trust her, she knew what was best. We were partners, we were friends, she was my girl and she welcomed me as her mommy without fur. I thank her for her gifts to me and for the lessons we learned together.Much love,NinaTenHouseCats wrote:>oh, nina-->>i'm so sorry. this is the first time i've had the computer up in more>than a day--glorious thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe>that grace is at the bridge as i write this.>>all GLOW to her
 to find her way safely, and to heal your heart...>>i really liked the illusion of a great heart being able to break time>and time again, and still have room to love again. someone said once>that the pain we feel when they leave is their little claws digging>their permanent, forever place in our hearts.>>i've done things every way there is--holding on too long for ME,>rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's "easier" in>ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my preferred way>when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to the emergency>vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, holding their>paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, against my>heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they haven't quite>been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them to let go and>go home, i've begged the universe to
 let them stay with me, i've>wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if it's not>really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax only to>return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my arms>when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone when>that's what they wanted--tho that is the HARDEST for me, to respect>their need to transition in their own space; i've done mouth-to-snout>resuscitation>>i have learned to listen to them, knowing that they are much wiser>about the cycles of life than i will ever be. i make sure they know>how much i love them, that i will ALWAYS love them, i thank them for>sharing their lives with me, and i tell them they are free to go when>it is time. i ask them to tell me if they need my help; i talk to them>about their kittenhoods, and how much fun we've had together, and how,>at the bridge,
 they will have young healthy bodies again and can do>all the things the current body can't do any longer... . i DO believe>that euthanasia is often the final gift that we can give them in>return for all they have 

Re: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread catatonya
Oh Nina..

I just had a minute to scroll through and check to see what the update
was on Grace.  It sounds very peaceful and special, but I can hardly
write this, so I can't imagine how you feel right now.  All I can say
is look forward to the time you can be with her again.  It is so hard
to let go of their physical presence even when you know she is really
still with you.  Try to do something nice for yourself today and get
some rest.

Take care,
Tonya

--- Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:

> Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has been
> there 
> with us throughout our journey together.  Your support has meant the 
> world to us. 
> 
> Grace is free now.  She was more than ready to go, she was anxious to
> 
> go.  She knew two days ago, I knew yesterday.  Thankfully she didn't 
> seem to suffer too much in her last days, just very tired, very
> ready.  
> I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. Ortega that helped her across.  She 
> never left my touch and I spoke to her the whole time.  It was gentle
> 
> and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was kind and considerate, just like we knew
> she 
> would be.  There was no trouble finding a vein in her back leg.  
> Blessings to those who know what they are doing.  She even purred
> when 
> we entered the exam room.  She had been pulling away from me these
> last 
> couple of days.  That may have been the hardest aspect of her
> passing, 
> that while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that 
> held her to this world.  I began mourning her two days ago when I
> knew 
> she would never again jump gaily in my lap.  Never again be my "heart
> 
> warmer".  I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get
> her 
> heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times.  I thought
> 
> that was never to be again.  When we sat peacefully waiting for the 
> doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift.  She 
> stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my 
> scratching her neck and her chest.  I am so grateful that she chose
> to 
> be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she
> 
> had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind.  Bruce and I
> have 
> just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would
> sit 
> and watch and listen and nap for hours.  It was so hard to let go of
> her 
> perfect little body for the last time.  Because, you see, it was 
> perfect.  I told her that all the time.  That she was perfect, just
> the 
> way she was.  I wouldn't change a thing about knowing her and loving 
> her.  She has been an incredible joy in my life and she always will
> be.
> 
> The first time we almost lost her she was only 5 mos old.  Gracie has
> 
> trusted me to decide what was best for her, she has been my willing 
> partner in trying to find a way to help her stay.  It was time to
> trust 
> her, she knew what was best.  We were partners, we were friends, she
> was 
> my girl and she welcomed me as her mommy without fur.  I thank her
> for 
> her gifts to me and for the lessons we learned together.
> 
> Much love,
> Nina
> 
> TenHouseCats wrote:
> 
> >oh, nina--
> >
> >i'm so sorry. this is the first time i've had the computer up in
> more
> >than a day--glorious thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe
> >that grace is at the bridge as i write this.
> >
> >all GLOW to her to find her way safely, and to heal your heart...
> >
> >i really liked the illusion of a great heart being able to break
> time
> >and time again, and still have room to love again. someone said once
> >that the pain we feel when they leave is their little claws digging
> >their permanent, forever place in our hearts.
> >
> >i've done things every way there is--holding on too long for ME,
> >rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's "easier" in
> >ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my preferred way
> >when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to the
> emergency
> >vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, holding
> their
> >paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, against my
> >heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they haven't quite
> >been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them to let go
> and
> >go home, i've begged the universe to let them stay with me, i've
> >wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if it's
> not
> >really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax only
> to
> >return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my arms
> >when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone when
> >that's what they wanted--tho that is the HARDEST for me, to respect
> >their need to transition in their own space; i've done
> mouth-to-snout
> >resuscitation
> >
> >i have learned to listen to them, knowing that they are much wiser
> >about the cycles of life than i will ever be. i make sure they know
> >how much i love them, th

Re: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread Barb Moermond
Nina,
You are so blessed to have had Grace in your life.  Her passing sounds ideal; gentle, with loved ones near.  We should all be so fortunate.
<<>>>Nina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has been there with us throughout our journey together. Your support has meant the world to us. Grace is free now. She was more than ready to go, she was anxious to go. She knew two days ago, I knew yesterday. Thankfully she didn't seem to suffer too much in her last days, just very tired, very ready. I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. Ortega that helped her across. She never left my touch and I spoke to her the whole time. It was gentle and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was kind and considerate, just like we knew she would be. There was no trouble finding a vein in her back leg. Blessings to those who know what they are doing. She even purred when we entered the exam room. She had been pulling away from me these last couple of days. That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing,
 that while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that held her to this world. I began mourning her two days ago when I knew she would never again jump gaily in my lap. Never again be my "heart warmer". I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get her heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times. I thought that was never to be again. When we sat peacefully waiting for the doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift. She stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my scratching her neck and her chest. I am so grateful that she chose to be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind. Bruce and I have just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would sit and watch and listen and nap for hours. It was so hard to let go of her perfect little body for the last time.
 Because, you see, it was perfect. I told her that all the time. That she was perfect, just the way she was. I wouldn't change a thing about knowing her and loving her. She has been an incredible joy in my life and she always will be.The first time we almost lost her she was only 5 mos old. Gracie has trusted me to decide what was best for her, she has been my willing partner in trying to find a way to help her stay. It was time to trust her, she knew what was best. We were partners, we were friends, she was my girl and she welcomed me as her mommy without fur. I thank her for her gifts to me and for the lessons we learned together.Much love,NinaTenHouseCats wrote:>oh, nina-->>i'm so sorry. this is the first time i've had the computer up in more>than a day--glorious thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe>that grace is at the bridge as i write this.>>all GLOW to her
 to find her way safely, and to heal your heart...>>i really liked the illusion of a great heart being able to break time>and time again, and still have room to love again. someone said once>that the pain we feel when they leave is their little claws digging>their permanent, forever place in our hearts.>>i've done things every way there is--holding on too long for ME,>rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's "easier" in>ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my preferred way>when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to the emergency>vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, holding their>paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, against my>heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they haven't quite>been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them to let go and>go home, i've begged the universe to
 let them stay with me, i've>wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if it's not>really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax only to>return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my arms>when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone when>that's what they wanted--tho that is the HARDEST for me, to respect>their need to transition in their own space; i've done mouth-to-snout>resuscitation>>i have learned to listen to them, knowing that they are much wiser>about the cycles of life than i will ever be. i make sure they know>how much i love them, that i will ALWAYS love them, i thank them for>sharing their lives with me, and i tell them they are free to go when>it is time. i ask them to tell me if they need my help; i talk to them>about their kittenhoods, and how much fun we've had together, and how,>at the bridge,
 they will have young healthy bodies again and can do>all the things the current body can't do any longer... . i DO believe>that euthanasia is often the final gift that we can give them in>return for all they have given us--the most profound thing i've ever>been told is that it's better to send them home one day too soon than>10 minutes too late. sometim

Re: Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread Cherie A Gabbert
Nina,
Warm thoughts and big hugs, it is so hard and never gets easier..she will always be you heart warmer, somethings can never change...she will watch you and love with all her being from afar.
If you believe in reincarnation, know that she will come back to you.
 
I wish you heartfelt condolences
CherieNina <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote:
Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has been there with us throughout our journey together. Your support has meant the world to us. Grace is free now. She was more than ready to go, she was anxious to go. She knew two days ago, I knew yesterday. Thankfully she didn't seem to suffer too much in her last days, just very tired, very ready. I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. Ortega that helped her across. She never left my touch and I spoke to her the whole time. It was gentle and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was kind and considerate, just like we knew she would be. There was no trouble finding a vein in her back leg. Blessings to those who know what they are doing. She even purred when we entered the exam room. She had been pulling away from me these last couple of days. That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing,
 that while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that held her to this world. I began mourning her two days ago when I knew she would never again jump gaily in my lap. Never again be my "heart warmer". I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get her heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times. I thought that was never to be again. When we sat peacefully waiting for the doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift. She stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my scratching her neck and her chest. I am so grateful that she chose to be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind. Bruce and I have just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would sit and watch and listen and nap for hours. It was so hard to let go of her perfect little body for the last time.
 Because, you see, it was perfect. I told her that all the time. That she was perfect, just the way she was. I wouldn't change a thing about knowing her and loving her. She has been an incredible joy in my life and she always will be.The first time we almost lost her she was only 5 mos old. Gracie has trusted me to decide what was best for her, she has been my willing partner in trying to find a way to help her stay. It was time to trust her, she knew what was best. We were partners, we were friends, she was my girl and she welcomed me as her mommy without fur. I thank her for her gifts to me and for the lessons we learned together.Much love,NinaTenHouseCats wrote:>oh, nina-->>i'm so sorry. this is the first time i've had the computer up in more>than a day--glorious thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe>that grace is at the bridge as i write this.>>all GLOW to her
 to find her way safely, and to heal your heart...>>i really liked the illusion of a great heart being able to break time>and time again, and still have room to love again. someone said once>that the pain we feel when they leave is their little claws digging>their permanent, forever place in our hearts.>>i've done things every way there is--holding on too long for ME,>rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's "easier" in>ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my preferred way>when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to the emergency>vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, holding their>paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, against my>heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they haven't quite>been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them to let go and>go home, i've begged the universe to
 let them stay with me, i've>wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if it's not>really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax only to>return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my arms>when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone when>that's what they wanted--tho that is the HARDEST for me, to respect>their need to transition in their own space; i've done mouth-to-snout>resuscitation>>i have learned to listen to them, knowing that they are much wiser>about the cycles of life than i will ever be. i make sure they know>how much i love them, that i will ALWAYS love them, i thank them for>sharing their lives with me, and i tell them they are free to go when>it is time. i ask them to tell me if they need my help; i talk to them>about their kittenhoods, and how much fun we've had together, and how,>at the bridge,
 they will have young healthy bodies again and can do>all the things the current body can't do any longer... . i DO believe>that euthanasia is often the final gift that we can give them in>return for all they

Gracie is at peace now

2005-09-23 Thread Nina
Thank you Mary Christine, and thank you to everyone that has been there 
with us throughout our journey together.  Your support has meant the 
world to us. 

Grace is free now.  She was more than ready to go, she was anxious to 
go.  She knew two days ago, I knew yesterday.  Thankfully she didn't 
seem to suffer too much in her last days, just very tired, very ready.  
I'm glad it was our beloved Dr. Ortega that helped her across.  She 
never left my touch and I spoke to her the whole time.  It was gentle 
and peaceful, Dr. Ortega was kind and considerate, just like we knew she 
would be.  There was no trouble finding a vein in her back leg.  
Blessings to those who know what they are doing.  She even purred when 
we entered the exam room.  She had been pulling away from me these last 
couple of days.  That may have been the hardest aspect of her passing, 
that while she was still here she was already breaking the ties that 
held her to this world.  I began mourning her two days ago when I knew 
she would never again jump gaily in my lap.  Never again be my "heart 
warmer".  I was asking her to let me warm her heart now, let me get her 
heart chakra spinning, as she'd done for me so many times.  I thought 
that was never to be again.  When we sat peacefully waiting for the 
doctor and the gurney, she gave me the most wonderful gift.  She 
stretched herself out on her back in my arms and luxuriated in my 
scratching her neck and her chest.  I am so grateful that she chose to 
be my heart warmer one more time, that she came back to me before she 
had to finally leave her wonderful little body behind.  Bruce and I have 
just buried her in one of her favorite spots, a spot that she would sit 
and watch and listen and nap for hours.  It was so hard to let go of her 
perfect little body for the last time.  Because, you see, it was 
perfect.  I told her that all the time.  That she was perfect, just the 
way she was.  I wouldn't change a thing about knowing her and loving 
her.  She has been an incredible joy in my life and she always will be.


The first time we almost lost her she was only 5 mos old.  Gracie has 
trusted me to decide what was best for her, she has been my willing 
partner in trying to find a way to help her stay.  It was time to trust 
her, she knew what was best.  We were partners, we were friends, she was 
my girl and she welcomed me as her mommy without fur.  I thank her for 
her gifts to me and for the lessons we learned together.


Much love,
Nina

TenHouseCats wrote:


oh, nina--

i'm so sorry. this is the first time i've had the computer up in more
than a day--glorious thunderstorms all day yesterday, so i believe
that grace is at the bridge as i write this.

all GLOW to her to find her way safely, and to heal your heart...

i really liked the illusion of a great heart being able to break time
and time again, and still have room to love again. someone said once
that the pain we feel when they leave is their little claws digging
their permanent, forever place in our hearts.

i've done things every way there is--holding on too long for ME,
rather than for them (i don't do that anymore, tho it's "easier" in
ways to do so), having the vet come to the house (my preferred way
when the cat needs my help to cross), rushing a kitty to the emergency
vet at 4 in the morning when they are clearly suffering, holding their
paw as they consciously let go, holding them in my arms, against my
heart, even after their spirits are long gone but they haven't quite
been able to leave their bodies behind; i've begged them to let go and
go home, i've begged the universe to let them stay with me, i've
wanted to scream to the vet, "no! what if i'm wrong, what if it's not
really time?," i've gone to get the valium to help them relax only to
return to find they'd gone on without me; i've held them in my arms
when that's what they seemed to want, and let them be alone when
that's what they wanted--tho that is the HARDEST for me, to respect
their need to transition in their own space; i've done mouth-to-snout
resuscitation

i have learned to listen to them, knowing that they are much wiser
about the cycles of life than i will ever be. i make sure they know
how much i love them, that i will ALWAYS love them, i thank them for
sharing their lives with me, and i tell them they are free to go when
it is time. i ask them to tell me if they need my help; i talk to them
about their kittenhoods, and how much fun we've had together, and how,
at the bridge, they will have young healthy bodies again and can do
all the things the current body can't do any longer... . i DO believe
that euthanasia is often the final gift that we can give them in
return for all they have given us--the most profound thing i've ever
been told is that it's better to send them home one day too soon than
10 minutes too late. sometimes the act of leaving the body behind is
soft and quiet and gentle, sometimes it is not--when it is clear that
their tim