Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Empathy...Rhymes with Sympathy

I have that empathy gene I guess. Tell me your sad story and I can feel your pain. I will cry with you. Odd things like certain commercials can also move me to tears. But nothing will grip my heart as much as the emotional pain of one of my children.

My cell rang yesterday as I was talking to a customer on the business line. I saw that it was my daughter and let it go. I knew I could call her back. Before I finished with the customer, though, love of my life called to tell me to call our daughter. That means she has something important to share with me. She answers my call and I immediately know that she has been crying. I ask her what is wrong, all the while knowing what is hurting her. She answers with a sob as she says "It's Crash". Crash is her 12 year old St. Bernard. He is the brother of my sweet old Louise who died last year.

We all knew his time was coming. Twelve years is a long time for his breed and he had already outlived his sibling. He was going to coming here to see us along with the people who love him in a couple of weeks. For me it would have been bitter sweet. I would have been hugging his great big head and remembering. I suppose it was not to be, though. His appointment is this morning and I know my Jill is heartbroken. I can't be with her and that makes me even sadder.

I called her brother and sister and told them to check in on her today. I know that my Nick (best son-in-law in the world) will be there for her........but I am her mom and I want to comfort my baby. The sky is gloomy and matches my mood today as I sit here and think about about my kids. Jill posted a picture on her blog yesterday of the big old guy with my heartbroken grandchildren. Poor Layla is red eyed from crying, while her big brother, Gage is holding it all in. I am destroyed by that image as I sit here surrounded by my little dogs crying.

Every instinct I have wants to go get a puppy for my kids. I know that they won't be ready until they have had a chance to mourn and it is not my job to fix the hurt.....I just want to make it all better and I can't. Sad today, just so sad.

10 comments:

Jilly said...

We held him, kissed him, and pet him until his heart stopped beating and it was the most horrible thing I have ever done but I'm glad I was there. My heart is broken into a million little pieces.

ellen abbott said...

It's always such a hard thing to do.

scarlethue said...

thinking about you and your daughter and her family today...

Sandi McBride said...

The loss of a lifelong Furbaby is very painful. Hug your sweet girl, and hold a lovely service for the Grand Dog...I was so broken up when we lost our Digby that I had to take time off work...crying on the radio was not professional...hugs to you all, your lovely memories will be a blessing in the future!
Sandi

The Good Cook said...

Oh - I know the pain of loosing a beloved pet.

Your daughter is to applauded that she had the courage to be with her companion at the end. Dogs ask so little of us, the least we can do is hold them when the time has come - ensuring they don't face the end alone.

Time will heal and they will love again. My KC died last August. I still have her ashes in the living room... my Holly is now 9 months old... I am learning that while Holly will never replace KC I can love again...

It's hard to hurt for our children isn't it?

Nancy said...

I'm so sorry.

Jilly - so sorry, dear.

We are facing this with our younger daughter's dog. It's so hard!

Meggie said...

I know that feeling for so many other reasons. I feel there is, however, nothing like the death of a pet, to make one feel blue beyond all thought.
Hugs XXXXXXx

Pat said...

So sorry - to all of you - on the loss of your pet. My twin sister is dealing with her husky's health going down hill. He's 12 years old. She is having such a hard time with this, too. A pet is definitely a member of the family.

Hit 40 said...

Never too soon for a puppy!! I went out just a couple weeks after Mr. Tinkles died for a new one.

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