Anniversaries
And I’m a sap – but we all knew that.
Isa’s “gotcha” day was June 7 – it would have been ten years together. I was more than a little distracted from that by getting Roxy on June 8. Coincidence?
Isa was diagnosed July 1, 2016. July 4th was horrible – for both of us. She never liked loud noises and of course fireworks were second only to thunderstorms directly overhead. Maybe it was the tramadol that made the noise so much worse for her but she spent the evening in the back of the closet, shaking. So that was all I could think about this July 4th. That and realize the neighborhood was quieter this year and Roxy didn’t so much as bat an eyelash.
And Wednesday (12th) would have been her one year ampuversary. Now, in hindsight, the entire roller coaster from diagnosis until she went to the Bridge feels like time spent in another dimension. I think it’s safe to say I was far from rational at any point, ever.
Yes, Roxy is a blessing (most of the time anyway) and has helped heal my heart a great deal. But right this second, my heart is breaking all over again. So sharing here where I know it’s understood. This piece of sh*& disease is so, so grossly unfair.
All that said, a couple of pictures for you:
Surveying the Kingdom
The cat is Rodney, a tom who’s been at the Bridge for a couple of years now. He fine-tuned Isa’s cat behavior training. I have had this picture on my bedside table since it was taken four or so years ago.
and this one I think I told at least Sally about at the Pawty of the Century:
Still cracks me up, and yes, Rodney again. He did eventually forgive me for bringing her home.
Thanks for listening…
hugs!
UPDATE: Look what Isa sent me last night! The Handbook on Be More Dog! I first saw the book in the vet’s waiting room at some point in this journey. Loved it and put it on my Amazon wish list where it has been ever since. So last night, feeling sad and sorry for myself, I stopped at my favorite mega-sized thrift store. When the going gets tough, the tough go shopping, right? I don’t always look at the books but I did last night. And there it was – for a whopping $1.29! I read it last night with Roxy in my lap (partially, she doesn’t fit all the way). I’m still sad, and will probably continue to be so, but I feel a little less broken. It has to take some work to send a book from the Bridge! But we knew my girl has special skills.
Love,
Teri
Oh my dog that photo of Rodney and Isa is a riot. I hope it put a smile on your face when you started to feel sadness about this anniversary. Yeah, they’re tough. You just plow right through them though, because the pain does start to get easier to deal with.
And as for you being far from rational….well I have a hard time believing that Teri. You are a well-grounded amazing lady and I know that even when you thought you were falling apart, Isa could feel your strength.
We send many hugs to you today and always.
Thanks Renee. I can’t not smile when I see that picture of Isa trying to get through the cat door – so many good memories of Isa and Rodney together. Never any question that Rodney was in charge. I know how to plow through the pain, and it is the only way to the other side sometimes. It’s quite remarkable (for me) to have somewhere to share it – and is why I stuck around here. So thank you again for that.
And check out the update – amazing what they can pull off from the Bridge!
Awww Teri, we certainly DO u derstand and we feel the sadness with you…not just for yiu, but with you. Goodness know Isa is missed. I think lictures do bring us comfort though
…..especially when they’re as cute as Isa is sticking her head out the doggy door ever so tentatively! That Rod ey was one scary Dude!!
These “firsts” are hard, especially when you have 4th of July to remind you of that hard recovery time. It can also remind yoy that it was necessary to give you and Isa more quality time together for loving and spoiling.
And WOW!! Isa picked Roxy for you just one day after her own “gotcha'” day…FASCINATING!!! Actually, the way time travels through space from the Bridge, it may have been the same day…just got delayed once it hit the earth’s ozone layer 🙂 🙂
This journey is sooooo intense! It does feel like you are in an altered state of consciousness. But I think that helps us recognize just how SOUL deep our love is and our bond is.
I’m glad you jave Roxy for so many reasons. But I bet today, or within the next day or so, she will do something so hilariously funny you’ll have a belly ache from laughing so hard!! Maybe she alreadynhas! Let us k ow what it is!!
Tha ks for sharing your special girl with us today. The pictures are absolutely priceless, as is she…And as are you 🙂
Lpve,
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Sally, check out the update I added. Isa’s a tricky one!
As for Roxy, I searched high and low last night for the “good” knoted ball with the handle for tug-of-war – didn’t find it until this morning, somehow under one of the throw pillows on the couch. WT? Nothing is ever, ever where I left it these days.
You are a very grounded lady. Firsts are very hard heck 4ths are hard too but just not as hard 🙂 I love these pictures of Isa. Thank you for sharing her today with us.
Thinking of you.
xoxoxo
Michelle & Angel Sassy