So grateful that I found this community which led me to finding God, because without that I dont know how I would have gotten through today.
First I found out my cat passed away, which already hurt...but then minutes after that, my grandfather ive taken care of for 12 years took his last breath and I lost him too. The only thing that kept me from shattering was knowing hes been suffering for a long time and now that suffering is over. I really wanted to numb the pain with a bottle - but i went to an AA meeting instead.
It still doesnt feel real. 😔
Edit - just want to add since several people have already said get another cat - we have other cats, 3 actually, and 1 is with me now (the brother of the one that passed actually) so getting another one isn't really what I need. But thank you for the suggestion.
I'm sorry for both your losses.
As one who's lost many kitties, my solution to that is bringing home another kitty (or two or three). Having a little body to love and to love you can be quite soothing and uplifting.
I actually have others, but they each held a special place in my heart so to find out one was gone and then find out about grandpa right on top of that just crushed me
I know. Each of my kitties has had a place in my heart just their size and shape, and no one can replace another, but I'm glad you have other little warm loving bodies to focus on.
And again, I'm sorry about your grandpa.
yeah, unfortunately pets have shorter life-spans than us, so that is one of the risks of being a pet-owner.
Can't say that about your grandfather, but the older generation is likely to pass before you.
I am glad that you did not hit the bottle, that doesn't fix anything.
Praying for the souls of you lost ones. You frayed feelings will connect again soon.
Beautiful idea.
This is just a great comment. You have been there before I suspect.
Don't let the distraction become an addiction... Yes, I too have been there.
OP: sorry for your losses.
Damn, that must be hard. I’ve talked to some alcoholics before and I think I understand their addiction. It must take you tremendous strength to stay away from the bottle and I truly respect that. A bottle isn’t going to help you in the long run if you’re an alcoholic. (I drink, but to me it’s like chocolate; nice to have, but take it or leave it. It is my understanding that this is not the case for alcoholics; where it is a physical addiction.)
I’m sure you loved your grandfather, but now he is at peace. Hopefully in time you will have good memories of the him in the past and this will warm your heart.
I don’t know if cats feel much of anything, sorry, we have two cats, ha I’m making a joke, but I’m sure your cat was a great companion.
I’m glad you can lean on God.
My thoughts are with you.
Day by day. One day at a time. That’s all I can tell you. Some days good. Some days bad. Getting better over time if you allow it.
If you’re feeling down and depressed, try to do ONE THING. Just one. Don’t focus on everything you need to do. Do that one thing and hopefully you fill find the strength to do another thing…
Edit: Allow yourself to grieve. You’re only human. It’s normal and healthy.
I am saddened to hear of the loss of your kitty and of your grandfather. I am very proud of you for having the courage to not reach for a bottle but instead reaching out for help. That takes great strength.
God and your frens here will help to guide you through your grief. Remember the love and companionship that your cat gave you. Envision grandpa as free of pain and illness. They are now both at rest.
I will pray for you to find peace and comfort. Hugs to you, fren.
These are the kind of things that have brought me closer to God. I sometimes wonder if I would ever find my way closer to God if it weren't for calamities and hardships. Probably not nearly as close. My heart and prayers go out to you.
I am so sorry for all your losses--it sounds like you felt so much love for your Grandfather and will be missing his love. I know how hard it is to lose family and pets--it's heartbreaking. I am praying that you will feel God's comfort and love, and you will be surrounded with family and friends who understand. Stay with those AA meetings and church too! We are all praying for you--blessings and comfort.
It is OK to give yourself the space to feel and to feel sad. Sounds like a cat is waiting now for a new home and a new human to comfort.
So sorry to hear that and will be praying for you. I lost my grandmother yesterday. She was a woman of great faith so she is with the Lord now in glory.
I’m sorry to hear about your grandmother. Prayers up for you, too!
Sorry to hear about your loss, they're both in a better place 🙏🏻
Also we'll done for not returning to the drink, that was a great move of strength under the loss of hope. I know you were in a lot of pain but the alcohol would of only increased your suffering.
Well done friend all my love for you and your family
Don't get another cat until you feel ready. Sorry for your loss.
LOL! Cats don’t give a shit. We rescued a cat and he LOVED me for a WEEK afterwards. I later go on a business trip and come back and he doesn’t even acknowledge me when I get home. Cat memory sucks.
That cat is ignoring you. Not bad cat memory! Lol!
Could be, but I stand by my assertion.
Cat wants out. Open door. It’s raining outside. Cat doesn’t want to go out.
Cat wants out again. Open door. It’s still raining. Cat memory sucks.
We call it “The Cat Game”! Try ignoring the cat. They can’t stand it. Let me know if it works.😊
Faith, prayer and courage. My advice is to adopt another kitty right away. I would be devastated to lose my kitty. However, the thing that heals my heart is finding another angel to take care of. Yes, it’s hard …but so many need you now. Praying for you. Hugs😍
I am so sorry for your loss both your grandfather and your cat. Its good that you went to AA instead of drinking sounds like you have it under control. I hope you have other family members you can be around at this time its not good to be alone. Hang in their and keep praying.
Wish I could hug you friend, know how bad it hurts. Turn to Jesus to heal your pain. So sorry for your losses. ❤️
Sending hugs ❤️❤️❤️
I’m sorry to hear that, my friend. I’m so proud of you for not taking that drink. Wow! Keep it up and know that Jesus is carrying you. I know the pain of losing my parents and my pets. It sucks but I always thank God for giving me the ability to feel. Even if it’s bad. I ultimately know they are in a better place and I’ll see them again. God bless you!
So sorry for your losses, fren.. God has a plan! Remain strong and talk with God whenever you feel down. He will comfort you! And we will pray for you.
So sorry for your losses, fren.. God has a plan! Remain strong and talk with God whenever you feel down. He will comfort you! And we will pray for you.
So sorry for your losses. I understand how you feel. Though well meaning, getting another cat doesn’t replace the one that you are now missing. Just like friends and family, you grieve for the uniqueness of the one no longer with you. I lost several pregnancies and well meaning nurses always said, “You are young, you can have another.” Until you walk in someone else’s shoes you don’t understand the special bond you had with that special one. The best you can do is grieve and remember those special times you had with that special one you loved and still love.
As weird as it sounds, sometimes I think pets will carry an illness load for a human the pet loves. I saw that with a cat in my Dad's household. He took care of that cat which came with his wife when they married. He worked 3 12-hour nights per week so he was nocturnal like the cat so it just worked that way. When he got sick, she suddenly got sick and it was like she was trying to share the burden with him. He always acted like he didn't care about that cat, but when she died, he buried her and told me on the phone that he couldn't keep from crying. (His exact words were, "I buried Simey today. That fucking cat. And I couldn't keep from crying. That fucking cat.") He was only a few months behind her. I expect she was waiting for him when he got Home.
I am sorry for your loss, but rest in knowing that your grandfather is in a better place. I’m sure that he’s pleased, and looking down on you with a smile on his face. Along with your cat sitting on his lap.
My husband died 12 years ago, I went out to the store to pick up some cigarettes, and when I came back, our cat ran out in front of my truck and I ran it over. This happened the same day that he died. We had to go to the vet and have the cat put down because I broke her spine. The only thing that made me feel better, was my best friend told me this…. She felt there was a disturbance in my husband‘s passing, and that he needed masquerade more than we did. Turns out she was right, his mother was responsible for his death.
I’m happy to hear that you have other animals, and family members available to you to help comfort you during this time. There’s no right or wrong way to grief, just lean into it if you need to. Jesus will give you all the love you need.!
So sorry to hear all that but thank you for sharing ❤️
Well it was a long time ago, and the Lord has healed my heart. But right now, I know that you are in pain, and missing your grandfather and your cat. I pray that the Lord will begin to heal your heart in time.
God bless you and have a great night
You as well
You may think I'm crazy but....
One of my dogs died a few months ago. I once heard her bark like she would when I came home. Thought I was dreaming. Then about a month ago I heard her bark again and my other dog woke up and ran into the room she used to sleep in. So I knew it wasnt my imagination.
I keep thinking my dogs are in heaven playing with all the kids there.
As for your granddad I would pray the Poor Souls prayer for him.
I absolutely love my cat. My cat loves me. She greets me when I get home, always hangs out with me, never more than 20 feet away, even if I’m out mowing the yard. She is my shadow and lays with me all the time. It gets annoying, especially if I’m trying to work or play on my flight simulator setup. I feel awful when I shoo her away but then call her back when she walks away all sad. Cats are awesome, I’m sorry you lost your friend 😭and close grandfather, I could also write a novel on how awesome grandparents are. 😭 I’m sorry friend
So proud of you for making the meeting. When things are hard, that can be the hardest thing to do. Much love your way! WWG1WGA
Jesus. He is all you need.
In the most trying times we can shine the brightest. Hang in there, mate. Much love.
There’s real pain in losing whatever we have loved…whether pet or person. I recently lost both a dear friend from childhood as well as our beloved dog. All I know is grieving well is important — grieving is a form of honoring what they meant to you and how much they were loved. We had planned a family trip which occurred one week after both had passed. I was able to say goodbye during quiet moments on the beach, but I knew when we got back the grief would be waiting. And it is. I acknowledge it and the love, and know that there is a heaven. I’ve received signs already that they are both fine in heaven— our pet is waiting at the rainbow bridge, and my friend is with Jesus.
Just seeing your post this AM, and I'm feeling the pain coming through. Stay strong in yourself, and prayers are going up for you. So sorry for your loss, fren.
I'm sorry fren, I wish I had the words to heal your pain, but it doesn't work that way...
I had to put a cat I'd known since he was born down a few years ago, and it tore me apart inside... It still hurts to think about honestly. (Not to diminish what you're doing through, by the way, losing a family member is always harder)
The best advice I can give is to find an outlet for the pain. Something creative or something physical. Both if you can help it... Right now you're a bundle of raw nerves and every little thing is going to set you off in one way or another... Finding an outlet for all that energy can help, even though it won't fill that empty spot in your heart...
Stay strong, I'm happy to read you hit a meeting instead of the sauce. You got it, one step at a time. Condolences, fren.
I'm very sorry about your grandpa and your kitty, but very happy that you now know God. You are loved.
There's a saying that I adopted from the guys who are SEALS. They say, the only easy day was yesterday.
God is faithful...
I was just 6 years old when my granpa died in front of my eyes. It's a scene that I'll never forget. And, unlike a cat, you can't just get another granpa.
My one consolation is the knowledge that we are all part of the Conscious Universe, which is also what people call "God". As such, the physical body ceases to function but the person - spirit, soul, ka, whatever you want to call it - continues to live but in another dimension.
Note: when a person "dies", they usually return with a sign, within a week or two, to let you know that they are OK. Watch out for the sign; it could be a fragrance, color, bird, butterfly, piece of music or something that moves or appears from elsewhere. Whatever it is, you will realise its special significance to the person who passed over.
Now the best thing you can do is be the person your grandfather would want you to be.
God Bless