Wordy Wednesday – Parting is Such Sweet Sorrow…

sweet-sorrow

Zee and Zoey look wistfully out the window missing Crystal and Jackie. Harley lifts her head momentarily from her nap and says, “What? No one told me we had company… how long were the girls here?”

Saying goodbye to family is never easy and when Dan’s girls left yesterday to go back home to Boston, it left us with a swell of emotions. We were so blessed to have had their company, but we also lost a dear friend to cancer several days prior to their arrival, causing the visit to be bittersweet. We did our best to celebrate his memory and live in the moment, and rather say “goodbye” as they boarded the plane, we called it “we’ll see you soon.” But, no matter the words, we will miss them terribly and it only goes to serve the lesson once again how fragile life is and that you really need to embrace every precious minute you have with those you love when you can.

Even the cats sensed our sadness and despite the momentary inconvenience they felt when the girls converged upon us, they actually enjoy their company as much as we do. Especially all the closed doors that magically open to guest bedroom worlds unknown, suitcases to rummage in, and unlimited DaBird play time with humans that don’t tire as easily as Dan and I do.

rick

Rick

We did not do much of anything other than the therapeutic strength gained from being around people you love so dearly. My Mom who lives nearby dropped by frequently, as well as my oldest son, Chris, who has bestowed Dan and I with our first grandchild. A grandchild named Rick who happens to have four legs, fur, barks, and is a dog. This, of course, was met with mixed reaction. Us humans had a blast with Rick and the inherent energy a dog brings. The cats, well, let’s just say that Kizmet was the sole brave cat who was thoroughly intrigued, fascinated, and not the least bit intimidated by him when we let him in the house from his day of hanging out in the back yard with us.

Deb and Rick

Here I am deep in thought with Rick out in the backyard. Seen in the background is Dan.

Rick was equally intrigued and I am certain that given another day or so, they would have become best friends. Zee, on the other hand, had the misfortune of discovering him by accident and it surprised him so severely that he literally tried to climb up the wall to the ceiling. As a result of that, we have one less knick knack on the counter, as it crashed to the floor in a loud and impressive spray of ceramic glass that we had to clean up before any paws got hurt. Hard to believe we actually had a dog in the family for a couple years of Zee’s life based on his reaction.Everyone is fine now and it will make for a great story to tell time and time again over the years…

terror-zee

This photo was taken several years ago after I attended my first BlogPaws Conference. Seen here is Zee examining his “flat pet self” with a complete look of terror in his eyes, trying to stay as far away as possible to be safe. You can only imagine how he reacted to Rick, a real, live dog…

Right now I am doing what I like to do to keep distracted – I am my computer with Peanut on my lap as I type. The other cats are back to wherever it is they nap during the day. Dan and I are trying to hit the mental reset button to keep motivated with the understanding that we will hopefully be seeing them again at Christmas. I’m thinking maybe by then, Zee will be okay with Rick and peace can once again reign in our household!

Happy Wordy Wednesday all and if you did not get a chance to read the interview I did on Saturday with Toni Nicholson of RCTees, please click here. Not only will you get a smile or two out of the interview, but there is still time to enter a comment with a chance to win a cool RCTee shirt of your own! The giveaway is open worldwide and will remain open until Thursday, August 15th, PST, and the winner will be announced on Saturday, August 17th.

A special thank you shout out to my dear step daughters, Jackie and Crystal. Were it not for all of your love and support, I don’t know how we would have gotten through the past few days. Your Dad and I love you both so much and are so proud of both of you. And an extra special thank you to Jackie for sharing her talents with all of us – the pictures you see of Rick were taken by her. Jackie is only 14 years old and is already showing signs of being a brilliantly talented photographer like her dad.

deb-and-girls

While this picture is a couple years old, it is one of my favorite images of me with Crystal and Jackie. Love you girls so much!!

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  1. Ingrid King says:

    I’m sorry about the loss of your friend. What a bittersweet post, but such an important reminder to all of us that life is fragile, and that we need to enjoy every moment.

    I was chuckling a bit at the photo of Ricky – doesn’t he look a little like the canine version of a Bengal? 🙂

    • Deb says:

      Thank you for your kind words, Ingrid. And yes, Rick does have a certain Bengal look to him and fits right into the Zee/Zoey household!

  2. Crystal says:

    Thank you, Deb! Bittersweet trip, yes, but again so many memories and lessons learned! Love you both so much… and missing my many overnight Kizzie wakeups!

    • Deb says:

      Crystal – it appears we are never too old to learn lessons and I believe that is the gift and legacy that Dave left us with as he watches over us all. Kizmet misses you as well and all of the kitties still seem to be in a bit of a funk wondering where you and Jackie are!! 🙂

  3. Deb your post is brilliant…I feel like I was right there with you guys…it just breaks my heart. I’m so very sorry that you’ve lost such a dear friend. Life is so fragile. Kudos to your wonderful support system!! The girls are beautiful…sounds like also on the inside.

    The photo of you in the Tiki hut…priceless!! And then I felt like “Where’s Waldo” ….determined to find Dan.

    Know that I’m holding you and your family close in my thoughts …sending prayers for comfort and healing.
    Love you guys!! ♥toni

    • Deb says:

      Toni, just like I was with you when you had to go to the ER with Mark, I did feel like you were with us as well. Your encouraging posts and messages on facebook meant so much to me and it really makes a difference having kind friends who truly do care…

      LOL on the Dan photo… I think if I had not mentioned him in the caption, most people would have missed him in the background altogether!

      xoxo to you, Mark, Abby, and Roxy!

  4. da tabbies o trout towne says:

    very sorry to learn about your friend Deb…..and conga ratz on your new grandson…Christmas IS just around the corner, and maybe by then you’ll hear some news about a…. two legged grandson !!~~ XOXO
    laura

    • Deb says:

      Oh goodness, da tabbie… I do like to dream, but I don’t think we’ll be seeing any two legged grandchildren any time soon!! Thank you for your kind words of support about our friend.

  5. Marg says:

    Glad the girls could be with you during your sad times.It is so hard to lose a friend. Big hugs to ya. Take care.

  6. I can see why that photo is a fave, it is just great! Rick is a cutie!! He held up well with all of the kitties!

  7. we are so sorry to hear of the loss of a dear friend – and so very glad you had the visit of loving family to ease the sorrowful time. Indeed, “til we meet again” – Au revior!

    • Deb says:

      Thank you Lisa – the family really did help. They also knew our friend, so it made having them around all the more special.

  8. Connie says:

    Many healing purrs for you and all who lived your friend who passed.

    Congrats on your grandson 🙂 and I agree Jackie is a wonderful photographer.

    • Deb says:

      Thank you for the healing purrs, Connie and for the congrats on Rick – he is such a sweetheart and Jackie really captured his essence so well!

  9. Bernadette says:

    Deb, so sorry about the loss of your friend. Perhaps things happen in the order they should as you were soon swept up in a loving family visit. A house full of friends is a tonic at any time.

    • Deb says:

      Bernadette – so many other issues swirling about at the moment, that I am certain you are right – the loving family was an antidote that was much needed in many regards and we were so blessed to have had them around for a few days.

  10. Sue Brandes says:

    I am sorry for the loss of your dear friend. Hugs. I am so glad you got to see the girls.

  11. We’re sorry to hear of the loss of your friend. It was good that you had your girls with you to help ease the sadness.

  12. sorry to hear about your friends….but glad you were able to celebrate what sounds like a wonderful family visit (even if it included the dog – which mom says is very cute)

    • Deb says:

      Thank you Random Felines – and yeah… even if it included a dog… Rick is such a sweetheart and helped all of us with the healing process!

  13. RumpyDog! says:

    It’s always hard to say good-bye, but blessings for those who help us carry on.

  14. Wow, what a pawtastic post. That photo of you with your grandson brought me to tears cause you look so natural with a dog by your legs. His coat matches the decor and his cat cousins. So sorry you lost your friend. Friends are forever and you were both his forever friend.

    • Deb says:

      Awww… thank you for your kindess, Carma Poodale. I have always loved dogs and they have been a big part of my life. Having Rick is a true blessing and I adore him. Just like the cats, there is something about them that really help to center you and keep your feeling blessed for all you have in life.

  15. meowmeowmans says:

    I’m so sorry to hear of your friend’s passing, Deb. What a blessing it was to have family there with you during such a sad time. We are sending you purrs and prayers of comfort, and hugs.

  16. Kitties Blue says:

    What a lovely photo of you and your step-daughters. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

  17. So very sorry about the loss of your friend. What a blessing to have family close…You and your stepdaughters are absolutely beautiful. xoxo

  18. Carolyn says:

    Such a great post, full of poignancy. I am so sorry about your friend 🙁 The pic with Rick is splendid and it certainly looks like he could almost be a leopard (well, maybe a tiger in that light!! xx

  19. Sarah Blunt says:

    I’m sorry to hear that. I feel sad because I’ve lost a friend last year. She was my best friend. Anyway, I love the photos of your wonderful pets.

  20. Timmy Tomcat says:

    We send purrs of support. It is so sad to loose a fried.
    We try to remember how important it is to say I love you every day.
    Purrs
    Timmy and Family