New Friends and Old – Thanks for the Rainbow Bridge Memories
Simply. Overwhelming. That is my reaction to yesterday’s first annual Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day event. I knew the day would have impact for a lot of people, but I was not prepared for just how much. Between blog posts and the Facebook and Google+ event pages, the day was inundated with people sharing pictures, graphics, poems, stories, and so much more of their beloved pets that had crossed the Rainbow Bridge. All I can say is thank you.
I can’t say the day wasn’t without sadness and difficulty, especially being that it was the two year anniversary of Mr. Jazz’s passing, but truthfully, for the most part the day was one of incredible peace and joy. The united brotherhood of love that reverberated across the world as we shared memories of those we had to say goodbye to was profound. It was so beautiful to be invited into the hearts and homes of people – some that I have come to know over the years, as well as complete strangers – as stories of pets from days gone by were shared.
For many people, they were sharing stories for the very first time of pets that were a part of their life and in many instances because the memories were so old, they either didn’t have pictures, or the one’s that they did have were of poor quality – long before the days of digital cameras. But it didn’t matter – the love shined bright and it was just so very touching to learn the stories of these beloved pets.
I’m sorry if I did not get to comment on every post and status update. I must admit that after a point I was not able to keep up with it all and right now, while I am okay, I am also emotionally worn out and just want to spend some time loving my sweet babies that are with me now.
I have shared this picture before, but it just seems so appropriate now. This is me on any given night – relaxed and natural, no makeup, and covered in my beloved cats who I adore from one end of the earth to the other!
I am just so grateful to have been able to provide a day that seems to have been important for so many people and I know that my Mr. Jazz who inspired the concept for me would be so proud of the worldwide hug that happened yesterday.
Thank you all again for participating – I do wish we never had to say goodbye – but as we do, I hope we can take comfort from the animal loving community that we are blessed to be a part of, that each pet that graces our life is with us for borrowed time – appreciate the moments we have and be thankful for the gift of having them as part of our lives.
The wise words of Mr. Jazz ring true for Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day and everyday for that matter… RIP my sweet one.
It was a remarkable day of remembrance……we’ve never seen so many wonderful photos or read so many loving tributes EVER. Thank you for having this special day set aside – we’ll be looking forward to it again next year…………YES they are always in our hearts and we remember them every day but to SHARE on a special day………….well……….it’s just truly SPECIAL.
Hugs, Pam (and Sammy)
Thank you Pam and Sammy. It truly was an incredible day. So much love and compassion. I am still overwhelmed by it all and really appreciate you participating in the day.
Having said we would participate, in the end we weren’t able to. However, we are so glad that it has been such a success and have been very moved by reading the stories shared! Well done, Deb, on making the Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day such a resounding success! xx
Thank you so much CATachresis – we are glad you were able to follow the stories – I was so overwhelmed by how touching and beautiful they all were.
Deb, I cannot even begin to describe how this event touched my heart. I cannot even begin to express my gratitude to you for making this truly needed event possible for those of us whose beloved pets are now Rainbow Bridge babies.
Since my husband Marty, and I – and our beloved kitty Sir Hubble Pinkerton are going through a depth of grief that is impossible to describe, how this memorial celebration for our deeply beloved pets who wait for us until it is time for us to join them once again,has helped to heal our aching hearts.
Thank you again and again, and much love to you AND to Mr. Jazz for his incredible council.
Jo, Marty and Sir Hubble Pinkerton
Jo – you must forgive me. Your kindness has rendered me incapable of forming thoughts that do justice to your beautiful and heartfelt comment. I am just so grateful to have you as a friend in my life, and if I have been able to help you in even the tiniest way with your grief as you mourn the loss of your beloved Hush Puppy, then writing Purr Prints was worth every bit of the effort.
Weez fawt it was a gweat oppurrtunity. Weez didn’t know when we wrote ours dat it was a blog hop, so sowry weez didn’t link up. Weez still not unnewstand al these special day fings. But we do purreciate da luv of da blogosphere. Have a gweat weekend.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
That’s okay Dezi and Lexi – I miss blog hops all the time too! The important thing is that your heart was in the right place and that you got to share a beautiful story at your blog.
I was unable to visit yesterday due to a DR appointment I had to keep.
I went through and tried to leave a comment on each person who joined the blog hop.
I think it especially important we remember, always remember.
I’m glad that there were so many who wanted to participate.
I cried many many many tears this morning. Going through so many memories of everyone.
It is overwhelming how each of us still grieves in oh so many ways.
But we loved and carried the love forward to help save even more lives.
That is one of the good things to come out over and over again.
The day was quite emotional, Annabelle, but the love. So much love. I commented on everyone’s blog as well and just could not believe all the touching, beautiful tributes. It was hard, but it was also very important. We do need to remember and I think the day brought great comfort to many.
And yes, as hard as it is to say goodbye, it is uplifting to know we can still love (and save more lives) again.
Thank you for yesterday, it was wonderful. Of course there were many tears but also a feeling of peace being able to share our loved ones memories.
I agree with you Flynn – many tears, but very peaceful at the same time.
Well, silly us, we posted a pic on the Facebook page but we really didn’t think about doing a blog post, not that we could have gotten through it. We read tons of the posts and were so touched and have many weepy wet whiskers. Such a wonderful event to remember those still living in our hearts.
Brian – we had weepy eyes too – but despite that, it was still such a beautiful day. So much love and so many wonderful memories shared.
It was a beautiful day of remembering…and we’re sure that it won’t be the last.
It was a beautiful day Island Cats – thank you for participating.
I love that photo with you and all the cats. How did you manage that?
Here’s to making history with Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day!
Thank you!
Christine – that might have very well been a once in a lifetime photo op! It was taken during a night when it was relatively chilly out. The cats came, one by one, to snuggle with me. Dan was shockingly able to get up and get the camera without them jumping up and moving!
Thank YOU for creating this most special day….it was incredible!
Believe it or not, I haven’t had a chance to read YOURS yet, but I will!
xoxo
catchatwithcarenandcody
You are welcome Caren – I know how beloved your Bobo was to you and I appreciate you including him in Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day.
Thank you, Deb, It was a beautiful day of remembrance, made even more special with the knowledge that it was shared with so many others. Hugs to you, dear friend.
Thank you meowmeowmans – what a wonderful comment.
I’m glad this event had such an amazing turnout Deb; thanx from all of
blogville; for hosting it and putting it together ♥♥♥
You are so welcome tabbies – it was an honor to host it for all of my fellow animal loving friends.