Saying Goodbye to Harley – Parting is Such Sorrow…
Harley was a ray of sunshine in our lives and her beautiful coat and sweet disposition always reminded me of a carefree field of sunflowers…
It is with extreme pain and despair that I write to inform you our beloved Harley crossed to the Bridge this past Tuesday. It was completely unexpected and as a result I am truly having trouble communicating with any sense of peace or comfort but I felt that you all needed to know, as I know you loved her for the sweetheart she was. My grief is just too raw and too profound right now for words – the road Dan and I have been traveling of late has been extremely difficult – I feel we have each aged a hundred years in the span of mere months and losing our darling baby in the midst of it all is a hard cross to bear and I am incapable of rationale thinking and eloquence at the moment.
I will just say that we did what was best for her. She had undergone a grave epileptic seizure and I honestly can’t write about it – I tried, but I just can’t. Not now anyhow. The words won’t come out and those that do are a meaningless garble of detached and confused sentences and I just don’t have it in me to open my feelings on this one at the moment. All I can do is take comfort in the fact that she lived in a loving and happy home and never once did she go a day without knowing how much we cared about her. She was an absolutely darling girl who didn’t have a mean bone in her body and she always had a friendly meow, or two, or three, for anyone who cared to converse with her.
I know they say to look for the happy moments in life and I firmly believe in that mindset, but since she was one of those happy moments, it will be difficult to move on without her. I am grateful for her sake that she is at peace and that Dan and I were with her in her final moments. We got to tell her how much we loved her and we got to say goodbye. She heard our loving voices and she was not alone. It wasn’t how I wanted it and it isn’t fair, but surely we all know that life is not always easy, fair, or just.
Our Harley looks so peaceful here… Dan took this photo of her just a few days ago and we had no idea what was in store for us all…
I don’t understand why she had to be taken from us and I probably never will, but I never understood why my sweet golden retriever puppy, Bailey, who was only two years old died of cancer or why my dog Meadow got hit by a car. These things happen every single day, all across the world, and if I must find comfort, it is that Harley will now be with Bailey and Meadow as well as with Mr. Jazz and many other fur friends who will gladly open up their paws and hearts to her in a happy and glorious welcome.
Time will march on and the pain will lesson. It won’t happen quickly but I am grateful for Dan, my kitties, and my friends and family who are such an important part of my life that will help me heal. Harley will forever remain in my heart and as someone who has loved animals her whole life, I know only too well that they are with us for borrowed time and that we have to love them for however long or short the amount of time we are blessed to have with them is. R.I.P. my darling girl… the couch will never be the same without you on it next to me… Until we meet again, I love you…
This picture from 2010 is one of my favorites because it is so Harley – she loved the couch so much and here she is surrounded by Zoey and Mia – they all look so happy and content…
I just saw your post, Deb, and I am SO sorry for your loss.
Words can never express the sorrow I feel – but you know that I know and understand your grief.
All of us – human and feline – are sending tons of love your way and Dan’s during this very sad time.
The photos you shared of sweet Harley made me smile.
Much love and hugs from your family at Create With Joy,
Thank you to you and your family, Create With Joy, for all your kindness and support.
We are so sorry to learn of sweet angel Harley’s passing. Such a beautiful darling girl. We are truly sorry. Kindest regards and gentle purrs. Take care
x
Thank you for your heartfelt condolences, Old Kitty.
We are saddened to hear of Harley crossing the Rainbow Bridge suddenly. Our Best Purrs Of Comfort to you.
Thank you for your purrs of comfort, Mark’s Mews.
….. and St Francis said, “Come little one, there is nothing more I can do for
you here, don’t be afraid”……and St Francis gently picked up Harley and
carried her into the kingdom of heaven…..when the little cat looked around,
she realized everything St Francis told her on her journey was true….heaven
was beautiful beyond what mere words could express…..
…… and Harley saw there was no pain, suffering, fear, sickness, hunger, thirst
or sorrow, until she looked down and saw the family and friends she had left behind.
…..and for a very brief moment, the little cat too, was filled with sorrow.
Then St Francis bestowed Harley with a set of gossamer wings and said, “Use them
to return to your family, when their need is the greatest, as nothing can separate your
bond of love. Hold each other in your hearts and your memories, until you are reunited
again at heaven’s door.”
and when the little cat tried on her wings, she knew nothing was impossible……
when there is….love
God’s speed to you Harley with love from Boomer, Dai$y, Tuna…..
and Dude and Sauce too…you are and alway will be a beautiful girl xxxxxxx
I am truly sorry Deb; while this sentiment has been used in the past, you know
where this stems from. Love to you, Dan and the family…
Laura
Laura, that is so beautiful. I am sitting here with tears running down my face reading it. Just beautiful…
This was beautiful Boomer, Daisy, Tuna, Dude and Sauce, what a sediment of heartwarming words.
Thank you Laura – I remain at a loss for words, but you know how much this sentiment and your friendship means to me. xoxo
We are just so sad to hear this. Remember Harley will always be watching over you and forever in Blogville.. Sending all our love and cuddles to you. xxxoxxxxx
Mollie and Alfie
Thank you for your love and cuddles, Mollie and Alfie.
Oh, Deb, I’m heartbroken for you and Dan in the loss of Harley. So very hard, but especially painful since it was not expected. Just know my thoughts and prayers are with you for comfort, peace, and love. I know you treasure your good memories of Miss Harley. Get lots of rest and take care of yourselves. <3 <3 <3
Kelly – thank you for your thoughts and prayers.
Rest in Peace Harley. You were loved sooo much
We are praying for all of you
Thank you for your prayers, Rosemary, Pierro and Miles.
We are very sorry to hear of your loss of dear Harley, you made a loving tribute to your much loved kitty. Our purrs and purrayers to you.
Mindy
Moe
Cookie
Mike
Thank you for your kindness Team Tabby.
We are so very sad to hear this. We send hugs and purrs to help your heart heal! xoxo Patty & Bhu
Thank you for the hugs and purrs, Patty & Bhu
We are so sorry to learn of Harley’s passing.
Sending love, hugs, and purrs from all of us at Purrchance To Dream and The Cat Blogosphere.
Mo and the Purries – thank you so much for your love, hugs, and purrs.
I just don’t know what else to say but how tremendously sorry I am for your loss. I am heartbroken for you. Please know that we are thinking of you and sending gentle purrs of comfort your way.
Thank you for your heartfelt words of comfort, Melissa & Truffles.
Deb I am so sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you. Bless you.
Thank you Sue – I appreciate your kindness.
I am deeply sorry for your loss of Harley, she was way too young to leave you.
Yes, Ellen… she was far too young… my heart breaks and I appreciate your condolences.
Hi Deb, I just saw your post about Harley. I am so saddened even though I didn’t personally know her but I felt like I did. I know how much you and Dan and all your other furry kids loved her and have many happy memories. It is very hard to lose any loved ones; people or furry ones, especially when it is unexpected. That was a beautiful picture Dad just took a few days ago not knowing it would be one of the last. She is now with Bailey, Meadow and most recently Mr. Jazz. That is two too many lives to lose in such a short time, but you are right, we have these little creatures on borrowed time and must love them with all we can because it may be our last. Sending thoughts and prayers to you, Dan and your kitty family for healing and blessings. Sending hugs, kisses and love for a better tomorrow. I love you!
Thank you for your kindness, hugs, kisses, and love Dianna – we love you too and truly appreciate your support.
We are so sorry Harley was needed so urgently at the Bridge. Someone must have had a plan for her and we’re happy to hear much of that included being so loved by you every day. We’ll look for her star in the heavens. May peace find you.
Yes, I suppose there was a plan for her, Colehaus Cats. I pray she is as loved in the heavens as she was here with us on earth…
I am so sorry that Harley had to go to the Rainbow Bridge. You gave her a wonderful home and life with you and she took that love with her to wait for you. I send hugs and all eight kitties send comforting purrs.
Karen Jo – thank you for all your kindness and comforting purrs.
We are so sorry to hear about the sudden passing of Harley over the Rainbow Bridge. When a family member is suddenly taken it never makes sense and we simply continue on as best we can knowing that they are watching over us and will be waiting on that day that comes to us all.
Love and support from all
Pete, Timmy and Family
Thank you Timmy Tomcat – that is the hard part, trying to make sense of something that doesn’t make sense. Thank you for your support.
I’m so sorry Deb. Unexpected loss is such a shock, and especially when it’s due to a disturbing medical incident that you’ve witnessed. It does indeed take time for the circumstances of those moments to soften and become memories. I’m thinking of you and your lovely household. Take time to be with them all. We really never know and it’s impossible to be prepared, but be full of love at every moment.
Thank you Bernadette – your words are lovely and I appreciate your kindness and sentiment.
we send our love to help you through this sad time. we hear your heartbreak and we’ll all hold you up as you grieve… your friends and furriends surround you with love.
Thank you for your kindness and support, Cherry City Kitties.
Soft purrrayers of comfort to you, Dan, and the furries! Words cannot convey the sadness we feel and the love that we direct to you, so we purrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr, conveying it all in that way.
Thank you so much for your kindness and condolences, the PDX pride.