A sweet, bright light went out today.
Dearest Nina,
You blessed our lives in ways unimaginable. If we are thriving and happy it’s due in so many ways to your patient, enduring love.
We will never forget you.
Love,
Jesse, Will and Jenny
Tags: gentle reminders, gratitude, love
I’m so sorry, Jesse. You and Will and Jenny must be devastated. I know how much all of you loved Nina. May all of you take comfort from knowing she’s in kitty heaven.
Dear Jesse, Will, and Jen,
I am so sorry about Nina’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with you. May you find comfort in the love you gave to and received from sweet Nina. Hugs and prayers . . .
Pat and Lynn,
Thank you.
This will get long-winded, but I feel very strongly about what I am about to write.
Anyone who has a pet/s knows the comfort they give us. We can only hope to give them as much as they give us.
When we lived with the N, our last feline passed when Jen was under a year old. We weren’t allowed to get another pet. Within a year of moving into our little house, three days before Jen’s 5th birthday, we discovered Nina, a sweetheart who had lived a whole year in a shelter.
From the day we brought her home, we referred to her as our “little furry sister.”
Here’s the important part, tho…
When either kid had frustrations or difficult emotions to deal with concerning our move or their dad, Nina was always there for them. She was the unconditional love, soft spot, and bright spirit that got them through all those tough times. Her fur was soaked by tears numerous times, and her gentle nature and silliness brought them out of their funks more times than I can count.
Point being, anyone going through a difficult relationship, NEEDS to find comfort, and pets provide that comfort like nothing else.
Thanks for your kind words.
p.s. I meant to tell you when I first posted this comment …
Jen and Will are away this week. They weren’t home when Nina passed. We’ve had some difficult conversations over the phone about how to handle things. Anyway, yesterday both kids texted. Will said, “I’m glad she’s not in pain anymore.” Jen said, “I’m at peace knowing she’s in a happier place.”
I’m blessed with raising two old souls. Or maybe they are raising me?
Dear Jesse,
Jen and Will are amazing and they learned it from you! I am so sorry for your loss. Nina sounds like a comforting spirit brought to you just when you needed her, and you loved her and gave her the comfort and love she deserved. I really hope you find comfort in the joy and love you gave her and she gave all of you. Lil’ felines are intuitive and hilarious companions. They pick up on the emotions in their surroundings and take residence in our hearts and spirits.
Peace and solace be with each of you . . .
Warm hugs,
Lynn
Dear Jesse,
I am so sorry for your loss.
Years ago, I shared a flat with a woman who had a cat. One day, that cat must have sensed that I was very upset after a fight with my boyfriend, because she came over to my room and sat quietly beside me for a long time.
I am sure Nina has shown this kind of support to the three of you many many times during your years together. To imagine how much you must be missing her right now made me cry.
She had her own presence on your blog as an integral part of your family. She will be missed by your readers, too
Jul,
Your comment reminded me of a specific moment. I had just gotten off the phone with the N. My heart was racing – pressure pounding in my ears. I sat down on the couch and Nina hopped up on my lap. She didn’t curl up in the “rub behind my ears” pose. She sat up, facing me, staring into my eyes. She sat there without blinking until my heart rate slowed.
I saw her do that so many times with the kids. It’s like she absorbed our stress.
Thanks for your sweet words. I’ll be done crying… one of these days.
I hope by now it has become a little easier to move about the house without Nina. After our cats passed, sometimes you could still hear them tumbling down the hallway in the middle of the night. As much as that annoyed us when they were alive, somehow it ended up to be a comfort after they passed. I hope you have those subtle little reminders, but also hope your hearts have found peace. xo
Z,
That happened last night! We were tucked in our beds. I swore I heard meowing outside my window. Jen heard it too. Will didn’t know what we were talking about, but 5 minutes later he came into my room and said, “Did you hear that. It sounded like a cat when she’s grooming herself.”
She’s still with us. ;)