FINDING JOY IN LOSS

Sometimes things happen that turn our day upside down. We find no explanation and no thoughts forward. We are caught in the moment. That is what happened to me this past weekend. My cat, which I have had for twelve years, left this earth to join with other pets I (and perhaps you) have had over the years. Callie, or Cal Cal as she was affectionately called, had the softest fur and a purr that could lull one to sleep. She learned how to pray by putting her paws together and moving them up and down. While never sick, she probably enjoyed eating too much and made her desires known as she stood on her hind legs and pawed gently wherever she could touch me. She especially enjoyed nudging her face into my chin when I would lay on the couch. Yes, we had a special bond.

Saturday morning Callie seemed fine. Later that night, I found her laying lethargically where she did not usually sleep. Over the next few hours, she found it difficult to move and later, to breathe. Within a few hours she was gone. The grief of loss welled up inside me.

The next day, still in disbelief that Callie was gone, my daughter reminded me of something very important. Rather than stinging from Callie’s death, she said,

“Mom, she died in your arms knowing she was loved.”

Sometimes death comes quickly. Other times it is a long journey. When my daughter reminded me of the love Callie and I shared, it brought JOY into my heart. It helped me to refocus, knowing I had given Callie the best of me.

Whether a loved one or a beloved pet, the most lasting memory that determines a well lived life is a love that has touched both and transformed each one in life-giving ways. That love will never be forgotten. Callie showed her affection in ways only a cat could show and I in turn, did all I knew to do so that she understood my love for her. She taught me to love more fully because each one we love transforms us.

I believe that is why Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 13:13 to "love extravantly" (MSG).