Grief and Love

I'm sitting here having finished my evening rituals of getting Emer into bed, cleaning, finishing up any last minute work stuff that needs done, and practicing drums. I usually watch TV now but tonight I have a hankering for writing a blog. Nothing spectacular is coming to mind so let's just see what comes out my fingertips...

Oh Emerson...this girl that I love so much is so sweet and kind. Last week we lost Max. It was quite unexpected and extremely sad for both of us. My parents and I buried him at my brother's place and Emer didn't want to be there. That's OK. Instead, she and all her friends at school (and her teacher!) had a memorial service for Max at recess. She said they found a flower, a heart shaped bead, and put together a pile of mulch on which to put the bead and flower. Then they took turns telling stories about Max. She said she almost cried and one of her friends did cry. I am so touched by this and it makes me so happy and sad at the same time that my daughter is so loving and thoughtful to grieve in her own way with the support of her friends. It shows me that not only is she so sweet to want to do something like a service for our kitty but also what wonderful friends she has chosen. Most of her friends knew Max; a few didn't. But they all stood around and listened to each other and learned a little bit more about what makes Emer tick

Since that day, she has started sleeping w/ her door open sometimes to allow Mrs. Claws to come into her room with her. Mrs. Claws has always been Emer's cat - play fighting with her, sleeping outside her room every morning, snuggling w/ her...Max was Steve's (though as he got older he would choose to cuddle on my lap and Mrs. Claws would take over Steve's lap!) and Demitri was my kitty. Anyway, Emer feels like Mrs. Claws is lonely without Max so she wants to give her more love and attention, even if it annoys her when Mrs. Claws lays on her in the bed!

It's been a tough week. I miss Max so much. I especially miss him right now when it used to be just he and I on the couch and everyone else was sleeping...Max, Emer and I both hope your next life is even more wonderful than what you shared w/ us in this life. 💛💛💛