Need Some Air

Today has been one of the hardest I've had to endure in a REALLY long time. I knew the day would come but I had always hoped it would've been different. So before I go into detail about it, I need to say that I really need some big breaths right now and to kind of realign things in my life - especially after today. I'll be around for 3 Word Sundays but I might be off-stage for a small bit of time.

So here's why...

Earlier today at about 12:01 or 12:02 p.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) my beloved Black Lab that my siblings and I got when I was 17 crossed over the Rainbow Bridge. It's funny because we didn't always get along as kids. As my mother would say, we truly were at each other's throats. However, this dog was one of the only things we ever agreed upon and now he's not here anymore.

The coolest thing happened as Lane, Eriks and I were going to our Commander's farewell lunch. This morning has been a crappy, dreary day and the sun broke through the clouds. It was just this tiny opening among this huge rolling expanse of clouds. We're in the Central time zone and I looked at the clock in my car and it was 11:01 our time. So it was his way of smiling down on me and telling me that he was in a sunnier place. It has been a really rough day. If I'm not busy I'm crying and I know I'll be crying for quite some time. We were at lunch when my sister called to say he was gone and Eriks was trying to understand why mommy was so sad and was crying. Well Lane didn't want to lie and he didn't want to associate that bad things happen when your sick so he told him that Moritis has died. Well, Eriks started crying and wouldn't stop for about 15 minutes. It was more uncontrollable sobbing than what I was experiencing. Poor kid.

My mom, my sister and my brother held him tight as he was going to sleep. They got to feel his last heart beat. They heard his last breath. And they all cried as he left this world.

We love you baby! You'll always be in our hearts and on our minds. I know the days will get easier as time goes on, but you brought a lot of joy to our lives and were a great swimming partner. I know you're in a better place where your arthritis isn't hurting your body anymore.

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
Author unknown...