August 2021

Today is Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day. This is dedicated to the memories of our fur babies who have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. My friend Emily Rian Saetuern shared this about Dunkin who was with her through thick and thin.

Dunkin
“My mom (of course) was the person who convinced me to adopt Dunkin. He was found wandering in the desert and was taken in by a dog rescue. Dunkin was one of the spunkiest dogs around and I am convinced he had nine lives. There was more than one occasion where I was convinced we would need to say goodbye but he defied the odds and made miraculous recoveries. Saying goodbye to Dunkin was one of the hardest things, as he was not only one of my first fur babies but also because it was the first time my girls had to say goodbye to a beloved pet. However, I am so grateful that my girls were able to have Dunkin as one of their first dogs, as he taught them not only how to love and care for an animal but also how it feels to be loved unconditionally.

“May you remember your fur babies with love and be thankful for the unconditional love they brought into your life.”

May you remember your own amazing fur babies on this day and the unconditional love they brought into your life!

Blessings,

Carolyn

DUNKIN

ELIANNA & DUNKIN

DUNKIN’S LAST DAY

Have any of you this past year felt weighted down by Covid, having to isolate, not see friends, family, co-workers, nor being able to attend important joyous events, or just live our everyday lives?  And most importantly, losing loved ones?!  

For me, in addition to isolation, not being able to see kids and grandkids, going to church, and just living life, I have lost ten friends, family, co-workers, and our beloved dog Bo in the past year. Surprisingly, only one loss was due to Covid. 

This meant not being able to see them, or say goodbye to them, or honor them in a celebration of life service. 

I did get to be there for Bo’s crossing the Rainbow Bridge, which was so important. And in the past few months, I did get to attend two celebrations of life services, which were so meaningful!  And we were able to adopt our precious Bella Blue, a rapturous little corgidor, full of pure joy, fearlessness, and love of all humans (other animals, not so much!).  Check out the pics of her, Mom, and Dad!  

I have also been facing the serious illnesses of cancer in a family member and my business partner and friend of many years. This pretty much leveled me as my partner had to give up full-time work, pushing me to make difficult decisions about my own business, and what to do.  

I had to ride the roller coaster of uncertainty, fear, grief, you name it.

I finally had to just STOP, give up control, and be by myself, interspersed with finally reaching out to others and at last turning it over to God.  This also included reaching back into the happy childhood memories of my growing up with my parents, brother, larger extended family, and community.  

These reminiscences were also inspired by at least two Facebook groups, support from several spiritual Facebook groups, and contact with family and friends, if not in person, in myriad other ways. Honoring members of my family through remembrances and writing about them has also been healing.

In Hospice, we often find that reminiscence, or what we call life review, often helps both the dying patient and loved ones as well to cope with what is happening.  

n just the past few weeks, I have begun to turn the corner on my own grief of uncertainty, loss, and whatever life brings.  THE WEIGHT HAS BEGUN TO BE LIFTED FROM MY SHOULDERS, SOUL, AND SAD SELF!

What has helped YOU in the past to lift the weight of whatever burdens you?  And what is working now?!  

MAY YOU BE LIGHTENED AND INSPIRED  BY THE PICTURES FEATURED IN THIS BLOG OF A WEIGHT BEING LIFTED!  

   Mom & Bella

Dad & Bella

Bella on a car ride with her mom!

Blessings,

Carolyn