Monday Musings ~ July 3, 2023

Monday smile

Many thanks from the bottom of my heart for all the kindness and tender thoughts of comfort you’ve sent to us over the past two and half weeks. I’m touched beyond words and Elsa and I both greatly appreciated your care and concern. We’re doing our best to be less sad but some days are harder than others  and we need to keep our favorite comfort stuffy close by to great through those rough moments. Yesterday was the first day Elsa had picked up Norman’s moose and played with it briefly. I like to believe Angel Norman was watching over her  saying it’s okay, little Ninja.

Angel Norman

Live, love, bark! 🐾

56 thoughts on “Monday Musings ~ July 3, 2023

  1. Mee-yow Miss Monika an Elsa THE foto iss pricless!! BellaSita meowed shee reelatess when shee cuddellss her ‘Sammy Lammy’……
    An wee beeleeve Sweet Norman ISS lookin down on with <3 LOVE <3 on you both. Elsa go ahead an play with Moosie…that will make yore Brothur furry happy!
    Miss Monika wee nose this iss diffycult. Take all THE time you need to greeve an heal. Wee are rite heer with you an Elsa….
    ~~~~head rubss~~~~BellaDharma~~~~ an {{{{hugss}}}} BellaSita Mum

  2. Lulu: “That is very sweet about the stuffie. Norman would want you to have his moose, Elsa!”
    Java Bean: “We dogs keep up the tail wags for you!”
    Charlee: “And we kitties keep up the purrs!”

    1. Thanks for tail wags and purrs. Norman would be thrilled to know you guys are so supportive since he can’t be here in person. 💙

  3. Great big bear hugs to you and Elsa. Together you will get through this and find a rainbow through the tears. 🪽🌈

    1. Thanks, we will. Just Elsa, me and the moose-we’ll all be fine eventually.

  4. It’s hard to be brave ALL the time when you’ve lost a piece of your family…..but I think you already feel your Angel with you – watching over things and obviously giving Elsa “permission” to hug his moose. Life goes on but it’s not quite the same – it takes time for the atmosphere to equalize again after such a big loss…..but it will. We continue to send hugs……..

    Love, Teddy and Mom Pam

    1. Thanks you for the hugs, Teddy and Mom Pam. It’ll take getting used to the absence of such a larger than life guy like Norman. We’ll get there, but it’s going to take some time.

  5. You hug your stuffie as long as you want Monika and the part about Elsa picking up Norman’s moose choked me up. Yes, Elsa , Norman is looking down on you and watching over his favorite sis! ❤❤

    1. Thanks, Carolyn. Some days, that stuffie holds us both together and provides the kind of comfort we need to get through the day.

  6. Great picture of the cloud dog, but it was the first one with Pooh Bear that melted my heart. I’m glad you and Elsa have each other, it helps, I’m sure. Hang in there, my friend.

    1. It’s never the right time, whether planned or unexpected. We can only do what’s right at the moment.

  7. There is always a wish that our pets could stay with us longer, but the reality of life steps in. That is when the memories of them work to help us cope. I’m sorry about Elsa’s physical manifestation. I hope she can now go about her life accepting the fact that Norman will be in her heart rather than on the sofa. I definitely feel the pain you both are going through and wish that each day brings a welcome memory of Norman and results in a smile. Hugs to you both.

    1. We wish the same for you as your [process Twiggy’s departure, John.

  8. how touching… the moose reminded her of him. She’s grieving too… it’s a major loss to her, because he was her only dog pal… I’m so sorry…

  9. hugs to you… we hope for good things what come your way… this wonderful furkids aren’t gone completely… they are there in our heart and in a breeze or a leaf or a spark in the dark… and sometimes they show us a new or good way we can walk on …

    1. Thank you; we are so grateful for the kind comments and gentle thoughts. Yes, those leaves, bushes, grass, etc. remind us of better days to come.

  10. Some weeks you need your pooh bear.

    I linked this post to Awww Mondays.

    More big healing hugs to you and Elsa. ♥

    1. Boy, that’s the truth. As always, thanks for linking us to your Monday post.

  11. I’ve often wondered what animals think when one goes missing. They are usually pragmatic and adjust. When I lost Mollie (the alpha of the house), Sasha who was submissive to Mollie, took over as alpha (but a kind one). I still miss Jake, gone since 2015. He was a bigger than life cat who can never be forgotten. Some of my best stories are about him. I’m glad Elsa felt comfortable to play however briefly with the stuffy. Progress. Tiny steps. Hugs.

    1. Thank you, Kate, yes, we’re both trying to make forward progress each and every day. Knock on wood, I hope Elsa’s digestive issues that have been wild since his passing are behind us. It was not pretty and I suspected it was the physical manifestation of her grief and now her appetite seems to be improving so, yes, baby steps.

  12. Wishing you and Elsa strength, peace, and acceptance as the days go on. When Kali passed I found that the days passed slowly at first and over time got back to a more normal pace and routine. Albeit, with Kali it was a collective and conscious decision to let her go and I had time to prepare myself while she was still with me. I hope if he has not already done so that Norman will find you in your dreams. I found that dreaming about Kali was great therapy and I hope you have the same experience. The first few times the adrenaline rush woke me up but I woke up smiling. Wishing you sweet dreams about and with Norman as the days roll on.

    1. Many thanks, Mike. I was awakened by a noise that I thought Norman had made over the weekend. Then I realized it was Elsa making it and smiled through a few tears. Norman remains in my heart and soul every day and night.

    1. Thank you! This is the first time she’s ever been a solo dog so it’s quite the adjustment especially given her puppy mill baggage. She’s a real trooper.

  13. Take care Monika and just accept that time is a great healer. Ray passed away over 6 moths ago now, but he is “still here” most days. He was a most wonderful family member and, just like you, I am waiting for the time when I am not overwhelmed by the loss of him. He will always of course be remembered, but I need to get my life back on track with the reality of not having him around. Often thinking of you Monika. Take care.

    1. Many thanks, Colin. These special larger than life pets loom in our hearts forever. We never fully ‘get over’ their loss, instead we just adjust our lives and recall them fondly and often. Peace, my friend.

  14. I’m glad you know grief is a process and takes time, and that you are giving that to yourselves, along with the stuffies! Thinking of you and hoping for more good days than difficult ones.

    1. Thank you. I’m taking it one day at a time but yesterday’s brief play with a stuffie seemed like big progress for Elsa.

    1. Many thanks, Helen. We’re doing our best. Elsa has been particularly hard hit emotionally so seeing her enjoy a playful moment warn heartwarming.

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