Sweet Dreams, My Friend

This has been an exceptionally hard couple of weeks.  Loss is never easy, never kind or never anything that can be taken lightly.

Losing someone or something you hold dear to you is cuts deep.  The wondering if you could have done something or something more nags at you constantly.  The grief grips you like a vice and squeezes your heart.



My little lady Mary.  Mary came to live with us ten years ago.  My daughter rescued her, brought her back to health and eventually because of numerous reasons she ended up in our home.  She quickly became part of the family and stole our hearts.  We have often said when she came to us she won the lottery!

She was tough and stubborn!  A mind of her own is an understatement!  She would literally drag us around the block in record time leaving us gasping for breath!



She had a million quirks.  Her own Mary idiosyncrasies.  We loved every one of them.  Once she was comfortable with us, it didn't take long for her to be my TV buddy.  She'd hop up in my chair with me and snuggle under the quilt.  This girl loved to burrow and be wrapped in quilts!  



For ten years she was my constant companion.  My loyal friend.  That one constant that kept me on track.  She put up with all my quilting adventures.  And when she was ready for me to give it a rest...she let me know!  She would walk in circles around me, pawing at my leg, often unplugging my foot pedal or jumping at my side until I quit.  She knew when enough was enough for her and me!

She listened to me talk to myself.  She listened to me sing songs about her and call her all kinds of 'cute' names.  Mary Muffin took it all in stride!  I found myself singing about her yesterday...and I'm sure it will happen again.  

The memories are there.  The constant reminders will be seen at every corner for a long, long time.



She started her decline in health six months ago.  He little mind was going bonkers and her little body was letting her down.  The last couple months were the hardest as she required 24/7 supervision.  

If you knew Mary you knew she wasn't one to like a hug, or to be held or coddled.  The last months were different.  It was like she needed that contact and I was more than happy to grab her up and love on her.

The decision to let her be at peace and let her go was excruciating.  I struggled with that.  I clung to her, hugged her, cried with her...and eventually came to the decision that it was time.  

With heavy hearts we let her go with dignity, love, humanity and surrounded by the people who loved her with every ounce of our being.  

While our hearts are broken, we take comfort in knowing she is better now.  She has her spunk back and her wings!  

I'll remember her forever.  I'll keep those memories forever.  And I'll miss her forever. 

Sweet Dreams Mary Christmas!