Farewell My Beloved

 I am an unabashed Cat Person.  And I love deeply and profoundly.

The loss of my dear cat is tremendous to me.

George.  King George.  Curious George. Boy George.  I will love you always. 

The gift of loving and adoring him has been an absolute privilege.  A privilege that is not lost on me.  I am grateful for every second I got to spend holding and loving him.  When the things that you live for die, the pain is profound.  Loss.  Deep heart sobs.  Again, I know sorrow.  Again I must try to pick myself up. 

 

I received word that he died while I was in Washington, then as I began my journey home on I-90 I happened across a horrific accident that had just occurred. A young man lay in the middle of the interstate bloody and crying.  I pulled over and rushed to him.   Eric, who was traveling in the car behind me laid out his (extensive) first aid kit (he is ever prepared) then he went to direct traffic and put up caution cones.  I was told the ambulance may take up to an hour in that remote part of Montana. 

 

I knelt beside this young man to comfort and support. Holding gauze pads to his head laceration to slow the bleeding.  He was in shock and only partially coherent.  I asked his name he replied:

“Gabriel”. 

Now covered in blood holding his head, I somehow remained composed, and slowly and softly repeating:

 

“Gabriel, I am here to help you, hold still.  I am here.  My name is Heidi, I am here to help”.

 

Gabriel had severe head trauma- and perhaps other injuries as well. 

 

Just like my George.  I pray that Gabriel does not succumb to his injuries.  And what a privilege it would be to meet him someday. 

Alice taught me this week to be: Open, Curious, Slow and Kind.

 

Tonight at sunset under the lilacs-  at the place of our last memory together I will bury my George.  Heaven help me, because I need it.

 

My whole family is in Idaho, I will do this alone.  

 

I am so grateful for the love of my dear friends near and far these last few days.   Shelby Barentine, Jamie Sebby, Kandis Larson,  Karie Lee, Heidi Hampe, Carol Simmons, RaeAnne Anderson and Eric Castle  I love you all deeply and profoundly.