Mixed Blessings
By divalounger
@divalounger (6182)
United States
September 6, 2017 8:57pm CST
It has been a time of mixed blessings for me. Summers are usually calm and quiet. My voice studio dwindles, I read a lot, write poetry, take walks and work in the garden. This summer was different.
During the first week of July, we took our beloved Sasha for her annual vet visit. She had been more lethargic and drinking more water. I had thought it was the heat, but after running a test, the vet confirmed that my Sash --my 14 year old constant companion--was bleeding internally from a tumor.
Because of her age, we decided not to have surgery for her, and the following week we arranged for a vet to come into the house to perform the euthanasia. It was a peaceful passing with her whole family present.
We then buried her in the back with her favorite bed and toys and some snacks for the road. She faces the garden that she loved and spent so much time in. I still cry most days, and I go out and talk to her in the garden as I weed and water. I miss her tremendously.
But when one door closes another opens. My older daughter will have a baby in December. She is due December 23. There will be four generations in our family then--and I will be a grandmother for the first time.
She is healthy and happy--and I am too.
14 people like this
15 responses
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
7 Sep 17
Thank you! It is difficult when we lose our fur babies--but there is new life unfolding--and that is wonderful!
4 people like this
@sallypup (63351)
• Centralia, Washington
7 Sep 17
@divalounger Two of our felines lie in the Bast grove behind my house. They were borrowed for a time then I was asked to let go.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
7 Sep 17
@sallypup Then you know how this hurts--this was so hard!
2 people like this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
7 Sep 17
Thank you Anna! We are very excited--my daughter is feeling good right now and the baby is growing quickly!
2 people like this
@LadyDuck (472516)
• Switzerland
7 Sep 17
@divalounger I am glad they are both well, the time goes by so quickly, December is tomorrow.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
7 Sep 17
@LadyDuck It is--and I am trying to knit a baby blanket, but my stitches get off and then I end up taking it out and starting over--we'll see if I get it done!
2 people like this
@JamesHxstatic (29413)
• Eugene, Oregon
7 Sep 17
So sorry for your loss, but happy for that new door that offers a new role for you and much expectation for your family.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
7 Sep 17
Thank you James! It can be odd to move from sadness to joy in the span of minutes--and then back again--a bit of a roller coaster really
2 people like this
@DianneN (247183)
• United States
13 Sep 17
I'm so sorry about your beautiful Shasha. It's heartbreaking to lose a beloved pet, but you did what was best for her.
Congratulations Grandma! That is wonderful news. Our older son, my husband, his mother, my mother, and my grandmother were all December babies! It's a very good month! I'm sure you are over the moon with happiness!
2 people like this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
13 Sep 17
@DianneN We are all so excited! My husband's mom is going to be 95 in January--so we will have 4 generations of family soon!
1 person likes this
@DianneN (247183)
• United States
13 Sep 17
@divalounger I think that is so wonderful! I'm sure there will be a plethora of photos taken with your grandchild and MIL! Bless you all!
2 people like this
@FayeHazel (40243)
• United States
26 Sep 17
So sorry for the passing of your Shasta. But congratulations on the new addition to your family. You have a recording studio?
2 people like this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
28 Sep 17
So, I teach voice--so I use the dining room for that purpose--a piano, lots of music books on shelves and a mic to use with recording onto Garage Band--so it isn't a recording studio but there are some similar aspects--
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
7 Sep 17
@Xiasses Life is a challenge isn't it! Thank you!
1 person likes this
@yanzalong (18991)
• Indonesia
7 Sep 17
Very loyal pet you had. Sorry to hear that she has to go.
2 people like this
@LovingMyBabies (85296)
• Valdosta, Georgia
7 Sep 17
I am so sorry to read about your baby Sasha. =( This brought tears to my eyes, I'm so sorry. 
I know how hard it is to lose a family member, I will lose my mind when my fur baby goes.
Congrats on your new arrival coming soon!
I know how hard it is to lose a family member, I will lose my mind when my fur baby goes.
Congrats on your new arrival coming soon!2 people like this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
7 Sep 17
Sasha was my first dog--and letting go is a process--I am so sad, but I know that her end was upon us--it just is hard--I still have her bed--it was one of the things that I couldn't let go of just yet
2 people like this
@Freelanzer (10743)
• Canada
22 Sep 17
Sorry to hear about your beloved pet's passing, I know the feeling. But it is good that you caught the problem in time so he could have a peaceful passing. Great news about being a grandmother for the first time. That is truly a blessing.
2 people like this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
22 Sep 17
It does feel like a blessing! We are all excited and I love watching my daughter mature into this next phase of her life
2 people like this
@lookatdesktop (27138)
• Dallas, Texas
30 Sep 17
Sad the loss of your pet, but great news of a new granddaughter in December. Kudos to you.
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
30 Sep 17
Thanks! I wish I could take credit--but my daughter will be doing all the work!
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
11 Oct 17
@just4him I still have Sasha's bowls, leashes and some toys. The bed has gone to someone who could use it and the meds to a vet who works with homeless people and their pets--I thought Sasha would be pleased with that
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
11 Oct 17
Thank you! This will be a Christmas baby I think--and yes, I really do miss Sasha--I still find bits of her fur and though I have given away lots of her things, I still have some of her favorite toys where I can see them
1 person likes this
@just4him (318844)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
11 Oct 17
@divalounger I still have Rascal's and Pip's leashes and bowls, and Pip's bed. I doubt I'll give them up. I know what it's like when you need to put your pet down. They are part of your family.
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
7 Sep 17
It is exciting--December we will all be a flurry I suspect--and yes, I am a singing teacher
1 person likes this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
8 Sep 17
@YrNemo I don't play piano well at all, but my husband does, so he often accompanies for my students--it works well for me!
2 people like this
@YrNemo (20255)
•
8 Sep 17
@divalounger Cool... Does it mean that you could play piano terribly good too? (Novels often say so, but my daughter pointed out that her singing teacher played piano not too good, so I can't understand!)
2 people like this
@divalounger (6182)
• United States
25 May 19
We feel blessed in so many ways--still miss my Sasha!
1 person likes this
@CarolDM (203422)
• Nashville, Tennessee
25 May 19
@divalounger Yes we always miss those who have passed on.
1 person likes this
