The Walk of Love
Sometimes the best choices for all involved are the hardest because we do not like the options before us. There are times when allowing time to pass works in our favor – that the dynamics of the situation shift for the better. However, there are just as many occurrences that time eliminates any available options. We see this happen with loved ones whether in people or our animal companions. It is not ever easy.
Two years ago, I was with my dad and mom when my dad asked if there were any other options available for my dad’s heart disease and the occurrence of the A fib that began three months prior. I experienced the emptiness when the doctor shared that all options had been exhausted, that everything new and experimental had been tried and that unfortunately he did not have a magic wand (we are all big Harry Potter fans).
I was there when my dad asked for an order to be placed with hospice. We all had experienced a very challenging weekend before this appointment where both my mom and I struggled with guiding, sometimes attempting to carry him back and forth from his recliner chair, the bathroom and other areas. We witnessed the disconnect when we asked that he move his legs to assist and although he said okay, his body could not comply. With this we each had our moment of disappointment and sadness knowing we had reached the point in which control surrounding us being able to do everything to help him was shifting to a place we hoped we would not need to traverse.
We can reach similar points in the lives of the animal family members we hold so dear when faced with impossible circumstances leading to impossible decisions. Many pet parents have had to make similar choices, but we often feel like we are the only ones. We are not alone, just unaware - blinded by our heartache in the path we are walking. So focused on our situation, we cannot connect to the belief others have had to traverse this journey too.
Rarely do you hear it because it is so challenging to share and to allow the vulnerability a place in the light. Why do it? To open the door for others to release the pain, heartache, struggle and sadness while letting them know they are not alone. We all deserve that…a little bit of peace and understanding in the challenge.
