Thursday, February 16, 2006

Today is a sad day-

I am having a sad day today. My stomach is in knots. Tears fill my eyes. I am feeling a sense of loss.

Many years ago, I had a couple in my office and they were ripping me up for being a bad pastor. I stopped them and told them they hurt my feelings. She responded, "You can't have hurt feelings because you are a pastor." Pastors don't have feelings? We are separate and apart from the rest of humanity?

Well, excuse me, I have feelings! And they are in a heightened state at this time. Debi has said her goodbyes, Jason will, and then me. We are having to put down our pet dog, Cuddles, today. She has been with us for 11 years. She was the runt of the litter, the last one. But Jason wanted a dog he could cuddle. Hence her name.

The vets diagnosis was not good last week. She is only functioning with about 25% of her kidneys. She is losing her eyesight and has doggy Alzheimers. He was convinced then that it was time. We weren't ready for that. Now a week later, she is not eating, running into walls and doors, falling down our stairs, gets herself trapped in corners, biting, and using the bathroom wherever she likes. I don't think she is going to make it to the weekend.

She has been a great dog, friend, lifeguard by our pool, jumping off the diving board, cuddling into our laps and at times our bed. She has been one of the family. She has brought much joy into our lives. And now this.

Loss is one of those things that we all experience in life. Jesus' promise to be with us at all times will be appropriated today. Today we are asking for His comfort and peace.

Thank you Lord for being an ever present help in time of need.

3 comments:

Anonymous said...

yes, you do have feelings Pastor. I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Cuddles like our own puppies. I am praying for your comfort during this time.

Dawn Irons, Ph.D, LPC-S said...

Pastor,
I am so sorry for the loss of your furry family member...yes, I said "family member"...when you love someone for 11 years they earn the title FAMILY MEMBER, whether blood related, or furry and four legged.

Cuddles was always a joy in homegroup...and I just loved that she joined with us in the prayer circles!
We will greatly miss her and we will pray for you and the family as your grieve her loss.

Blessings, Dawn

Anonymous said...

Pastor David & Debi & Jason,

Sorry to hear about your loss ~ we have enjoyed the pets God has brought into our lives and know the grief one feels when it is time to say goodbye is a very real and painful grief. May our God, who established the companionship between man and animals to begin with, wrap His loving arms around you and comfort you.

Blessings!
Leslie Aune