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Although this could very well be a picture of me finding a new treasure at a favorite nursery, it's actually an illustration by David Catrow for a children's book called Plantzilla.

Wednesday, September 23, 2015

Wednesday Vignette/ Flowers of Farewell


Wednesday Vignette is hosted by the talented, creative, and all around great person, Anna, at Flutter and Hum.

During our visit to Henry Hardware in Kingston, I was struck with the great plant combinations that Debbie Teashon put together.  Here are three of them offered as a goodbye to our dear Stryder who died in my arms last night.  Born in November, Stryder would have been thirteen soon. These autumn blooms are, therefore, a fitting farewell for our pal who entered and exited (almost) in this season of change.



The Carex foliage above reminds me of his copious long fur.


He had both a sweet side, displayed almost exclusively to me, and a prickly personality with everyone else.


Just as the blooms we appreciate are fleeting, so too are the lives of our companion animals.  It's sad to see them go but that's what makes their time with us so very dear.  Today, appreciate your blooms and if you're lucky enough to have been chosen by a pet, give him/her an extra bit of love won't you?

Warm summer sun, shine kindly here.
Warm southern wind, blow softly here,
Green sod above, lie light,lie light.
Good night, dear Heart, Good night, good night.
-Mark Twain


Reminds me that now I'll have to set an alarm as he won't be waking me up every morning at 5:30 by licking my eyes.


Music, when soft voices die, 
Vibrates in the memory; 
Odours, when sweet violets sicken,
Live within the sense they quicken.

Rose leaves, when the rose is dead,
Are heap’d for the beloved’s bed;
And so thy thoughts when thou are gone,
Love itself shall slumber on.

                                                                                     -Percy Bysshe Shelley





39 comments:

  1. So sad for you. Only those who keep pets know the sorrow of losing one, tempered by the joy they brought for the years they were with us.

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    1. We've had enough pets over the years to know that we sign up for this loss when we bring home those bundles of joy and love. I'm glad that we had the time together that we did.

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  2. Peter, I'm so sorry to hear the news about Stryder. I've lost pets so I know the pain and grief you're feeling. He was such a handsome boy.

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    1. Thanks Alison. We loved him, we miss him, but mostly, we're grateful for the time we had together.

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  3. Oh Peter - I'm so sorry you lost your pal Stryder. I shed a tear for you both when I read your loving tribute - I know how much it hurts. Sending healing thoughts and hugs your way, my friend...

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    1. Thank you Anna. It's hard to let them go but the joy they bring us during their brief lives is worth the pain of saying goodbye.

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  4. Peter, I am so sorry for your loss.

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  5. :( A sadness like no other. My heart breaks for you all...I am so glad, however, that you had 13 wonderful years with such a special companion.

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    1. Thanks for your sweet words. Our time together was very special.

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  6. Oh Peter, I am so so sorry for you and Tom. Poor Lila isn't going to understand why she's getting so many hugs today.

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  7. Peter, my heart hurts for you. :( This is a lovely tribute to Stryder.

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    1. Thank you, friend. As a pet lover yourself, I know you understand.

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  8. So sorry. I know it hurts like the very devil.

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  9. So sorry Peter! Morning eye licks sound like a nice morning alarm. (Do not let my cats read that last part)

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    1. Some mornings nicer than others! (Can't we sleep a little longer on Saturdays?) The other dogs like to sleep in a bit more.

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  10. Peter, our hearts go out to you.

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  11. Our furry friends leave a big hole when they depart...the price we pay for unconditional love. Lots of good wishes and sympathy flying your way.

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    1. They do, don't they? I say that the unconditional love is worth the price. Thanks for the good wishes and sympathy!

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  12. Peter I'm so very sorry for your loss - What a beautiful furbaby. Isn't it something that the "ornery ones" can just wiggle into your heart? I've always had a soft spot for the ones that are little stinkers with attitude. I'm so glad that you were chosen to love each other and that you have such wonderful memories to help you through your heartbreak.

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    1. Thanks Patty. It's true, the ornery ones do! There's something fun about being the only person that they really want to have anything to do with. Our other dogs are great with company and love everyone. Stryder was that way in his younger years. We've loved and lost so many furbabies that I know the pain will eventually subside and the memories will bring a smile without the tears.

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  13. So sorry to read your news Peter. Take care.

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  14. Oh no! I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Each of our furry companions has a unique personality that claims a chunk of our hearts forever the moment they enter our lives. I'll keep Stryder in mind and be certain not to pull the covers over my head when my Pipig starts licking my face at 4am.

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    1. Four a.m? Oh Pipig, you live dangerously! Not pulling your covers over your head will be a great tribute to Stryder, Kris! Thanks.

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  15. This is a beautiful post. Such sweet sorrow.

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  16. I am so sorry to read such sad news, Peter. Pets are the most wonderful gift in our lives - even when my cats scratch at the bedroom door at 5am to be fed (and then scratch the couch after they've been fed). They leave such a big hole when they leave us.

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    1. Pets are the most wonderful gift in our lives. Thank you for your kind words.

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  17. Peter,
    My sympathy for your loss.
    It is so special to have a great bond with a furbaby who is prickly with everyone else.
    and I am sure Stryder had a wonderful life with you.
    Mia

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    1. Thank you, Mia! We loved each other well. I only regret not spending even more time with such a sweet soul.

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  18. I was so sorry to read your sad news, my thoughts are with you. I know how you must be feeling, it has happened to us twice, they leave such a gap in our lives.

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    1. Thanks, Pauline. They do leave a gap but I wouldn't have missed our time together for the world.

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  19. Sad times indeed. It took me a long time to find acceptance of the fact that, for the most part, our pets' lives are shorter than ours and we will lose them. However, that is also what makes their time with us like a bright sparkling jewel, shining a radiant light in our lives that makes their loss worth bearing. They stop being physically with us, but they never leave.

    Nick.

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    1. Beautifully said, Nick! Thank you for the sweet words. We've loved and lost quite a few pets over the years and I still feel their presence and sometimes, I can be caught patting the air and talking to them. Or maybe that's just a sign of old age:)

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  20. Sad news, Peter.
    As someone who was also born in November I'm certain Stryder would be happy with the flowers' color choice and would appreciate this post. I hope you'll find comfort in all our comments here today.

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    1. Thanks Chava. Yes, the kind words of sympathy here have truly been comforting.

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Thanks so much for taking the time to comment! I love to hear your thoughts.