Wednesday, July 6, 2011

black and white Wednesday - saying goodbye

Molly blw 1



"She is your friend, your partner, your defender, your dog.
You are her life, her love, her leader. She will be yours, faithful and true, to the last beat of her heart. You owe it to her to be worthy of such devotion".

 ~  Unknown
Molly blw 2

"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."

~ A.A. Milne (Winnie the Pooh)
Molly blw 3

How can you say goodbye to your best friend ...one of your family...one of your children?
There are no words that can adequately describe the feelings of loss or diminish the pain you feel.
When you lose a loved companion, you lose a piece of yourself. That world is over and now you have to move to the next version of the world.


Molly blw 4

Dear Molly,

We love you so much. There has never been nor will there ever be, another like you.
You have been such a loyal, reliable and effervescent part of our family. God has blessed us with your presence and we are so thankful that He did. You have been there for it all ~ birthdays, Christmases, welcoming Grace and Will when they arrived home from China, good times and hard times.
 Through it all, your smile and love never faded.
The brightness of your personality never dimmed.
 I can’t even imagine coming home to a house without you.
Life will go on once you’re gone but the world will be less happy and a little hollow without you.

Thank you sweet pup!
You have made our lives richer and the world a more beautiful place.
You have taught our whole family about devotion and unconditional love.
We will miss you so much darling and can only gain comfort in knowing that you will greet us again someday in heaven.

Love always,

Mom and Dad


Molly blw 5

Molly was adopted at age 9 weeks in Feb. of 2000. She was an 8 lb. bundle of love.
Our son Nick was 14 years old.
She has been the light of our lives for 11 & 1/2 years and is a funny, kind and gentle sweet soul.
2 weeks ago today, we received the heartbreaking news that Molly has 'osteo-sarcoma' or bone cancer in her right lower jaw. We've been told the tumor has been there for quite a while and her symptoms didn't show until it was quite advanced. 
We've been spoiling our pup with treats, taking her to the dog park, rides in the car (which she loves),
and time spent in the backyard lying in the sun watching our young children play with friends.
I notice she is sleeping more and sometimes it seems hard for her to chew,
but her quality of life is still fairly good.
We're taking this one day at a time and won't let her suffer.
 I don't know if she has days, a week, 2 weeks or months left but we're blessed to have these days with her.

I know this was a sad post but it is our life right now.
All Molly's wanted is to be loved and give her love to us,
 and it's just so difficult to say goodbye.

the long road

24 kind words:

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

this IS one of those things that there are no words that can justify or capture your pain. All I can say is, I am sorry my friend. I know this is one of the tough ones. You are all in my close thoughts and prayers.

These pictures of Molly with her most loved are fabulous and so life, like. I can certainly feel the love through the lens.

lea
xo

Jboo said...

Oh my -- what an incredibly sweet post to such a wonderful member of the family. Lea is right -- can feel the love through your photos and words. Take care.

Janet

Debbie said...

I am so sorry, Gail! Our beloved kitty Rascal died from cancer that he got from his vaccinations and I know the heartbreak. they are like your child..I am thinking of all of you and sending hugs. What lovely photos.

Jodee said...

What a sweet post for your furry family member. I am so sorry to hear about Molly's health problems. Sending big hugs and prayers your way.

Unknown said...

Hugs Gail! We had to do this two years ago with our first family dog together. She lived for 9.5 yrs. It was very hard to say good-bye to her. Our new dog is wonderful but in our hearts she still holds that special place.

Hugs sweet friend!
xoxo Jill

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry Gail and family. As a mother to 5, four legged babies, I know the love you have for your Molly. Enjoy each day, moment and second with your baby.
((hugs))

EMily said...

What a sweet post for such a loved companion. Extra treats and walks are a must!

deb duty said...

I'm so sorry. She is a beautiful dog and you have such wonderful photos to remember her by.

Wanda said...

Oh Gail - I am so, so sorry.

Molly will never be replaced and will always have a special place in your familys hearts. She certainly had a wonderful life being loved by your family.

Sending big hugs, my friend!
xoxox

Stefanie said...

Oh goodness, so so hard to say goodbye to a beloved dog!
My "one and only" dog passed away in his sleep, no chance to really say goodbye - it still makes me cry to think that I wasn't by his side when he passed.
So glad you have this time with Molly... looks like you are cherishing every moment :)

Kayce said...

Oh Gail I am so sorry. We walked this path with our Molly just a few years ago and it was so difficult. Enjoy the time you guys have right now and spoil your girl all you want and treasure all the snuggles you can. You guys are all in my prayers. Hugs!

Michelle R Photography said...

Oh Gail, I am so very sorry. What a beautiful post and tribute to a constant companion in your life for so many years. I am sorry that your family is having to prepare to say goodbye. It is without a doubt that your dog feels the abundance of love from you that she has given to you over the years.

Hugs,
Michelle

Everything Beautiful Shay said...

My heart hurts for you and your family~ such a precious post! We too have an old dog and he is hurting with arthritis in his hind leg joints~ hurts to watch him get up at times. He loves to ride in the back of the truck everywhere Scott goes but has a hard jumping in now. Your photos of sweet Molly are priceless. I know how much Grace and Will probably love her because I know how much EK loves Fisher~ she runs out all day long saying she is going to check on him. Such a sweet friendship. thinking of you all!!!
XOXO

Ashley Sisk said...

I can't even imagine - big hugs to you guys.

Gina Kleinworth said...

So very sorry to hear that. After going through that ourselves- I know that there isn't much one can say to help- but just offer a shoulder when needed. My shoulder is here! Prayers are with you & your family.

Petra said...

They really are best friends, aren't they. I'm so sorry you all have to go through this. I've had dogs all my life, and it never gets easier to say goodbye. Take care.

Jessie said...

Sympathies to you and your family. Dogs are such a blessing and your post exemplifies that - what a beautiful soul she was.

Love Letters To China said...

My heart aches for you. Molly is so fortunate to be a part of your family.

Big hugs are being sent your way...

xoxo

Football and Fried Rice said...

I am so sorry! What a beautiful tribute to your girl......

the meaklims said...

I'm sorry. Your love for her is so obvious.

Jill

Alyson and Ford said...

What a wonderful tribute to a loved pet (and yes, family member). We cried for weeks when we lost our Salty Dog, they are truly loved and we miss him.
So sorry about your pending loss, you are all so sweet to cherish your time together.

Alyzabeth's Mommy

China Dreams said...

Gail,
I'm so sorry that Molly is sick. Our oldest dog has had breast cancer twice, so every day is a gift. It sounds like you aren't taking any of them for granted. I pray that she will be happy and as comfortable as possible in the time to come.
Ruby

Sharon said...

Such a sweet post. I'm so sorry this is happening, but how lucky for your and your family to have been given the gift of Molly all of these years. She deserves to be spoiled.

Half Gaelic, Half Garlic! said...

I am so very sorry Gail! It is so hard to watch and know your pet is in his last days. They are our family members and it is so devastating...... Such a beautiful post and gorgeous pictures that I know you will treasure always.

My thoughts are with you guys.....hang in there and love on her as much as you can. I know you will.

xoxo,

Lisa

 
© Aging with Grace and strong Will
CoffeeShop Designs