How do you prepare a 5 year old boy to lose a pet? I made an appointment yesterday to put my old cat to sleep in the morning. I will be taking my kids to preschool, then going home to gather his things, and take him into the vet so that I can do this awful task I have ahead of me. I’m steeling myself for it right now. I lost it a little last night, looking at old pictures of him, and seeing just how prominent he has been in my life. How did my cat go from being this fat, healthy shiny sunny being, to being this crumpled, old, cat that can’t move so fast?
I look at his beautiful face, the one with the black eyeliner and black fur collar, and I just don’t know how I’m going to do this tomorrow. I know I will. I know I’m strong enough, but thinking about it tears me in half. I don't want to!
Then, the worst will be yet to come, how do I explain it to my son, to my daughter? I’ve tried to prepare them, but I don’t know how to prepare them, I don’t know how to prepare myself. I’m trying hard not to think of it today, but it keeps creeping in, with slow heavy gnarly fingers grabbing my heart.
I know I’ll be fine, I’m just so sad we have to do this, that I have to do this. I owe it to him though. I will not let him suffer, I promised myself that years ago. Keeping him around now, would be strictly for my benefit, he is sick and old and can’t do anything to help himself. Now it’s up to me.
Peace, OC
It's a tough decision. And, a caring one when the time is right. I found the dog version of this book helpful to little kids:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.amazon.com/Cat-Heaven-Cynthia-Rylant/dp/0590100548
I wasn't quite finished...
ReplyDeleteAnd, it was helpful to me, the blubbering idiot.
Sorry for your impending loss.
wow,oc, i finally could hack info a wifi here in lima and catch up on you. I am so sorry about your dear Oscar. And i would suggest having the children do a little memorial for him, kind of like a service in which they could make little bouquets for him and talk about funny things they remembered about him...and be allowed to cry if need be.
ReplyDeleteBecause its so damn hard going back and forth on this thing, ill comment now on your other posts. Youve really defined yourself this usar. Its a thrilling process to witness in others. I agree with all that you say regarding your children. Our primary responsibility is to teach them life and love. We must also find the tools to teach them about being content in life and that self discovery never ends.
You are doing good, OC.
I'll be returning tomorrow.
Be well.
Just keep saying to yourself, "I am a kind person, doing a kind deed for this cat that I love..."
ReplyDeleteAnd, I agree with mama llama. Let the kids have a memorial service....
Hugs for you. I had to do that with my cocker spaniel. And Rach was with me when I buried her. That was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do.
ReplyDeleteHey sweets - thinking of you this morning. I'm home again today and will be on line if you wanna chat. Be at peace. It is the right thing to do and Oscar knows you love him.
ReplyDeleteMy kids never had pets when they were young and as fate would have it weren't exposed to death all that often either, so on advice...clueless. I will say my thoughts are with you, Oscar and the kids.
ReplyDeleteAnd every sit-com I've ever seen that tackled this subject had the kids, family holding a memorial service. Must be an excellent idea if it was on tv. over & over again. ;)
Peace.
Checking in...hoping you are well and enjoying your Independence Day!
ReplyDeleteBe well, OC.
I am sorry for the decision that you must make. I agree with other comments made here, a memorial service is fitting. Oscar was a large part of your life and must be let go with dignity and respect. sending hugz & prayers, take care, poet.
ReplyDelete