Goodbye Tony

There are few things in this world that make me go "aaaaaww!" more than a puppy, kitty or baby. A few months after Craig and I were married we weren't ready for a puppy or a baby BUT  when I saw this little face I just had to take him home...

After nearly six years, we had to say goodbye to Tony yesterday. He was our baby before we had babies... He was the only cat I have known that played fetch.

and then loved (and tolerated A LOT of affection) from the girls. He was a seemingly permanent fixture in our beds and laps, never turning down a chance to snuggle.

This was the first experience with grief and loss for the girls. It broke my heart to watch them sob the loss of their furry friend but I felt it was important to explain to them that it's OK to be sad.

We talked about how loved Tony is and how lucky we were to be able to care for him and have him in our family.

We talked about where Tony is now and the girls enjoyed discussing what Tony was doing in heaven, trusting that he is in good hands there and enjoying himself, even if he does miss them.

Love is important and grief is an important and inevitable part of love. I hope the girls will always know that being sad shouldn't stop them from loving.

I have to add a special thanks to friends in our life that made this day and process more manageable for our family... Craig and I were able to say goodbye to Tony knowing our girls were being cared for which was a great relief.