Ever have one of those weeks? You know the ones that I’m talking about – where everything that can go wrong does. It’s almost like being in quicksand. The more you try to do, the further down you go. I had one of those weeks recently and it turned out that get well cards was all it took to get me turned around. I know that sounds sappy, but it’s true.
I had a really big presentation at the corporate office in Cincinnati that Monday so there was enough pressure on me already. Then it hits me, my dog of 12 years became very sick. His name was Randy. I say “was” because my little pooch passed away a couple days after the presentation. It turns out he had an issue with his kidneys and they started to shut down.
The Cincinnati presentation did not go as I had planned, with most of my ideas getting shut down. I get home to find Randy very sick. My sister was taking care of him, but there was nothing she could have done. The vet said there was only a matter of days left before I had to make that decision nobody wants to make. So there it was the end of our great run. Randy had gotten me through a lot of hard times – girlfriends leaving, friends flake out – but a loving dog never leaves your side.
I took off Thursday when Randy passed on; I guess it was my day to reflect. It’s hard to lose a part of your family. So the next day you do what everyone else does…get up and go to work, living your life like you’re “supposed” to do. As usual, I got off the train and took that 10-minute walk.
That 10-minute stroll was one of the saddest walks of my life. Then I arrived at my cubicle and saw get well cards from everyone at work. Never could a piece of paper have meant more to me. To know that everyone around me cared enough to think about the loss of Randy made it all the more special. There’s something about people caring that just brings hope to you. So yes, a card can turn your frown upside down.
People without pets will never truly understand how hard it is to lose one. I always questioned whether to send a sympathy card when someone loses a pet but then I thought, why not? They aren’t going to be mad if they got one. It can only do good.
Aww, my eyes well up with tears just thinking about losing my pooch Scruffy. Dogs are members of the family. Sorry for your loss. It’s nice that you had the support of your coworkers.
In my life, I’ve had the unfortunate task of having two extremely wonderful dogs put down and, believe me, there is no worse feeling in the world. Certainly, their suffered ceased and that was a good thing. But still, dogs are often more loyal and much more loving than we humans and to lose that kind of companionship is difficult. Your coworkers should be applauded.
Its so hard to lose a pet. It took me a long time to get over losing my first dog Dave. Eventually you learn to move on.
Ever since I had my children, I have saved every card they ever sent me. They are grown now with families of the own. Whenever I’m missing them, I pull out the precious box of treasured cards, read their scribbled penmanship, and my frown becomes a smile, as I recapture all of th0se childhood memories.
Just a few days ago, I spoke with my cousin who was diagnosed with cancer many years ago. During her recovery, she received endless Get Well cards and placed them in a special decorative box. The card saving tradition must run in our family as she told me she was 5 years cancer free and had saved all of her cards. I remember seeing the cards standing on a large table in her kitchen and admired her for having so many wonderful friends. Well, since she celebrated that 5 year “cancer free” anniversary, she decided to recycle her cards and told me that because of those cards and friends, it made her long struggle a thing of the past.