Gratitude & Grief

Grief is one of many things we hold in common. We all do it differently. And while volumes have been written about ways to navigate through it, we consistently land in the reality of walking our hearts through the depth of gratitude and loss.

I’ve been cleaning, purging, and rearranging all week. It’s part of my navigation. All the hidden bones need to be found and removed. The rugs that Oreo had claimed for his own – purge. The place he would go to and wait for me to greet him every time I came home – rearrange.

All of this led to a big haul to the recycling center, and ultimately to rearranging the garage. It makes perfect sense, right? I couldn’t let go of the collars and leashes so I hung them up for a day when I’m ready. Pacing our hearts is a way to walk through loss. I have so much peace about his quick departure – he had a full life and we had some great years! But yeah, I’m keeping his collars for now.

I was looking for a carabiner to hang something in the garage. I have a lot of them so I looked up to see what was hanging and if there is an extra one I can use. At this point I’m on the finishing touches. I’ve hauled off, rearranged, swept…it’s looking pretty good; I just need to hang another thing or two. Where’s a carabiner…..?

My eyes found it and it hit me like a ton of bricks. His life jacket! I didn’t think about his life jacket….and here come the tears.

I took it down and sent it away. Full of tears and gratitude, I took a moment to look through the pictures of our 2020 adventure to the lake.

When it came time for our rhythm of life to “take a break”, our routine had to change in 2020. For the first time we packed up our stuff, including dogs, and headed to a cabin near the lake. We ventured out to let them explore…about 5 miles on the lake with a paddle board and kayak. So much fun!! The two dogs, one so young and the other a little bit “mature”, fully engaged in the whole adventure.

Like everything else, Oreo was cool with whatever was happening on any given day. He wanted to be included. Every day I find something else that was his alone (like bones hidden in the furniture cushions!), and every day I stumble on something we shared….like a lake adventure during a pandemic. A reminder…that keeping rhythms but changing the routine often helps us discover new blessings.

Any routines you’d like to change this summer? You might make a memory that blesses you for the rest of your life!

“I think my God every time I remember you.” – Philippians 1:3

People bring us joy and blessings. Animals do as well. God has been generous and kind to us through all of creation. When Paul writes to the church in Philippi he is full of joy and gratitude for their faithfulness. When this Scripture comes to my mind today, it is because my spirit is full of gratitude for God’s blessing in providing me with a canine companion to do life with for a little while. Oreo helped me laugh and see little joys in life! Who helps you?

God, thank you for all the ways you help us to experience love and grace in this world. Please be near anyone who is navigating through the depths of grief. When it is possible for the memories to return in a way that blesses, please bring them to mind. And when it is not, please comfort the brokenhearted in whatever way is needed. Thank you, Jesus, for understanding the whole of our human experience. We love you and we trust you completely. Amen.

John Hiatt & The Goners- My Dog & Me
https://youtu.be/nDKzxZfqZR8?si=u-0tU39eisa5N0iS