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How to Find the Beauty in Loss
Mindfulness, gratitude, and a new attitude balanced the sadness and emotional pain
My world stopped when a medical emergency befell my elderly cat two weeks ago. I paused writing, stopped streaming Netflix, and lost my appetite.
Everything seemed unimportant in comparison to Tara’s medical crisis. I managed to get her to an urgent care veterinarian the following day. They’re rare where I live in Hawaii, won’t accept every animal in dire need, and don’t work evenings and weekends.
My cat’s crisis seemed to come out of the blue, given her good check-up and normal blood values five weeks prior. But she was 18, and the physical body does not continue forever.
Once Tara was ensconced in compassionate care, I faced an excruciating decision.
Over the coming days, I also questioned my automatic emotional reactions and re-examined my beliefs about death. I found comfort in mindfulness meditation and gratitude in between bouts of sadness and grief.
At first, I cried and cried and cried. My mind swirled with endless thoughts about my options.
My sisters, two best friends, and ex-husband offered their unstinting support. But ultimately, I felt alone with his painful decision.
