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Mandy Nelson - Dandysound's Blog

She lived and then she died

That subject line is an exact quote from my 3 year old in regards to my 10 year old cat. I don't think I would have gotten through Friday in one piece if it weren't for that 3 year old. On the way home from the vet we both cried and then she said, "Mommy, we need tissues. Lots of tissues. Then we need to take deep breaths, lots of them. And calm down." Then she proceeded with her deep breathing.

All day she followed me with tissues, telling me that I needed to calm down. Sometimes she used the tissue before I did and all I could do was smile. She was right and, while I was hearbroken over the loss of a pet, M had it all down. I guess everything I said to her in the days leading up to this loss had really sunk in (isn't it always surprising to find out that they were listening and that they understand?). She kept reminding me that I was lucky to have loved Sammy The Cat for so long.

The next day, when her grandfather was taking us into Boston to see Annie (her first play and can I just tell you how proud I am of her for sitting through and loving it?!!?) she told him, "Grampa, Sammy The Cat is not coming home again. She lived and then she died."

15 comments so far...

So sorry about Sammy

Flag as inappropriate Posted by KC on 2nd April 2008
Mandy, I'm sorry about your loss of Sammy.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Kat on 1st April 2008
OK, I don't know how I missed this -- so sorry... I hope you guys are all hanging in there. And your daughter is a gem, really.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Nataly on 1st April 2008
Mandy,
What a sweet story. And amazing to see how well your daughter, at 3, handled loss. Speaks to your parenting abilities.

Hope you are feeling better!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Ashley on 1st April 2008
oh dang. sorry to read this!!!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by KathyHowe on 1st April 2008
I'm so sorry about Sammy. It sounds like your little one is a great support piller for you when you need it :)

Flag as inappropriate Posted by The Tattooed Mommie on 1st April 2008
I'm sorry about Sammy. But what a sweetheart you have. I love those moments when I have proof that I wasn't talking to a brick wall.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by klg on 1st April 2008
Thanks for your kind words, ladies! This has been a sad but good experience for our family and I have great peace knowing my purr ball is not suffering. Thanks for the support.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Mandy Nelson - Dandysound on 31st March 2008
Sorry to hear about your kitty.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Diane on 31st March 2008
Sorry for you loss! It never ceases to amaze me how truly wise children are!!!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Jean on 31st March 2008
Sorry to hear about your loss.... but LOVE your daughter's reaction.... so adorable!!!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Victoria on 31st March 2008
Oh wow. I am without words. Thank you for sharing about this. I did that that trip to the vet myself a couple of times, about 20 years ago. I'll never forget it. Whew, was that tough. Kudos to the Munchkin for being as together as she was. And I think you have every right to act as heartbroken as you need to. Hugs coming your way.... - Paula.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by tkd_mama on 31st March 2008