"Weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning." Psalm 30:5

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

Chessie

Chessie


CHESSIE LIONBERGER
1993-2010

If it should be that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.

For this day more than the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many good years,
What is to come can hold no fear.
You'd not want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me where my needs they'll tend,
Only stay with me to the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time that you will see
It is a kindness you do for me.

Don't grieve that it should be you who decides,
We've been a close family all these years,
Don't let your heart hold the tears.
But smile, for we walked together for awhile.

Author Unknown




Our family adopted Chessie and Sissie seventeen years ago when they were tiny, six week old kittens.  Chessie has been ill for several months - the vet thinks she may have had a form of feline cancer.  The vet was very kind and I was able to hold her the whole time.  But, its been one of those really tough days.

Thanks to my friend, Peggy K, for sharing the above poem.

11 comments:

becki-c said...

Awww, I am so sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

Peg, I was sorry to read about Chessie; you're in my thoughts. Wonderful NYC pics. Nice top!!! Hugs, Linda

Anonymous said...

Peggy, sorry to hear about Chessie but I know she was really sick. You and Janet are in my thoughts.

Barbara

Karla said...

Peggy, I'm so sorry. I have no doubt that Chessie had a wonderful 17 years with you, and that your last decision was entirely for her. My LuckyBoy's luck is running out rapidly, and I'm facing the same decision...probably within days.

Anonymous said...

A tough day indeed. I'm so sorry.
--Robyn

Peggy K in NC said...

RIP Chessie. You were loved on this earth and will not be forgotten by your family. Peggy, you did it right. My condolences.

Unknown said...

Oh Peggy, I'm so sorry to read this. Your friend who was with you through all the changes is gone. God bless and keep little Chessie. She was beautiful.
Love, Janie

Unknown said...

Can totally relate to the loss...and the tough time at the vet...RIP Chessie and Copper

Doris W. in TN said...

I am so very, very sorry that Chessie has gone to the Rainbow Bridge.

nitacrow said...

Peggy, i am just seeing you lost your cat. Gosh, i am so terribly sorry. I know you loved her and it is so darn hard losing our animals we have had forever. You are so incredibly strong....holding her till the end. That my friend is INCREDIBLE...
Hugs, Nita

Anonymous said...

Oh, Peggy, I'm so sorry that you've lost Chessie. Unfortunately, I know what a hard decision that is, but I commend you for being able to make it and to be there until the end. That takes guts, and I admire you for it.

The poem is one of the best I've ever read on this subject.

I remember reading a story one time in which a man was trying to decide where to bury his dog: under a tree ... on a hill ... near the lake ... in the backyard, etc. In the end, he said he would bury him in his heart.

With much love,
Annette