" My Letters to Bo "

When destiny calls you- you must be strong, I may not be with you but you have got to hold on.....You'll Be In My Heart....I'll be with you and there for you always. Just look over your shoulder....I'll be there....ALWAYS

From "You'll Be In My Heart" by Phil Collins

You were my "Sweetie" for so long, now you are my "Special Angel" waiting for me at Rainbow Bridge.

When my best friend left me to make his journey to Rainbow Bridge, I was totally unprepared for what changes would occur in my life and within myself. The emptiness and the loneliness of the days to follow were devastating and at times I felt I couldn't go on. I was grasping for things to help me and give me any type of comfort and relief from what I was feeling. It was through one of the cat magazines that I subscribe to that I saw a book written by Linda M. Peterson called "Surviving the Heartbreak of Choosing Death for Your Pet." When I received and began to read this book the suggestion was given to write letters to your friend. It was noted that writing could be a big help in relieving some of the grief. Many types of letters could be written- - Thank you letters, Good-bye letters, etc. It was at this time that I began to write letters to Bo. They have been a source of comfort for me and an emotional release. I want to share some excerpts of them with you in hopes that my experience can help someone else. These letters will be the beginning of some more pages that I want to do on Pet Loss. I am not a therapist or any kind of authority in this matter, just one who has been through the loss of a precious friend and wants to help others.

Please keep in mind these are only excerpts not the letters I have written in their entirety so they may seem fragmented at times.

November 11, 1998

Dear Bo,

It has been almost a month now since you have left me for Rainbow Bridge and I miss you just as much as the first day. I want to tell you of all the joy and happiness you brought to my life. Whenever I was down and alone I could count on you. My heart would have such joy at the end of each day as I would pull into the driveway and see you looking out the window waiting for me. Of course you wouldn't be there long, you'd be gone in a flash to make your way to the door to greet me. I would pick you up and you'd put those paws around my neck and just shower me with kisses. How I miss that!! I want to thank you for enduring all those tests and trips to the vet. And please forgive me for any discomfort I caused you for my own sake.

Love, Mom

November 13, 1998

Hi My Sweetie,

Today was a bad day for me, I thought about you so much. On the way home from work today I heard the song "How do I live without you." As I tried to see through my tears I am still trying to figure out how I am going to do that. Sometimes I feel like I don't even want to. Just days ago I had so much joy and now all I have is this sick empty feeling. I wish I could hold you and bury my face in your soft fur and look into those loving eyes of yours. I have some of your fur clippings and I touch them to feel closer to you. I wear my little "Bo" angel pin, Breana likes to pet it!! She misses and says she loved you too.

Love, Mom

November 18,1998

Sweetie,

Its been a few days since I have talked to you but that doesn't mean I miss you any less, it means I am trying to pull myself together a little more. Sunday was a really bad day, I washed your rug in the kitchen and the memories just flooded over me. I guess you have seen Zena by now, I didn't think you would want me to be alone and she needs someone so badly. I went to pick her up at the vet today and that was so hard. I talked to the vet for a while and he assured me that I did the right thing that you were ready for Rainbows Bridge. I only wanted to do what was best.

Love, Mom

November 26, 1998

Hi Sweetie,

It was Thanksgiving Day today and the house was full with all the hustle and bustle but I still feel so alone without you. The weather was so nice, you would have loved the fresh air from the open windows. Finally, I just had to get away so I went out to the yard to your resting place and sat on the swing awhile. The pansies I planted look so pretty and the birds are singing but my song is gone. I feel an awful emptiness inside and sometimes I feel numb. You were my pride and joy and my best friend. I know my life was blessed by you but why couldn't you stay longer?

Miss you terribly,
Mommy

December 5, 1998

Hi Bo,

Nothing in my life is the same without you, it is so hard to believe you have been gone almost two months. It seems like yesterday and sometimes I still expect to see you in the window as I drive up in the driveway. There were several birds out this morning at the feeder I put by your memorial in the yard, I know they must miss your handsome face. And the yellow cat next door comes by several times a day, he hisses at Zena! Sleep in peace my baby, your chair still stands empty.

Love, Mommy

December 12, 1998

Dear Bo,

It's been two months today since you left me. It's a gloomy morning, kinda how my life is without you. There are so many birds out this morning, even a snowbird. Sometimes it seems so long since I have held you and other times it seems like only yesterday. I loved you so much.

Love, Mommy

December 14, 1998

Hi Sweetie,

It's a gloomy Monday and I miss you more than ever. I spent some time today decorating your resting place for Christmas, I never would have thought this is how I would be spending the holidays- - -without you, my baby. You are always in my heart and thoughts. I think so often of your hugs and kisses - - your gentleness. Sleep well my love

Love, Mommy

December 24 - 25, 1998

My beloved Bo,

The festive season is almost over which is fine with me. It is just not the same when you can't enjoy it with your heart. On the outside people think I am okay but inside I am aching and empty. Met with Kay and Anna today about the pet loss support group. Christmas Day now- - -I came out to see you this morning and would never have imagined that I would be here at your resting place feeling such pain. I don't feel whole without you. You loved me so unconditionally and could comfort me when no one else could. I cry endless tears- - all in vain they won't bring you back. I miss that handsome face and your paws on my shoulder, your scratchy tongue kissing my tears away.

Rest well my baby

December 30 - 31, 1998

My Sweet Boy,

Guess you have seen the winter wonderland outside today. The flakes are so big, how you would have enjoyed watching them with Mommy. Zena just runs under the bed! I sure could use a hug from you. Zena sneaks in your chair I think when I am at work but she won't when I am home. Wish you could tell her to be a little more lovable. Well, 1998 was not a very good year. Lost my job and my joy- - you of course. I must face going into the new year without you, I still feel this huge void and sometimes seems life is just a chore. I did get this new bird clock from Bill and Deb for Christmas. Every hour it makes a new bird sound, you would have liked it. Always remember I love you and will remember you always.

Rest well, My Friend

This flame is a symbol of the undying love that I shared with Bo and for all those who have lost a precious friend to give us comfort that their love lives on in the legacy they began.

This special rose came from my friend Carole and is a symbol of the hope that we have in a new tomorrow when we all we once again be gathered together with those precious furry friends that have gone on before us.

Listed here are some touching tributes to some precious friends