24 Comments
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Barbara V Jabaut's avatar

I relate and could say so much but will sufice to say it touched my heart in many ways. I reminder to "be in the moment".

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

Yes! I need those reminders every so often. Thanks, Barbara

Dorrie's avatar

Sylvia (and Steve) I'm so sorry to hear that Little Stevie isn't doing well again. We all love our pets so much and it's hard to watch them go through a tough time. My cat is my best friend and I'll be lost without her some day. You take care and keep holding Little Stevie until it's clear it's time for him to move on.

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

Thank you, Dorrie. I/we really appreciate your kindness.

hasty hickok's avatar

Sylvia, this is beautiful writing in describing what love is like. So direct. So intimate. Would that we remember to not do the laundry so that we can experience such divine closeness. Thank you for your writing, Hasty

Clare Moss's avatar

❤️

ANNG's avatar

What a beautiful ode to your beloved Little Stevie! And thank goodness you realized the profundity of that moment with David. I had a similar moment with Matthew many years ago that I only recognized in hindsight, to my great regret.

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

I think those moments are most often realized in hindsight. It would be some kind of miracle if we reached the end of our days with no regrets at all! But, at least you recognized the moment later. And the moment was special, no matter when you realized it. Thanks, Ann!

Irene's avatar

I am writing around the huge lump in my throat. I am so sad, and I love Little Stevie too. But I also love the lesson he shares with us, about paying attention to the precious now. I send lots of love your way, and to your family, too. And please give Little Stevie some love and pats from me. He is the sweetest cat. Love and a hug, Irene

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

He IS the sweetest cat. And he has lot of fans -- and also lots of people he loves back -- like you! Taking it day by day over here. He is still cuddling today. Thanks so much, Irene!

Judy Chamberlain's avatar

I was lucky to have some tender final moments with Murphy Brown (BEST dog ever!) as my friend gently euthanized her in my lap. When my mom died, she had been visiting Maine and went back to her home in North Carolina where she had a sudden heart attack and did not survive. A friend said to me, "Oh, Judy! You never got to say any last words to her." My response was instant and from the heart: "There was nothing unsaid between me and my mother." No regrets, just wonderful memories.

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

I remember MB. Such a character! And you and she were a pair. As I recall, she picked you out, right? So often our pets do that. (LS picked me.)

So glad you were not left with regrets when your mom died. That's really special -- and somewhat unusual, too, I think. Grateful that you have wonderful memories of her!

Thanks, Judy

Carolyn Eklund's avatar

Oh Sylvia! I’m reading this late at night my last day in Prague, and I’m full of tears at the news of Little Stevie. What a sweet, soft dear pet. And so many tears we’ve cried for so many pets. Your moving reflections on our losses of all loved ones are grounding for me, through my tears. My heart is with you. 😞🩷

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

Thank you, Carolyn. Yes, he is a sweet, soft little dear. We are taking it day by day. He is still cuddling today, and I am soaking it in. Thank you for your support!

Carolyn Eklund's avatar

Thanks for sharing your cuddle update. I’m so glad to hear from you. I’m with you, my friend.

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

So appreciated! Thank you!

Carol P McCoy's avatar

Hi Sylvia. I’m glad you and Stevie are soul mates. I was thinking about first and last times of sweet things. I’m always wanting a moment to come again rather than savoring a moment. This is a very important lesson. Give a few pets to Little Stevie from me please. Hugs. Carol

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

Oh, I know that longing, too! Savoring the moment takes a little practice, at least for me. I will give him some pets from you. He is still cuddling today, and I am grateful for that.

Harriette Griffin's avatar

Brilliant.

Carol Toroomian's avatar

Such a beautiful post to remind us to Be PRESENT. Sending healing hugs to Stevie and you

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

Thank you, Carol. That means a lot.

Mary Larson's avatar

Dear, dear Sylvia. This is such a beautiful, poignant, loving reflection, and one that is perfect for me to read today. I know, from the first day you met Little Stevie, that you were soul mates. He knows and feels your love every bit as much as you feel his. Much love to you and your whole family as this change comes to your life.

Sylvia Stocker's avatar

Thank you, Mary. Yes, the bond with LS is special -- and I have been crazy about all my pets. There's just something about him. Soul mates, I suppose. That's a good way to describe it. In addition, he is friendly and loving to so many people -- that makes me happy as well.

Taking it day by day. He is still cuddling today. I'll take it!

Thanks so much.