Dear Jack,
I prayed so hard on this. I was thinking at that time that he didn't want to leave me because I was so distraught. Like he wanted to stay and make me happy... I felt terrible. But when it was time for him to go, I couldn't be okay enough to tell him I'll be fine, release him, letting him know that he can go on in peace. I'm sorry for that. It's like he was holding on for me.
Yes, we often do that. We stay as long as we can if we think you need us. Don't dwell on it, for it is behind you and it is no longer reality. It’s just a thought from the past inside your head. All that matters is the love in your heart right now. That’s all that ever mattered.
He knows everything you feel. He knows how much you love because he communicates with you even now. You live and you lose and you learn. You know now. This is one of the things your boy has taught you. Let it go and just feel the love for him. That's all he is feeling for you.
Love, Jack
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About this letter
This letter is part of Jack McAfghan: Letters From Rainbow Bridge. A reader prayed hard over their pet's last days and worries that their boy did not want to leave because they were so distraught, as if he was holding on for them. They feel terrible that they could not tell him it was okay to go. Jack's reply is gentle and reassuring.
What Jack says
Jack agrees that pets often stay as long as they can if they think we need them, but tells the reader not to dwell on it because it is behind them and is just a thought from the past. He says what matters is the love in the heart right now, that the pet knows everything the reader feels, and that the reader has learned something their boy taught them: let it go and feel the love.
Letting go of what you wish you had said
Many people replay their final days together and wish they had said or done things differently. Writing your pet a letter, saying the words out loud, or sharing your feelings with someone who understands can help you feel that the goodbye is complete.
