Dear Jack,
Yesterday was two weeks since my old girl died. I have reached the point of accepting the new normal. I don't expect to see her around every corner. For the most part I've stopped crying. Life goes on but it seems a little weird to just move forward as if she was never here.
I'm so sorry for your loss. I understand totally, but if you were her, you would not want you to move forward as if she never existed. It's a fine line between clinging and letting go. You need to learn a new way of integrating her into your life. She is not gone; she is only gone from your sight. She is still in communication with you if you will only hear her, see her, feel her. Try to keep your focus on your heart and not your head and try to be calm and quiet enough so that she can reach you. She will. The day will come because time will heal your heart and, in time, your heart will heal your head.
Love, Jack
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About this letter
This letter is part of Jack McAfghan: Letters From Rainbow Bridge. A reader writes that it has been two weeks since their old girl died and that they have reached the point of accepting the new normal, but it feels odd to move forward as if she had never been there. Jack's reply speaks to that fine line.
What Jack says
Jack says it is a fine line between clinging and letting go, and that the reader needs to learn a new way of integrating their pet into life. He says she is not gone, only gone from sight, and encourages the reader to keep their focus on the heart and be calm and quiet enough for her to reach them. In time, he says, your heart will heal your head.
Keeping your pet in your life
Moving forward does not require leaving your pet behind. Many people keep a framed photo, a favourite toy or a small memorial in the home, tell stories about their pet or mark special dates. These gentle habits help weave your pet's memory into daily life.
