Dear Jack,
I miss how he feels. I just want to hold him. I don’t know how I will get through this. I feel so alone.
Did he have a blanket or something tangible that you can use for comfort? Wrap yourself up in "him." Sleep with his favorite toy. Do whatever brings you comfort and solace right now and don't for a moment wonder if it's weird. Everything is feeling weird for you right now and there are no rules so long as you are taking care of yourself.
Oh Jack, he loved his Teddy Bears.
Teddy Bears are perfect!! Pick the biggest softest one that has his energy in it -- or, heck, surround yourself with all of them! Surround yourself with them until you feel better.
Love, Jack
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About this letter
This letter is part of Jack McAfghan: Letters From Rainbow Bridge. A reader writes that they miss how their boy feels, that they just want to hold him, and that they feel alone. They ask whether he had a blanket or something tangible that could bring comfort. Jack's reply is warm and practical.
What Jack suggests
Jack encourages the reader to wrap themselves up in him, to sleep with his favourite toy and to do whatever brings comfort without wondering whether it is weird, since there are no rules while you are taking care of yourself. He mentions that the boy loved his teddy bears and suggests picking the biggest, softest one or surrounding yourself with all of them until you feel better.
Comfort objects after a loss
Holding something that belonged to your pet, such as a blanket, collar, toy or a piece of clothing that smells like them, is a common and healthy way to cope. Many people keep these items close for weeks or months. There is no right amount of time, and it is okay to keep them for as long as they help.
