Thank you, one and all, for all your love, prayers and words of condolence. I was especially touched by the stories of other dearly beloved pets who have moved on. I miss my little Yorkie Princess very, very much, but I have peace, because I know she’s free of achy joints and shortness of breath and a host of other age-related illnesses. I still expect to see her in her regular places–at the back door when I come in from a walk or a trip to the store–curled up in her bed beside my massage chair in the living room–in the corner of my office–and I still cry, often with joy, when I remember her antics. I firmly believe it is better to let the tears flow when they will, to be as present to the loss as I can. It’s an ongoing process, of course.
This week’s book winners are Nikki Hiatt and Dorothy Hilton. Your signed books will be on their way soon. Miss Jenni has been away for a few days, which accounts, in part, for my lateness in getting this blog posted. As always, there is a new contest underway; simply comment and you’re entered. Two winners will be chosen at random and announced on this blog on Monday. Or perhaps Tuesday. 
I seem to be in second gear these days.
Life is good–even if it hurts sometimes.
Comment
Congratulations to Nikki Hiatt and Dorothy Hilton!
It is good that you can cry, Linda. I’ve never been able to really mourn the loss of my son, or mother and aunt.
I pray you have a blessed week ahead.
Comment
In re-reading this, it doesn’t sound quite right, so I thought I’d try, again. What I was trying to say is…it is hard for me to cry and to show my emotions, and that I’m glad you can. Grief is different for everyone, and it is easier if you can cry.
Comment
I know that each day get easier as time passes. But still so hard on a person to miss that companionship, and nothing else can fill the void!!
Comment
Nice post. I to especially thought how out of pain my Simon was after he passed. He had terrible joints and I never realized, until after he was gone, that I had not seen him smiling as much during the past month or so of his life. He had always been so smiley and happy and then I realized that he had been crabby and cross with the puppies and knew he must have been in pain.
Just takes time
Comment
Linda,
Tears are such an important part of the grieving and healing process. Thank goodness for your warm and wonderful memories of little Bernice. In time the pain will lessen, until then know that you are in many of our thoughts and prayers.
Sincerely
Dixie
Comment
I’m glad you’re feeling better Linda. Tears are precious to God because He knows that we have huge hearts. I have always been a woman who cries easily and I used to feel like I needed to apologize for it. It’s not a weakness,, it is a strength and a gift from God! No apologies necessary. Have a great week!
Comment
Beautiful post Linda.
Congratulations to the winners and hope you have a peaceful week.
Comment
God Bless you in your grieving! Prayers for you continue! I still miss my dashound that passed away at 14. That was in 2009. He was the boss of my pitbulls. He only had to look at them and they would back up. He was my greastest buddy! Time heals, memories remain! Congratulations to the winners! That is a signature i would love to have!!! Plus an outstanding read. You never disappoint me with your writing! I cannot put your books down! God Bless. Evelyn
Comment
Take your time getting back into first gear Linda. It takes awhile to work through grief and we understand you not being able to concentrate on things.
Comment
My are w/U – I know how much it hurts. I had to let my 16 year old lady lab go in March. However, I truly believe we will be reunited w/them in heaven. Do you have any other dogs/cats to help comfort you? I still have a lab & 2 cats as well as my horse.
Comment
Each day it will get easier. It helps to know they aren’t in pain anymore.
Comment
Sending love, Linda. Congrats to this weeks winners.
Blessings.
Comment
I am so sorry for your loss. I have a 13 year old female dacshund her name is Molly. We are besties and I can’t imagine life without her. I will pray for you, I know it has to be hard.
God Bless.
Comment
Congrats to Nikki and Dorothy on your win. I know your heart is still hurting, but just think about all the cute little things that she use to do and that will help some.
Comment
I’m glad you are feeling better! I miss my fur kids all the time, but it brings a smile when I think of them too. They are such a joy to me.
Comment
Yes, it takes a long time, but gets better each day. I think the
most difficult, physical time I had was constantly stepping over
air when I lost my kitties. They are always under your feet.
I still have dreams about pets I’ve still lost, but they are good
ones. Pets are one of God’s greatest gifts for me. Glad you
are doing a little better.
Comment
So glad you are feeling better Linda. I know how hard it is to loose a pet, we have lost a few over the years and all I can say is it does get better. You will always miss her but hang in there it will get better, just think of the good times.
Comment
Tears is about healing from your loss. Remembering the funny things helps slso. You take care.
Comment
Good to see you back. I know it must be hard.
Comment
Congratulations to the winners.
I still get tears in my eyes when I think of my beloved mare who passed years ago. She lived a very long and happy life, but I miss her to this day.
There’s definitely a heaven for our beloved “furry” companions.
Blessings~
Comment
I am glad you are back “on the job” again. People who don’t have pets don’t have a clue how attached we get to them. They bring much joy to our lives.
Comment
Our little schnauser had diabetis for the last three years of her life. Twice a day every day we gave her an insulin shot.
I was a lot like having a baby to care for, she was worth all the effort and we still miss her.
Comment
Prayers and thoughts continue your way. One day at a time heals all pain.
Comment
I still miss my little dog Cuddles and it has been 10 years
Comment
Its been said that tears are cleansing & healing so you are on your way . You will always have your memories , that is a good thing .. Congratulations to Nikki & Dorothy for their wins last week .
Comment
You are still in my thoughts and prayers. I hope you have a good week. Congrats to the winners!!! Enjoy your books!!!
Comment
Thinking of you, Linda. I have enjoyed the companionship of three golden retrievers during the past several years, and I know how painful their loss is. But I enjoy remembering the funny things they did.
Billiesue
Comment
Have a blessed day.
Comment
glad your feeling better! congrats to the 2 winners!
Comment
It’s so hard, hope you can keep busy, mine sleeps with me and loves to go on walks, I’m not looking forward to the day she leaves. I’m not sure I’d know how to handle it. Here’s to better days.
Comment
I am so sorry on the loss of your dog. I know she was one of your family, and it is like a family member passing. Just keep thinking of all the happy moments you got to spend with her. That is what keeps all of us going when we have a loss. Please keep writing your stories, all of us love you.
Sandy Fincel
Comment
Glad to hear you are feeling better…and the grief process is underway…We never forget our pets , but remember with fond memories…..
Comment
it will take time to get used to not having her around – I always think that it’s harder on those left behind than those that move on.
Comment
Hope you can stand one more comment on losing your Princess. My loss was a blue heeler named Arlene. She lacked 4 months of being 16 when we lost her. I had literally kept her alive for the last four years. When it was obvious that she was checking out on us we took her to the vet to have the deed done. She died in my arms. We brought her home and buried her in the yard. That night when I went to the barn I swore that I heard her toenails clicking on the pavement behind me just like she was still with me. I actually turned around to see if she was there. That was 12 years ago and I still have my moments. My sympathies to you.
Comment
Congratulations ladies ! Enjoy your books. Someone told me that tears are very healthy for you,boy I must be really healthy !
Comment
So happy you are feeling a bit better. Our pets are family and I know you miss her!!!! Have a great week!
Comment
I feel your pain on looseing a loved one. My cat Pugs was with me from the day he was born for 18 years an I still miss him and can see something that makes me think of him an cry or laugh at the same time.
It takes time but it will get better. An crying is always good way to remember someone .
Have a great week. Can hardly wait for a new book.
Comment
it takes a long time to grieve, whether it is for a person or a pet. do not let anyone rush you in the process. keep happy memories of your loved one.
Comment
Hi Linda, I know your pain of loss of a pet I have lost several some through old age as my Miss. T 17 year old Black Lab who just couldn’t stand anymore the Vet said she had a good and happy life, others my Golden Shiloh was killed by a pack of dogs and it broke my heart he was funny and loved to have his hair blow dry and brush his teeth, and recently Bingo who was hit by a hit and run driver. I feel all your pain and loss bu tit will get better I keep their pictures around me and a Loss Companion Quote. I still have not got a new dog yet but I will I see Bingo’s grave everyday but is still to fresh but I am ready for a new one and will always be a Rescue. I love my horses too and when they get sick or get old they are all part of the family. God Bless.
Comment
((( hugs))) Yes, time will heal, but it is not easy… allow yourself to grieve and heal.
Comment
Grief is very individual to each of us, and it’s a healthy part of living each day to its fullest. I still grieve for a pet (dog) I had as a child (I’m now 70), but I mostly look back fondly on what a wonderful friend he was to me.
Comment
Continued prayers and love your way, Linda. A loss of closeness with one who offers unconditional love and acceptance takes tears and time to adjust to your new normal.
(and for me… ok, don’t let WW know, but a couple of Choc covered Krispy Kreme doughnuts doesn’t make it any harder either :->)
Comment
Condolesences to you. I’m sure you will see and hear her in all the familiar places. Let these small blessings be a balm to your heart.
Congrats Nikki Hiatt and Dorothy Hilton.
Did I read that right?
Hyatt [sic] and Hilton are this week’s winners?
Comment
So sorry to hear about the loss of your pet. Pets are so much more than just animals.
I am fairly new to your books, maybe 2 years and cannot get enough. You are awesome Linda and I don’t know why it took me so long to find you.
I just finished the Mojo series and need to ask if another book (#3) is in the works as you kind of left the second book with the possibility of a #3. Could be just me but I thought I detected the potential for another book in that series!!
Keep doing what you do as it makes many of us extremely happy. Thank you for so many hours of entertainment and much more.
Comment
I’m so sorry for your loss of your precious yorkie.