Serenity, Sammy, Sadness, and Spring Renewal

Every spring we look at the renewal of life that surrounds us.  Last week we unfortunately had to put down our beloved pet - Sammy (Samson).  He was in a lot of pain, very weak and not eating or drinking - he was also almost 17 years old.

As anyone who has every visited us can attest to he was a very unusual, unique cat.  He loved water, loved people, loved attention and was very loud (loud mewing, loud purring)  my brother-in-law once referred to his purring as a mack truck in idle position.  I had a very difficult time making this decision, but I didn't want to see him suffer needlessly just because we would miss him.  I did not sleep well that night, I actually dreamt that Sammy decided not to succumb and the drugs that they had given him didn't work and instead he bounced back, but alas it was really only a dream.

That evening I posted our sorrow on Facebook along with a picture of a happy Sammy and was overwhelmed with the response and caring expressed by my Facebook friends and family.

The next day although I was still sad and Hercules (our 2nd cat) followed me all around the house as if he knew something was off, I felt a sense of serenity - that we had made the right decision and that Sammy was in a better place.  Hercules is still a little confused but he's becoming more bold now that his mentor has gone.  Hercules now has his place at the top after spending the past 15 years in the shadow of Sammy.  Life goes on.

Spring has brought renewal and in a few days it will bring together family and friends for Passover. There is a definitive sense of calm, joy and love that surrounds our family seder.  This year's seder will be small for us, but I'm okay with that.  Small numbers do not mean less joy but more talking, more laughter, more singing and more fond memories and of course great food.

I have learned to cherish each moment of these special times.  To find joy and serenity in living each day, to finding the love that family and friends provide and to maintain my serenity at the end of each and every day.  Sometimes it might be a challenge, but mostly it's a joy.

Keep happiness, joy and serenity a daily part of your life.