Experiencing grief

This summer we lost a precious little pup member of our family. Our beloved little Gus (or Gusy Gus as Annaliese called him) passed away. I didn't blog about it when it happened. It was too hard. Too tragic.

It was the first time my kids experienced grief. It took me a little time to realize it. It hurt my son especially. There's something about a boy and his dog. He cried and it broke my heart. The next day he told me"I don't know what this feeling is. Every time I think about Gus I cry, and it hurts here". (pointing to his chest) I had to explain to him that he was greiving. Such a difficult concept to grasp.

Annaliese has finally stopped going outside calling for him.

The really crazy part.....he dreamed it before it ever happened. About 1 week before it happened. He woke up telling me Gus had died in his dream. I told him his dog was fine, and it was only a dream. Now how can I tell him his dreams are just dreams now?

The day it happened I called a neighbor where Gus frequently visited. He had just spent several days on their property and I wanted to let her know. We discussed what the possibilities where of why he may have died, and then she mentioned to me her cute english bulldog had been gone the same day Gus was gone. We were sure the friends went off on a rendevous. She told me there could be the possibility that her dog was pregnant.

She called me last week to let me know.....her dog is expecting...due in a week or two....and most likely our Gus is the daddy!! She's going to allow us to have first pick of the pups. The kids are so excited. While it won't replace our Gusy Gus, we're happy to be able to bond with another puppy that is a part of him.

There was a part of this experience that made me not want to have another pet....ever....

It was hard to watch the kids go through the grief.

But I realized what a teachable moment it had become.

We talked about death. About heaven. And the joy of heaven.

And who before us is in heaven.

And how Gus is playing with all of them right now...chasing his tail....

They were able to experience the grieving process and come to understand what loss was......

Before they ever had to experience it through losing a family member.

I know they will someday. It's a fact of life.

So I'm thankful for our sweet Gus.

And the joy he gave to our family.

And the joy he left behind :)