As followers of my blog can attest to, I am a daily reader of my local newspaper. It’s comforting to turn the pages, sip my tea, and view local and world events from my breakfast table. It’s different than watching the news at night or visiting internet sites to get information because of the physicality of the ritual. It’s a time for myself before I swing into my day of partnering with others which I love to do and still – introverts of the world – I know you get me.
And as part of this daily touchstone I also read the obituaries. Which may sound a bit macabre and I do it to see if there’s someone I’ve known whose passing would matter to me. I’ve found some longtime family friends’ notices in there – friends of my parents and parents of childhood friends. Those are part of my personal history so that even though I don’t see them regularly or at all there’s an easing of nostalgia that comes up. I also found once a former boss/mentor’s death notice whose presence in my life at one time was quite significant and profound. I like the opportunity to send my condolences especially if I’m not in the immediate family loop of notifications. And I also like reading about how other humans spent their lives and what their interests were. I’m generally curious about others around me and it feels like I’m honoring them and blessing their transition when I take time to read the details that their loved ones took pains to post. It’s interesting to note that in other countries these notices may be all about the relationships these individuals had with their families and an in-depth reveal of their personalities. My friend, Glenys, from New Zealand, shared with me obituaries from her country once that were more along these lines and in contrast to the US, refreshing.
A few weeks ago in the Denver Post I saw an obituary of a type that I had not seen before. Actually, it was an “In Memoriam” notice where the actual transition is typically months or years ago and the family members are remembering and honoring their loved one’s transition. And in this case it was a honoring of the family member’s birthday. The headline caption of this one read “Baby Bichon Family Name”. That’s right- it was for a dog and there was an adorable photo of a dog with a party hat on his head. The family was effusive in their love and praise of a life well-lived by their beloved canine companion as he was “given an assignment to bring love, happiness, joy and laughter” to the family. The line that was so beautiful in the notice read – “On Dec. 17, 2014, he was called back to Heaven. Maybe it was for a new assignment, we don’t know.”
Call me crazy – I think the world would be a better place if we had more reminders of the very special qualities of unconditional love and compassion Animals bring into our lives and if their transition notices would also appear alongside those of humans. After all, isn’t that what life on this planet is about? Declaring with no holds barred the love we share not only with those biologically related to us and also those with whom we share a heart and soul bond that seems otherworldly in its perfection. It is fitting and important to acknowledge the gifts they shower upon us so readily which are, in reality, a reflection of who we really are. So that at the end of physical life, our energy connection with them transcends even death as it always does. As you read this, I invite you to bless all of those animal companions who have passed away even if it’s still painful for you. Write up an obituary notice as if you were going to post it in your local newspaper and watch the lightening of your heart that occurs. You’re still connected to them, heart and soul and they’ll feel your love as surely as if they were still by your side – always.