Some beautiful words on grief and loss

I just finished listening to a very beautiful book on CD.  It was about an Asian woman who shortly before migrating to Australia adopted a dog from an animal shelter called Max.   The entire book is very soulful and beautifully written, besides telling the story of the relationship between the author Ying Ying and her adopted buddy and best friend Max, it is also a deep contemplation and exploration of the spiritual aspect of animals, of the special bond and part they play in our lives and the ways they can touch us and connect with us at a deep soul level.  I highly recommend it not only to dog lovers but dog lovers will be in tears by the end of it, I can assure you.

The book was especially poignant as I borrowed it from the library shortly before my Mum died a month or so ago and in the past month the one constant companion in my grief has been my beautiful, sassy, spunky, spaniel, Jasper.  He has been the one who sits quietly by me as I shed tears and is the one who reminds me of the joys still to be found in those happy present moments when we can enjoy the summer sunshine along with walks by the canal in the shade of silver birch trees.  It is  often on those walks I think of my Mum,sometimes smiling, sometimes shedding tear.   I remember especially how she would always have some left over morsel for Jasper and of how excited he became as we neared her apartment block.

The final epilogue of the book contains these words on grief and loss.  I must admit I cried to the depths of my soul listening to these words being spoken on the CD today.  I just felt they expressed the depths of grief and loss so poignantly when some one we loved has gone, but especially dogs who seem in their capacity to be fully present able to remind us of how precious life is.  I hope these words speaks to readers.

Do not stay at home and cry.

I am not there

I will not come back

I am the gentle breeze that strolls by in the morning.

I am the autumn rain that drips from the leaves.

I am the full moon that gives light to the darkness.

I am the vast ocean that releases power to your soul.

I am the look of tenderness, the taste of sweetness.

I am the smell of comradeship.

The sound of friendship.

Do not lie in bed and weep.

I am not there.

I will not get you up.

I am found across the park and beyond

I am seen through the happiness and the sorrow.

I am found in the passing waves and the flying seagulls.

I am felt in the soft air and the warm sun.

I am the reason for joy.

Wish for blessing.

I am the vessel for love.

Message for meaning.

Do not be mistaken.

I have gone.

But I am still around.

Ying Ying : Starting With Max.