day 2

[chestnutcurls]

I want to thank you all for your nice words about Bun. They're comforting to me. I am blessed with so many caring friends. I e-mailed a few other people yesterday morning, Alli being one of them. She called and left me a condolence voicemail, and then even told our church/RUF friends so I wouldn't have to. Everyone knows how special he was to me, so they (mostly) knew not to be insensitive about the situation. When Matt and Chris got to church this morning, they said, "Sorry about Bun." I was like, "How did you know?" Everyone has been so nice. Thanks.

I spent yesterday at my parents'. Debs had arrived earlier, and we buried Bun in the yard. It was very sad. I was worried about Debra; she's doing okay, but she says this has been the worst week of her life and I don't doubt it. It was hard being at the house all day because we all kept having knee-jerk reactions of wanting to go see him. Ryan came over for dinner, and then Myla came and we played Family Feud. So that cheered us up some and was helpful. I felt better with Ryan there- he's really like part of our family now. Evan had to work all day and then work on the truck, which was difficult because I really needed to be with him. But we talked on the phone and he was very sweet and comforting. His dog, who he'd had for most of his life, had to be put to sleep right after we started dating. It was sudden and he didn't get to say goodbye. So he understood exactly how I felt. After talking to him I felt a lot more peaceful. Really, this is the best way it could have happened. Recently I had started to worry about whether we'd have to put Bun to sleep eventually, and I didn't think I could handle knowing about it before, or seeing him ill. God worked it all out.

I'm doing okay but I keep having sudden bursts of sadness. I made Evan a pie today, which obviously had nothing to do with Bun, but when I was serving it I suddenly thought of him and got upset again. Hopefully I can make it through work tomorrow without making an idiot of myself. Please forgive my endless rambling about a bunny. I'm sure this is funny or dumb to some people, but this is how I feel. :( We had Bun for eight years- the week we got him, I was going through my senior band camp. He always gave me so much joy. He really was like a member of our family. I will always be grateful for the years I had with him. I'm having a lot of questions now about animals and heaven and that sort of thing. I know animals don't have souls, but doesn't the Bible say there will be animals in heaven? The lion and the lamb peacefully together? I know it's symbolic, but could it be literal too? I don't know. Anyway, thanks for listening. I'm going to bed now.

Comments

[tingilya.livejournal.com]

Oh honey, it's not at all funny or dumb. Pets really are a part of the family, and it's often just as hard to lose one as it is a human. I know the time's coming for my Teazer, and I know how hard it is. You just talk about whatever you need to. (((hugs)))

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Thanks Danielle. I really appreciate all your nice words and support. It helps a lot. *hugs*

[thatbeatnikchic.livejournal.com]

I never got to tell you in your other post...but I'm really sorry about all this. I know how much animals become apart of our lives! *HUGS* Love you Brens!

[night-falls.livejournal.com]

I know it's a little late, but I'm also sorry for your loss. I've seen animals become like family members in friends' families, and I know how much they love their pets. The loss of any loved thing is never something to be taken lightly.

*hugs*

[jazzypoet.livejournal.com]

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Brenda}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Bun}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

I am so sorry that I'm late in expressing my condolences, but I just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and your family, and will pray that God gives you a special comfort right now. *hugs*

You know, I've often thought about pets in heaven, and I really do like to think that we'll see our well-loved pets again. It's definitely something interesting to ponder - and to hope for.

Take care, and God bless you!
kim

[balalaika.livejournal.com]

I haven't been on the internet much this weekend but I wanted to tell you how sorry I am. Our Cocker Spaniel had to be put to sleep about a month ago, so the pain of her death is still very fresh to me. I know how hard it is to say goodbye to a pet.

*hugs*

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Thanks. I'm sorry about your dog. *hugs*

[anulyra.livejournal.com]

You go right ahead and talk about bun all you need too. I can be very theraputic. ((Hugs))

As for animals in heaven... If trees and rivers will be in heaven, then animals will be there too. They are part of God's creation. I don't know if our pets will be in heaven because of the soul thing, but we can hope.

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Thanks Jen. *hugs* I'm glad I'm not the only one who hopes.

[my-everafter.livejournal.com]

I don't think it's funny or dumb. I've lost pets before and it is really sad because they do become a part of the family. In fact, it's often so much easier to love them because they don't talk back or criticize you ever. They are just loving and affectionate without any words- only facial expressions to communicate with. And they are oh so expressive too! I love that about pets.
I have the same questions about animals and Heaven, but either way- God is in control and He loves you and will get you through this!

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

That's so true. He always cheered me up just by being there, not criticizing me. :) When I was sad I could always feel better by spending time with him.

[sominfun.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry for your loss.
Hugs,
Lauren

[helenangel.livejournal.com]

Losing a pet is just like losing a member of the family- you have every right in the world to feel sad. -big hugs- I am so sorry about your loss, sweetie. I am here for you and will do whatever I can to make your day better.

[laura8225.livejournal.com]

I don't think this is funny or dumb. I know I've said that I don't have an affinity for animals, but that's probably because I've never gotten the chance to be close to a pet. And I do care about you and your feelings, so I care when something sad happens to you. I know Bun was very special to you. I'm praying for you. *hugs*

[dakoda.livejournal.com]

You feel free to talk about Bun whenever you choose! I can totally relate to your posts, and it's comforting in a way to know that someone is facing the same thing I faced. I too wonder about animals in heaven. I know they don't have souls, but that mental image I mentioned about seeing Norie in the lap of Jesus, it just came straight out of the blue like it was from God, and since then I've always wondered if she's really up there.

God loved Bun just as much as you did, if not more (as God is love and is more overflowing with it than we could ever be), and He certainly cries and hurts with you, as do I. You're in my prayers, it'll get better. Just keep thinking of the happy memories you had with Bun.

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Thanks. That's sweet of you to say. I do feel better knowing that you've been through this too. How long did you have Norie?

[dakoda.livejournal.com]

I had her since I was 7 years old, we had a male and female cat (Solomon and Sheba) and they had kittens, and Norie was one of the two that we kept. So she was around 13 years old. Sadly, we also lost Solomon and the other "baby", Snoots in 2003. It's really a blessing to have Ziggy and Elvis in the house now, since we've always been a cat family.

[keepsmiling74.livejournal.com]

Feel free to talk about Bun all you want. Having lost my beloved kitty cat several years ago and now having Oreo, I can totally understand. I firmly believe there are animals in Heaven, though. I think God has his creatures there, adding enjoyment to eternity. :) One day, Bun and Oreo will meet. :)

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

That last sentence made me smile. Thanks. :)

They'll have this whole bunny conversation: "You're Brenda's bunny? Hey, I'm Lori's bunny! I think our owners were pen pals!" LOL.

[chocomilkbanana.livejournal.com]

Brens -

I am *so* very sorry to hear about Buns. I can totally relate as we (about a month ago) had to put our family dog to sleep, Brandy. He'd been with us through the move from Michigan to Tennessee and was just a sweet little dog. Please don't feel dumb. It isn't - at all.

And I have wondered similarly where animals and Heaven are concerned. I'm not sure as to the answer but it is nice to hope! Sometimes that's all we have.

I love ya', girl. Please know that you (& your family) will be in my thoughts and prayers.

[chestnutcurls.livejournal.com]

Thanks DeAnna! *hugs*