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On this date, five years ago, I was undergoing a 7.5 hour double mastectomy to save my life from, an otherwise terminal, cancer.
Today I sat here waiting for my Tidge to come home from the pet crematorium.
Life is such a roller coaster ride, one minute joy, the next despair and it seems to me there is a price to be paid for every precious moment of happiness we have and they are all too short lived.
There will be no Christmas celebrated in our house this year, save for my Secret Santa gift and buying gifts for the GK's.................
But next year, God willing, it will be a better year......
Next year, if I am still here, I will go all out......
I will start making everyone's gifts in June........
In September I will make my favourite Christmas cake and pudding.............
I will buy a real tree and decorate it with all the beautiful trinkets collected over the last 40 plus years.....
I will decorate the house and fill it with the sound of Christmas Carols.......
I will roast a turkey and a leg of pork and cherry/pineapple glaze a leg of ham........
I might even try to remember, with a little help from my American friends, how to cook sweet potato with apples and maple syrup......
Then I will invite my family to come and share in my new found joy and resurgence of the Christmas spirit.....
And between now and then I will pray for a better, happier life for all mankind,
I will pray for an end to all wars, a cure for all diseases, food enough to end all famine, an end to everyone's pain and suffering and no more natural or unnatural disasters.......
I will pray for the return of respect, honour, principles and common sense in our communities and our governments.......
and for myself I will pray that all those I love will still be here to celebrate next Christmas.
Hugs and blessings to all, Meg Anne
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Comments (46)
42046✽
I am sorry Meg . I should have remembered. No wonder you txtd me saying you couldnt get your head around a few things. Hope you are feeling cheerier now and tiggie is home. Hopefully see you tomorrow, It will be 41' out west here .... phew, icebath here i will go :)
1 comment
Can't seem to stop crying today, tomorrow will be better.
Depending what time Ray gets home from work tonight, we'll be down in the morning, sometime. will txt you. hugs n love, me
Depending what time Ray gets home from work tonight, we'll be down in the morning, sometime. will txt you. hugs n love, me
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Dear Meganne, I pray with you, next year will become a better year.And for now we have to be grateful you are here making plans, Thankful you survived the day 5 years ago. You are a fighter and an example for many. It's hard to lose a beloved pet. They mean so much for us. Hope your Christmasday will be blessed, even if it's without Tidge, and without a tree, decoration or gifts. Hope you feel and celebrate christmas in your heart and you cherish the happy moments you had with Tidge. Hang in there my friend. Big hugs/love for you.
1 comment
Thanks Gerry.
May you and yours have a safe and blessed Christmas. hugs n wishes, Meg
May you and yours have a safe and blessed Christmas. hugs n wishes, Meg
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Dear Meganne - I am so sorry to hear about Tidge. I know how much you loved your little cat. I am hoping that next year will be a better year for you. Hugs Sarah
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Thanks Sarah I hope next year will be better for everyone who did it tough in 2013.
May you and yours have a joy filled Christmas.
Hugs n wishes, Meg
May you and yours have a joy filled Christmas.
Hugs n wishes, Meg
25546✽
Dear Meg, you said that all so beautifully. You are very special to me and always will be. The photos are lovely and I know you will never forget Tidge..pets are also so very special and important to us. I remember so much of your 5 year struggle with your illness, how you kept us all up to date and no matter how far down you were you were always building up some Cutie on here at the same time. You are a One Of A Kind.
I love you dearly so don't feel alone until Ray gets home know my thoughts are with you. I will pray for you also as you are one heck of a person and a strong survivor. Take care my Cute Friend, lots of hugs and much love Kerry
I love you dearly so don't feel alone until Ray gets home know my thoughts are with you. I will pray for you also as you are one heck of a person and a strong survivor. Take care my Cute Friend, lots of hugs and much love Kerry
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My heart is hurting for you and your loss. I hope that next year is a much better year for you. Hugs, Ruthie
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I am SO priviledged to have met and spent time with you & your beautiful fluffy children. I know how you are feeling and hope you are able to remember the 'best' times. You love and care for these creatures God has sent to you, in a wonderful and compassionate way. Our love and blessings.
Helen & John
Helen & John
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I got goose bumps and a tear in my eyes, after reading what you have written. Thank you, Meg Anne. Hope that next year will be better than this year for everybody, I agree with what you have written. Also, wish you a serene Christmas and a better New Year.
Hugs, Lidia
Hugs, Lidia
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Well darling, I couldn't have said it any better and I know 2014 will be a fantastic year for you all. I'm glad you have Tidgy now along with Mishka's ashes. I bet Spanky is feeling a bit bewildered and of course with your new little kitten Tao I bet Spanky's keeping a low profile. New kittens are always fun and boisterous.
Congratulations too, on surviving cancer it's been a long hard battle and you've come through it with your indomitable fighting spirit.
On another note, I can't thank you and Ray enough for letting me be part of your inner circle of friends. With Polly as your BFF and me as your second best FF you can be assured of our love and help anytime you need it. God bless you both and I'll hopefully see you next week. It's been a bit hectic here over the past week with us just getting back from holidays and keeping Mum's appointments! Love to you my friend.
This is one of my all time favourite quotes! You've got to sing it like Bette Midler though!!!
Congratulations too, on surviving cancer it's been a long hard battle and you've come through it with your indomitable fighting spirit.
On another note, I can't thank you and Ray enough for letting me be part of your inner circle of friends. With Polly as your BFF and me as your second best FF you can be assured of our love and help anytime you need it. God bless you both and I'll hopefully see you next week. It's been a bit hectic here over the past week with us just getting back from holidays and keeping Mum's appointments! Love to you my friend.
This is one of my all time favourite quotes! You've got to sing it like Bette Midler though!!!
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That is what I said last year, I am doing my bleepin best! Glad you are alive, meganne - Stay that way, friend. Hugs to you
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Dear Meganne,
There are times in life when the road trip has many twists and turns, you get a flat tire or the engine overheats. Remember that at the end of that sometimes difficult road your journey has made you stronger, wiser, more determined and once the dust settles, appreciative of what you have discovered along that road trip. That you have overcome the dreaded Cancer is a tribute to all your qualites. Losing
your furry friends must be heartbreaking but remember they are always with you in your heart. So chin up, give 2013 a good big kick in the A---, and look forward to all that is great in life, good health, the love of family and friends (you have many right here) and the joy of being alive.
Big hug
Michelle
There are times in life when the road trip has many twists and turns, you get a flat tire or the engine overheats. Remember that at the end of that sometimes difficult road your journey has made you stronger, wiser, more determined and once the dust settles, appreciative of what you have discovered along that road trip. That you have overcome the dreaded Cancer is a tribute to all your qualites. Losing
your furry friends must be heartbreaking but remember they are always with you in your heart. So chin up, give 2013 a good big kick in the A---, and look forward to all that is great in life, good health, the love of family and friends (you have many right here) and the joy of being alive.
Big hug
Michelle
1 comment
said perfectly!
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My dear Meganne, My prayers are sent to you to ease this time.
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Oh Meg I am so sorry to hear that. When I had put my Floehchen to sleep there was no christmas for me too. Our little furry friends have a special place in our hearts and that will never change even if the pain decrease...
Thinking of you very often. Wihs you although a Happy New Year and may 2014 be a better year :o)
Hugs, Bettina
Thinking of you very often. Wihs you although a Happy New Year and may 2014 be a better year :o)
Hugs, Bettina
30656✽
Dear Meg: You have had too much sadness in the last few years, may 2014 be the beginning of happier times for you and your new little fur friend. My thoughts and prayers are still with you.
Hugs Jerri
Hugs Jerri
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Meganne, I, too, have had many losses in 2013, and it has been most difficult to get into the "Christmas spirit"! Sorry about your furry friends, but happy that you are a "Survivor"!! Praying that all of us Cuties have a much better year in 2014 filled with much joy and laughter! Life isn't fair, but it is still GOOD!
Hugs to YOU!
Angel
Hugs to YOU!
Angel
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by
basketkase
19 Dec 2013
+12✽
Meg, I feel your lose, you know I understand it!!! What a beautiful girl and I know your memories of her are going to help you along with your grieving.......your message and prayer for mankind is heartfelt and selfless.........my wish for you is to get through your grieving period, how ever long it takes, and to make new memories....
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I empathize with you. I lost 2 of my kitties this year- one from age who showed up on my doorstep many years ago on Christmas Eve as a tiny starving kitten and the other who was fatally injured by a dog who got off leash, came into my yard and attacked him as he napped in his favorite spot in the sunshine as he had been doing for more than 12 years.
Hugs!
Hugs!
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by
dailylaundry
19 Dec 2013
+12✽
It is true, Meg. Some Christmases are simply difficult. We are human and are prone to act on our emotions. Your plan to celebrate next year is a good thing. If we didn't feel things, what a sad world it would be. You are allowed to feel the way you do without any guilt. Know though how much you are loved. Hugs, Laura*
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by
dragonflyer
19 Dec 2013
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Dear Meganne, I pray that 2014 will bring much good health, happiness and strength to you...it will be a wonderful year for you...
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Dear Meganne,
I don't know you, but I saw your post and I just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you. You've been though so much, and I know that our furry friends help us get through our difficult times in life. It is so devastating when we lose them. They are all individuals each one has very special loving traits. I know it may be to soon to think about, but remember there are hundreds of thousands cats and kittens out there that need someone to love them. They would not be a replacement Because Tidge can never be replaced and will always be in your heart. But you can give another sweetheart a warm and loving home. and in return they will give you unconditional love, and the strength to push forward toward a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year because after all you have to feed them and take care of them .lol My name is Jeannette and I live in Rochester, New York . I lost my beloved boxer, Dutchess 2 years ago I was a basket case I couldn't mention her name without crying we were very close. my son brought me another dog 3 months after her passing. I didn't want it, I wasn't ready. but she needed me. And it turns out I needed her too. I wish you Health, Happiness, and Many Blessings
I don't know you, but I saw your post and I just wanted you to know my thoughts and prayers are with you. You've been though so much, and I know that our furry friends help us get through our difficult times in life. It is so devastating when we lose them. They are all individuals each one has very special loving traits. I know it may be to soon to think about, but remember there are hundreds of thousands cats and kittens out there that need someone to love them. They would not be a replacement Because Tidge can never be replaced and will always be in your heart. But you can give another sweetheart a warm and loving home. and in return they will give you unconditional love, and the strength to push forward toward a Merry Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year because after all you have to feed them and take care of them .lol My name is Jeannette and I live in Rochester, New York . I lost my beloved boxer, Dutchess 2 years ago I was a basket case I couldn't mention her name without crying we were very close. my son brought me another dog 3 months after her passing. I didn't want it, I wasn't ready. but she needed me. And it turns out I needed her too. I wish you Health, Happiness, and Many Blessings
1 comment
what a terrific story thank you for sharing it here with all of us!
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by
bettytaylor
19 Dec 2013
+10✽
Meganne, you've touched my heart yet again with your words. Wish I could be sitting there with you today instead of sending hugs through cyberspace. Betty
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sharonleekesner
19 Dec 2013
+9✽
God Bless you. Your letter really woke me up. I'm going to go read it again. I too have had a pretty rocky health road for five years. Things are looking up, I can walk without a walker and so much of the pain is gone. I Love the idea of having the splendid dinner with all the trimmings and inviting the family. Beats being lonely and forgetting ones blessings. Thank you. Sharon
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You have good memories and cute pictures of your Tidge. Hope this coming year brings you joy and new memories.
17214✽
Dear Meganne - as you face this Christmas with sadness in your heart but with great hope for the future you give me inspiration. I feel so sad for you with the loss of your dear, dear friend, Tidge. I feel so glad for you that your strength and courage have overcome your cancer and have given you so many more years to celebrate your life.
I, too, have difficulty this year in raising enthusiasm for the Christmas 'trimmings' but as I read your message I suddenly realized that this is the Christmas Don and I have and, if I don't 'seize the day', that day might be the one I should have seized.
Your message of hope for the future is a strong one, an honest one, and I thank you for giving me this 'wake-up' call; a call which will release my mind from the smallness of me and open it to the world around me, a world which needs sincere concern and help.
I have great hopes and plans for the coming year, too, but I now have renewed determination to make this Christmas as happy a time as I can for all around me for this is the one I have.
Your love of life has been an inspiration to me and I thank you for sharing it with me and I wish you Christmas Peace this year.
Much love - Alma.
I, too, have difficulty this year in raising enthusiasm for the Christmas 'trimmings' but as I read your message I suddenly realized that this is the Christmas Don and I have and, if I don't 'seize the day', that day might be the one I should have seized.
Your message of hope for the future is a strong one, an honest one, and I thank you for giving me this 'wake-up' call; a call which will release my mind from the smallness of me and open it to the world around me, a world which needs sincere concern and help.
I have great hopes and plans for the coming year, too, but I now have renewed determination to make this Christmas as happy a time as I can for all around me for this is the one I have.
Your love of life has been an inspiration to me and I thank you for sharing it with me and I wish you Christmas Peace this year.
Much love - Alma.
1 comment
beautifully said Alma!
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by
blueeyedblonde
19 Dec 2013
+7✽
Sorry for your loss Meganne. With time it will be better. Your fur babies will always be with you - in your heart and mind. Take care.
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I know how you must feel, cause I am in much the same spirit. Next year things will look brighter, and I will look forward to a lot more of what I usually am. My DH took so much with him when he went to Heaven, and holidays are really hard this year. Love you and miss you Meganne, and Pray for the best for both of us, and a lot more out there. Hugs, Judy
1 comment
You too are in my heart & in my prayers dear Judy! Husg Loralye
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by
grossfamilie
20 Dec 2013
+6✽
It will get better - what you have planned and described so well above will help to heal your soul and comfort your heart. Sadness and morning belong to our life. Sometimes we hate that we are so able to feel and have emotions. But it is necessary for our mind - and the good thing is we also have positive feelings. Mountain and deep valley, up and down - you are going through this. Recently our "black panther" disappeared and Monique, one of my daughters who just at this time went away to go to Southafrica cried so much about our cat
(myself too). I tried to comfort her and said another cat may be happy to come in our house after some time; in Germany many animals are brought to sanctuarys short before Christmas or holidays because owners want to get rid of the "old" ones and get
baby pets as gifts. How cruel is that? Therefore, we always got our cats as adults from animal shelters. But yesterday evening Blacky came back home and I sent an email straight to Monique in Cape Town. I cross my fingers for you and pray - maybe after a time of being sad you can decide to give another cat a new home and love.
Wishing you all the best - there are many Cuties thinking of you
Maria
(myself too). I tried to comfort her and said another cat may be happy to come in our house after some time; in Germany many animals are brought to sanctuarys short before Christmas or holidays because owners want to get rid of the "old" ones and get
baby pets as gifts. How cruel is that? Therefore, we always got our cats as adults from animal shelters. But yesterday evening Blacky came back home and I sent an email straight to Monique in Cape Town. I cross my fingers for you and pray - maybe after a time of being sad you can decide to give another cat a new home and love.
Wishing you all the best - there are many Cuties thinking of you
Maria
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by
graceandham
20 Dec 2013
+5✽
Rest in Peace, Tidge from Betsey, Sugartoes and W.C. (Wild Child) Maybe we get the "up", happy events as our reward for toughing it out through the hard parts? In an especially hard year, I learned to pray a tough prayer - Lord, I know you said you wouldn't give me anything I couldn't handle, but do you think you could ease off just a bit?
1 comment
he gives us each just what will make us all that much stronger, & it could always be worse. Enjoy every moment of every day the good & the bad because without them what would our life be but an empty place. He gives us struggles because he KNOWS we can handle it & I pray we never give up trying
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One beautiful cat!! I miss all my animals from the past, even to my child hood and each is stored in a special place in my heart and I can bring them into my dreams and have them forever. Kay
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by
emily16838
20 Dec 2013
+5✽
Oh Meganne, What a great wish for the new year. So sorry for you loss....I weep with you
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I am so sorry you lost her. We had to have our beloved Mousie put down in March and it's been so difficult. We have three others we love dearly and help with the pain but some animals are very, very special. Your prayer was beautiful. I wish all the best for you in the new year and you'll be in my prayers, too. As one survivor (3 years) to another I'm sending hugs and love, Dana
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So sorry for your loss. It is so hard to lose a loved one, and cats have a way of becoming soul mates. But, through all your pain, remember that you were so blessed to have shared in your precious Tidge's life. No one can take those wonderful years away from you and you will always have such special memories. In time you will be able to look back on the happy times you shared and smile. Now you need to grieve. You are a survivor and you will get through this. The sun will shine again and life will be good. Your prayer is so touching, so heart felt. Next year will be a better year for you. Sending lots of love and hugs to you. Sharon xxx
30988✽
IT This time of year that my brother lost his six year old daughter one day before her birthday, i had to go and remove all her birthday gifts that was unopened, before they got home from the hospital. . never a good time for sad things when every one else is happy. I feel for you. xxx
hugs pam.
hugs pam.
2 comments
Pam I remember your beautiful niece, I saved a photo of her and cried many tears over her loss. Some things affect us more deeply than others and I still think of her as she reached out to touch my heart through her photo. Hugs and blessings to you and your family.
my heart aches for all of you!
148938✽
Meg, let me start with send you a Hug, a BIG hug over to you.. Life is not fair sometimes. You simply can not understand why things happen. You only can accept them and try to give them a place in your life. In this case a special place. It it hard to lose someone dear. And especially our animals. 'Cos true love is always given from them. No faking and that"s what always makes them remembering so good. You know you loved them and they loved you back. Cherish it in you heart. Xxx Linda
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by
hightechgrammy
20 Dec 2013
+2✽
Meganne, I have been with you as you have struggled to enjoy the last couple of years with Tidge, You have done a great job rejoicing in each new day with her. I lost my kitty, my dear Crackle this year. She loved Christmas, and especially the tree. I am as sad as I can be over losing her. But, I decided I am not going to let losing her, ruin this Christmas for my my family. This will be the last Christmas my Mother will enjoy as she has Alzheimer's. She still remembers each person, just barely, but she does. My dad is participating more in Christmas than he ever has! Finally, he knows what all it takes to "do" Christmas. Five years ago you were fighting for your life, Meganne - and God granted you those five more years! What a miracle! This Christmas, just as all of the others since then, is HIS gift to you. You of all people would say to any one of us, "How can you not celebrate the Miracle of HIs Birth? Perhaps you cannot throw your whole heart into the hectic celebration of our savior's birth, but maybe this is the year to just concentrate on the real meaning of His gift to us. There may not be another Christmas for a few of us. I don't think there is one single Cutie here, who hasn't had some sorrow this year. No one loves their fur-babies more than I do. I am choosing to celebrate the joys of the season, to focus on the true meaning of the Gift of our Lord and Savior. I hope and pray that you are able to find some joy also. Love and hugs, Jan
1 comment
another beautiful photo!
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I am so sorry for the loss of your pet, they are family too I know. I'm wishing you many blessings at Christmas and always and hoping for a better New Year too, hugs, Sharon
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by
hightechgrammy
21 Dec 2013
+3✽
This is the photo I wished I had posted...
2 comments
Thank you so much Jan.
When Mishka died in July I realised I had no photo's of us together so these ones with Tidge are priceless and I love the way you have framed it.
I miss my babies so much. for a long time it was just them and me, we were inseparable and they kept me going, I kept going for them. Now there is only the dog left of that time and she is ageing, (deteriorating) rapidly.
I'll print this photo and frame it. much love, Meg
When Mishka died in July I realised I had no photo's of us together so these ones with Tidge are priceless and I love the way you have framed it.
I miss my babies so much. for a long time it was just them and me, we were inseparable and they kept me going, I kept going for them. Now there is only the dog left of that time and she is ageing, (deteriorating) rapidly.
I'll print this photo and frame it. much love, Meg
a beautiful photo!
10494✽
So sorry for your loss. I lost my dearest furry friend right before we left for China, and her sis was gone when we got home. I love your declaration for 2014. I hope it all comes true.
So good to see you posting. I miss you
Hugs
Terri
So good to see you posting. I miss you
Hugs
Terri
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by
christracey
21 Dec 2013
+3✽
Oh so sorry to hear of Tidge's passing. You will meet each other again at Rainbow Bridge. It is very hard to loose a furbaby as they are deffinately a part of the family. Celebrate the season in which ever way you feel is best. If only your prayers for the new year would come true the world would be a better place for sure.
Take care & remember Tidge will be looking down on you.
Take care & remember Tidge will be looking down on you.
26714✽
So sorry for you loss, pets are part of the family and we love them and care for them as equal, this is a very hard time for me too, this year we would have celebrated our 30th anniversary, it is my DH 70th B day it is very difficult to cope with the loss of a love one, hope the best for you!
1 comment
I am sending you a ciber hug Mary that stops when you want it too but stays as long as you want it too! HUGS Loralye
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by
claudenicolas
21 Dec 2013
+4✽
Dear Meganne, I am sorry for your lost of your Tidge I understand your sadness, because I have lost there is 2month ago, my old cat Gigi, she was 21years old, and she was the last pet at home that my poor dear husband had known. Our pets are a part of our family, and they will remain always in our hearts.
But you must not forgot that Christmas is a day for hope.
Hugs and love from Claude
But you must not forgot that Christmas is a day for hope.
Hugs and love from Claude
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My dearest Meg, How well I remember this date and the magnificient courage you had. My hear aches for your loss, being a cat person myself I know how your feel. I lift you up to my precious Lord asking comfort for you and peace for your aching heart. You are loved on this side of the world and always shall be. If I could cook those sweet potatoes and get them to you I would. Much much love/Lillian
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So sorry to read about your dear Tidge. I share your pain! Hugs and God bless you as you grieve. ro
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Your strength & encouragement have helped me to get through my daily life! You inspire me too so I hope that I can do the same for you my dear friend! one day at a time Love Loralye
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