A staff member at the veterinary clinic we took Biscuit to called yesterday to say that her ashes were there to be picked up, whenever it was convenient. I’m grateful it’s just a short drive away, and that we arrived before they closed for the day. If we hadn’t, we would’ve had to wait until tomorrow to get them since they’re closed on Wednesdays.
I had no expectations about this entire process (putting a pet down while away from home) and it was the unknown that I feared. But if there’s such a thing as a ‘perfect experience’ in such a situation, this would be it, starting with my neighbor who just happened to walk up to me and tell me all about his very same experience that morning. The fear that I’ve harbored—what would happen if we had to do this while on the road—turned out to be a phantom emotion because the Rockport Veterinary Clinic made the process about as easy as it could be. I am so very grateful to all the compassionate staff who helped us through this very tough time.
All morning I’ve felt sad and tears flow unexpectedly, but it’s ok. Stuffing my feelings and abusing alcohol was how I used to deal with pain, and I’m so grateful that the thought of numbing myself hasn’t entered my mind (other than the awareness that that was no longer an option.) It wasn’t all that long ago that something like this would have been the perfect excuse to drink myself into oblivion, but I’ve learned that adding alcohol to any situation only makes it worse. I’m grateful that feeling sad is just being human, and I give God all the glory for keeping me sober.
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee ~Isaiah 43:2
