GA 12/23 - Gabby is flying free

Sienne, I am so sorry for the loss of your precious Gabby… I have only been on this forum a short time and it does not take long to know that you and Gabby have been a huge part of helping others. Tears are flowing down my face as I search for words to type…. there are no words just heartfelt condolences and much love and peace coming to you from our family here. I am so sorry-fly free and land softly sweet Gabby….

 

Honey, I am so sorry. Sending many loving vines to help you through this time.

 

Lighting a ring of candles for your beloved Gabby.

The circle of love never really ends.

{{{{Cheryl}}}}

 

My heart is hurting and I am crying for you, Sienne. I'm so sorry. Fly free, sweet Gabby. You have many friends waiting for you at the bridge.

 

It poured a couple hours ago and it just reminded me of all the tears flowing.

Now I know why it's raining out there.

 

(((Sienne))), I am so sad for you. We never have them long enough. It's so hard to give that last gift of love and let them fly free. I'm so sorry.

 

Sienne, your devotion for Gabby shines through, from your heart directly to her via the Bridge.
For her, the transition was seamless: from your love to the love of the other cat souls who have gone before.
For you, the coming hours, days and weeks will be tinged with bittersweet - to be replaced in years to come with the most tender memories of your beautiful girl.
Rest easy, dear Gabby.

 

I am so sorry to read this (((((Sienne)))) Fly Free Gabby

 

I'm so sorry about Gabby. I had to stop reading this when I was at work because I was crying tears for you. So many of our sugar cats have gone ahead, so Gabby will have loads of friends for sure.

My favorite quote from Irving Townsend:
“We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than ourown, live within a fragile circle; easily and often breached. Unable to accept its awful gaps, we would still live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan.”

Fly free Gabby.

 

((((Cheryl)))) I am so sorry. Thank you for sharing your story . There cannot be a dry eye among anyone that remembers your precious girl. You were the best mamma a kitty could possibly have and your love story is testament to that in so many ways and once again an indisputable answer to "why we choose tears". Thinking of you with tears and knowing that in spite of the horrible emptiness you have now, you have so many wonderful memories that will always remain that will keep Gabby with you forever. Fly Free Sweet Gabby ...so many angels there to greet you

 

(((Sienne))) I'm so very sorry. I don't even have words. So many of us owe so much to you and Gabby. Know that I am thinking of you during this horribly difficult time. Fly free sweet Gabby, land softly, and send your momma a sign. You will be terribly missed.

 

Hugs for you tonight, Sienne, and scritches for Gizmo. We love you, Gabby. Watch over your mamabean!

Ella & Rusty

 

(((((Sienne))))) Many tears streaming down my face.
The bond between you and Gabby is so beautiful.
We always say "know your kitty".
You have been a true example of "know your kitty", and the trust Gabby gave you for that is just moving.
Lucy will be there to greet her too.
Lighting a candle for Gabby tonight.
Holding you and Gizmo close in my heart.

Fly free, beautiful Gabby, and land softly.

 

Sienne, you and Gabby helped Atticus and me so much when we first came to FDMB. I will always be grateful to the both of you. Fly free, Gabby, and enjoy your next adventure! You have many friends at the Bridge already. Sienne, I'm sending you thoughts of love and peace.

 

(((Sienne)))
I am so sorry to hear about Gabby. I don't really have words I can conjure except a lot of love and tears in my heart for you and Gizmo. It is so hard, but you are a smart person knowing and recognizing when a cat knows it is time. I went through the same thing last year with Leo's older sister Molly and kidney disease and it is heart breaking and I felt so guilty but I also knew it was the right thing as much as it hurt. Our vet visited, too, and I'm sure that gave Gabby the same low stress that it gave Molly, that there were no more scary rides to the vet. You are a wonderful mommy to recognize that and make your pain secondary to her peace. We wish you so much peace. You are one of the real gems on the boards for all the help you provided for Leo and I getting him OTJ and we'll always be indebted to your generosity and you will always have a place in our hearts. Fly Free Little Gabby! Too many tears, too many tears here, for Gabby and all the kitties who have passed.

 

I was travelling yesterday and didn't get on the boards. I can't even believe I am reading this :*(
I am SO sorry Sienne. It is never easy is an understatement.
Fly free Gabby. Land softly.

 

So very very sorry to hear of the crossing of Gabby. You were a loving an good bean to take such good care of her to hear her last and loving request from you. Peace ~

 

Sienne, I'm so sorry to hear your beloved Gabby has crossed. She couldn't have asked for a better bean than you were to her and, when the time was right, you gave her her last request. Tears are flowing here for Gabby today, but at the same time there is happiness that you and she were together and were able to share the love that you so obviously did. Gabby will live on forever in the hearts of LL land.

 

My candle burned with tortitude last night Sienne, I have never seen the flame so high and wild.

 

(((((((((Sienne))))))))) I am so sorry for your loss of your beloved Gabby. I cannot believe it has been 6 years that Max and I met you on the board and how devoted you have been to all of us here. I remember all of the wonderful stories and drama that was just so Gabby. Gabby is loved by so many and my heart breaks with yours that she has earned her wings. There will be an extra special star in the sky tonight and I know she will send you a sign that she has arrived safely in the arms of her beloved friends that have crossed before her.

Fly free dear sweet Gabby and land softly.

 

Requiem aeternum, Gabby.

{{hugs}}

 

Sienne..Im so sorry for your loss. Fly free with your new wings Gabby

 

I am so sorry Sienne for your loss. I know she was your special girl and you were so devoted to her. I have always enjoyed reading about Gabby and Gizmo, and I appreciate all the help you have given me and so many others when we were struggling.
I know that you did what was best for Gabby so she could cross peacefully. Sending prayers of comfort to deal with this great loss.

 

Sienne, as tears fall & my heart breaks for you. I am so sorry for your loss. My prayers & thoughts are with you. Fly free Gabby

 

Thank you all for your kind words and support. I've read through this condo any number of times and I'm both amazed and deeply touched by the kindness of the old timers who have known us from the day we joined FDMB and (then) Lantus Land who returned, the newer members who know Gabby and I less well, and those who have been friends for the almost 6.5 years of our journey.

Gabby's crossing was peaceful. We were in my kitchen where she could look out into the courtyard. It had been raining in the morning and was still cloudy when the vet arrived. As Gabby was leaving her failing body behind, the sun broke through the clouds. She was wrapped in my arms and caressed by my tears.

CD is making a memorial video. I have been writing as a means of processing my grief. Gizmo has searched our home looking for Gabby and is never far from me. We are trying to adjust to the loss of Gabby's quiet presence.

 

Sienne, I can't stop thinking about Gabby and how you must miss her. I'm happy, at least, that her passing was peaceful. Poor Gizmo! When Basil crossed, also at home, it was only two weeks after we'd had to make the same decision about our little dog. Suddenly, Rosie was the only pet. She had always been the quiet one but began cruising the house howling for her brothers. Basil had, on fact, been her littermate. It changed her permanently and she became closer to us.

I do want to take this chance to remind you of how much you did for Gabby. It's easy at this time to think about the coulda-woulda-shouldas, but in your case, there can't possibly be any. When I first landed on the shores of LL back on the mists of time, you were here with Gabby. You were an inspiration to us. After Basil went OTJ, I lurked for a while, on and off. You were always here. And when I packed up and came back last month with Rosie, there you were, still doing all you could. Please don't ever question that.

Have a peaceful day.

 

Lighting candles for Gabby and sending you hugs Sienne. Fly free Gabby!

 

(((((Sienne))))) I am so sorry to read this. Gabby was well loved, and loved well in return. She had a marvelous, wonderful life because of you, and your journey together was remarkable. You will walk together again, but for now, she is free of her failing body and her spirit soars ... Remember, her real forever home is in your heart, and she will never leave you.
Wishing you peace and comfort in your memories.

 

Sienne,

I came on the Board just today after having been away for nearly a year.

I am so very heartbroken for you and so very sorry for your loss. I love what you said in your post, that: "I know that when we bring a kitty into our home, it is a forever decision and that ultimately we choose tears since their time is relatively short." So true.

Fly free, sweet Gabby, and land softly at the Bridge.

Desi

 

So sorry to hear of Gabby's passing. There are many amazing kitties waiting to welcome her (on her terms of course) Hugs to you especially at this time of year.

 

(((((((Sienne)))))))
When I first read of Gabby's passing, I was in the car on my way to Virginia, with no board access except my phone for 6 days. I can hardly see the keyboard, much less type on it, but the whole time I was checking in and sharing your grief. Several years ago, though I gave you very little reason to do so, you befriended me. You helped me feel welcome posting on this forum. You patiently and graciously helped me understand the hows and whys of an entire new world of FD management. You, along with Marje, really made me feel welcome and I am grateful and privileged to count the both of you as true friends.

Seeing anyone here trying to deal with the loss of a furry loved one is really hard. But when it happens to close friends, it is so much more difficult. All I want to do is take the pain and sense of loss away, even though that isn't possible. When I lost Mullet two years ago, you were there for me. Your words helped a great deal. You even told me "You are a wise man, Carl."

A couple of months later, when I lost Bob, you again were there for me, and helped me deal with my pain. You posted something especially helpful and profound, against my feelings of self doubt about making "the decision". You said this:
"Are you absolutely certain that it was FD that was the battle that you feel like you were losing?"

That question helped me to get past "guilt", and let my heart begin to heal. I read through both of "my" grief posts tonight to make sure I quoted you accurately, and even more than two years later, I did so with tears running down my cheeks. Not grief, but tears of realization that you and so many other incredible people were gracious enough and cared enough to try to help me heal.

The day I got back from Virginia, I took a long walk on the beach. I am blessed that I can do that any time I want to since the beach is less than 200 yards from my front door. My entire life, the beach has been the place I go to feel serene. Just me and nature, and it always give me a sense of peace. I saw this (the photo below), and when I did, I thought of you (and Marje) and of all the other board members who have had to deal with the passing of a furry friend lately. I have titled it "Flying Free", and I hope it helps you get through the grieving process.

Your girl was blessed to be your girl. As you were blessed to share your life with her. She is indeed "flying free" until you meet again.

Peace, my friend, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for all you have done for me and everyone else whose life you have touched.

Carl and Polly

Flying Free by carl, on Flickr

 

(((Carl))) so beautiful..the photo is amazing. You are an awesome friend to us both.

 

I'm so sorry for your loss.reading that made me cry.gabby is such a beautiful calico kitty.she has earned her angel wings and will watch over you.

 

Oh no, Sienne. I am so so sorry. What a beautiful story about Gabby. I am so sad it was her time to go. My heart is broken for you.

 

@Carl & Polly & Bob (GA) -
Thank you for the rainbow and for the kind words. Being by an ocean has always been a place of solace for me, as well. The closest I've been able to come in recent years has been Lake Michigan and now, a fountain in my courtyard!. Between your thoughts and CD's video, I've started the day with tears running down my face. I keep reminding myself that grief is a consequence of love. It also has underscored to not take anything I care about for granted. I am glad my words at a time of grief could offer you some comfort as yours are doing for me. It is also a testament to our kitties that they help us to form these kinds of friendships with people we have never met but who have hearts as big as all outdoors.

I love that you posted a rainbow. I think Gabby has sent signs that she is safe. As Gabby was leaving her failing body behind and after of day of rain and clouds, the sun briefly broke through the gloom. While I didn't question my decision to help her cross, it did seem like she let me know it was the right choice. Last Sunday, despite being in and out of the kitchen all day, I found a lancet in the middle of the floor. (I had already packed up her supplies the day before.) I made a trip to the post office on Wed. to send Gabby's supplies off to people and again, most of the past week it has been overcast and rather gloomy (to match my mood, no doubt). I got home, was sitting with Gizmo, and the sun broke through the clouds for about 30 min. I think Gabby approved that others could make use of the things she no longer needed. And today, with CD posting Gabby's tribute, the sun is out. I hope this means we will all have a year filled health and happiness -- kitties included.

 

She probably put the lancet there to let you know she is ok and happy plus thinking of you and saying it's ok.getting tears again here!

 

(((Sienne))) I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Gabby was such an adorable tortie - she was well loved by her momma bean. Although she is in a wonderful place now, surrounded by friends, her body whole, it still hurts so much to have them leave. ♥♥♥

 

Sienne, I'm so very sorry. Gabby was such a beautiful tortie and I know how much you loved her. No matter how old they are, it's never long enough. I know how hard that is to make the decision to let them go. Gabby was an old-timer and I remember your posts about her and how you were always willing to help others as well.

 

((((((Sienne)))))), I am so very sorry. Nothing i can say to ease your sorrow but I send my most deep wishes for the sunbeams Gabby sends, the lancets she drops and her love to you from across The Bridge to help you until you are reunited with those you love the most.
Because Gabby chewed on your shoelace, so many kittehs and beans have been given a new chance at a life after a FD diagnosis. Because of Gabby and you, Oliver is now OTJ instead of PTS (as his vet recommended) . I feel as if we stand on the shoulders Gabby and you. We tried, we followed and we learned. So many times I would look at Gabby's spreadsheet, listen to your advice and move forward when i was was frightened. It was the two of you who "gave us wings". I thank you both beyond words. I thank Gabby for choosing the bean who would share with so many. I have a song for you and Gabby. "It's Your Song" by Garth Brooks. (http://dai.ly/xpnw8e)

Code:

http://dai.ly/xpnw8e

Gabby, sweet angel . Travel safely sweet little one. You are so dearly loved and so deeply missed. You will forever be in our hearts. Thank you Gabby. Be happy. Hug your mama for us.

 

@ecurie
Mary -- thank you so much for those incredibly kind words. When I made the decision to hang around the Board and help out it was because I felt the need to pay the gift I'd been given forward. I have no expectation of "thank you's" so your words have touched me deeply.

Your words have even more meaning since today is the day I brought Gabby home.

 

ditto

 

BIG huge hugs Sienne...and more....welcome back home sweet girl. What a legacy you leave behind....you and MamaBean will continue to save lives for many more years as each of us touch others too.

 

I'm glad Gabby is back home with you. I hope you can smile through your tears as you remember your sweet girl. Sending prayers.

 

((((sienne)))

i'm glad she's home with you and Giz now.

 

So glad Gabby is home.

Her spirit must be soaring to be back where she can keep an eye on things.

 

(((Sienne))) Glad Gabby is back home where she belongs. Hugs to you and Gizmo.

 

Oh, ((((Sienne)))) - I am sorry to hear you lost your sweet girl. She was so very fortunate to have found you; what a smart girl. I know you're missing her deeply, but what an unselfish gift you gave her. You're right about their time with us being brief, too brief. I pray your sweet memories of her will bring you great comfort in the days ahead.