Saying goodbye to my fur baby, Zelda, yesterday marked a significant transition in my life. She was the last vestige of my known home life. Until today, I have been accompanied at home since I was 25 years old. Between my ex husband, my son and then my three pets, my home has been me + 1 (at least) for so long.

When I awoke this morning it was to utter silence. It wasn’t a heavy silence though. It was a sort of clean silence…a calm that was evident but not uncomfortable. I was alone. 

I tend to look for the greater or deeper meaning in how things unfold and this is no different. I’ve included one of my favorite poems by Rumi. It’s a philosophy that is both hard and true. I feel like my house has been swept clear, in a wave not of my doing. At the same time, I feel gratitude for all that has happened and all that will happen, even amidst the tears and grieving associated with loss.

Tears, smiles, love, loss, grief, joy…it’s our birthright as human beings. A full spectrum of experiences and emotions…