Minx

[Heartburm]

I have been reading the various forums on this site since my 3-year-old Burmese cat, Minx, was diagnosed with FIP last month. Today, I had to call the vet out to euthanize her because she was declining (incontinent, inappetance, stumbling gait, sneezing blood). I really don't know why I am posting this on a forum that mentions prayer, since I am an atheist. But, despite my rational convictions, I feel that maybe there are others that have a spiritual connection which eludes me. I would never want to deprive my Minx of anything just because I am so unenlightened. So please, those of you who have a strong spiritual connection, please pray for my Minx so that, if there is a heaven, she may find her way there. I feel responsible, in a way, for her demise. Last September, my first grandchild, Nathan, was born. I was there for the birth and it was the most incredible experience I have ever had. I am a registered nurse, so I have seen many babies born, but to watch your own grandchild enter this world...it's incredible. Yet, just a few hours later, his mother fell asleep while nursing him and he fell onto his head on the tile floor. He was hemorrhaging inside his brain and the pediatric neurosurgeon tried to prepare us for the worst. I was staying at the hospital with my daughter-in-law and grandson. Sometime during the night, I walked out to my truck and sat there and did something that I have never done before...I prayed. I said, "If there is a god, please spare my grandson. Take me, take my cat, but please don't let Nathan die". A few hours later, the neurosurgeon told us that Nathan's bleeding had stopped just short of 30mm and she would not have to open his skull. Nathan is a very healthy and happy eight-month-old now, and Minx is dead. I don't know if this is coincidence or something that I am ill-prepared to fathom. All I know is that, while I have my grandson whom I adore, I have lost the one little being whom I have shared my life and heart with for the last three years. I am still an atheist, but I don't push my beliefs, or lack thereof, on others. That is why I am appealing to others to pray for her.

[Cleo]

It is my belief and understanding that despite our pleas, God would not barter one life for another. Please do not blame yourself and think Minx' decline was a result of your prayers.

I'm glad your grandchild recovered and is doing well. May it comfort you to know that Minx is at a place we believe to be The Rainbow Bridge with restored health and happiness.

The Rainbow Bridge Story ::

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of Heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All of the animals who had been ill or old are restored to health and vigor, and those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing, they each miss someone very special to them who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.....

Author Unknown





http://cathelp-online.com/felinetc/rainbowbridge.php

[Ash]

As Cleo, I don't believe for one second that God would exchange one life for another. All life is precious. Please don't blame yourself for what you said in your prayer! You didn't say it because you didn't love your cat but because you DID love her so much and it was the biggest sacrifice you could think of and were willing to make to save your grandson. It only shows how deeply you must love your grandson. I can understand that you feel bad now that Minx died for the thoughts you had, but I'm positively sure that the two incidents are not related.

I'm very sorry for your loss. Maybe it gives you consolation to know that Minx is now not suffering anymore and is at peace. She died safe in your love and care.

My thoughts and prayers are with you and Minx.

[Heartburm]

Thank you, both of you, for your kind replies. One thing that I have learned out of this whole ordeal is that my fellow cat-lovers are the most compassionate people on this earth.

[Traci]

When we are in a time of crisis, and if we pray, sometimes we pray for the unimaginable, or the impossible, or even barter with a higher being. It doesn't mean our emotional plead is wrong, it means we are human...it means we have a soul.

I strongly believe animals have souls as well. Whether there is a heaven or not, I believe that animals are the greatest gifts given us and in life, we need to embrace and treasure those gifts, for we never know when they may be taken away from us.

I'm sure that Minx felt and knew your love and compassion, that is what is truly important in life.

My thoughts are with you during this difficult time....safe and gentle journey, sweet sweet Minx......(((HUGS)))

[Heartburm]

Thank you, Traci. You are very kind, as well as knowledgeable.

[Tambrey]

Heartburn...your story brought tears to my eyes...I am very sorry for your loss...but I too, cannot believe that God would trade one life for another...

know that Minx is at peace, and does not blame you for her decline in health and the ultimate sacrifice you made on her bahalf...to choose to let her go...
that is never ane asy decision to make for any of us...so please know you are not alone in your grief...

I am happy to know your grandson recovered and is doing fine...that is awesome news!!

Take care of yourself and smile at the many happy memories you have of times with Minx...and enjoy the times you will be creating with your grandson...free of guilt for what happened to Minx...please do not let the two instances get intertwined within your thoughts and memories...each is a separate incident and should be kept separated as such...

[Heartburm]

Thank you, Tambrey, for your kind and encouraging words. I am feeling less distraught today, and am working through my grief by focusing on the happy memories of my time with Minx.