Oh, gosh, this made me tear up. I am so sorry for your losses. I have lost my grandparents by now and it's as if a piece of your childhood goes with them. Never had a dog as a kid, but I can imagine how that could feel like that too. My dog Fantastico is now the one that brings me the most joy, I cannot imagine losing him. I am sure Gus had a lovely life, and how nice that he was loved til his last day. Sending you a big virtual hug!
Pilar, thank you for the sweet comment. So true that grandparents are the keepers of our childhood. Love that framing. So glad you have a perfect pooch by your side, what’s better?
Oh Grace, this was so, so beautiful. This part was so, SO relatable:
"When she broke the news, I didn’t cry. I come from a family of non-cryers, and feel a duty to hold it together, even if it means dropping a deflective joke or coming across as indifferent.
I don’t like the overexposure of crying. Plus, once I start, I can’t stop."
I am so sorry you had to experience these two painful losses so close together. But this was the most beautiful tribute. Thank you for choosing to share this with us. 🤍💔
This was beautiful. I feel closer to you through this, and a lot of it has to do with this passage:
“I have a distinct memory of being five or six, watching The Fox and the Hound, and feeling tears well up. Instead of allowing myself to cry in the comfort of the living room, I went to the bathroom, sat on the toilet, and cried alone. Once composed, I reemerged to watch the final scenes with feigned unaffectedness.”
I was you. It took me a long time, and cancer, to allow myself to be sad in public. Now that I can, it’s easier being happy too.
I have to say the day I lost my soul dog remains the worst day of my life. so I totally get this. I'm so sorry about Gus and Oma. they both sound like very special souls that lived life to the fullest. may they RIP! sending hugs.
Sorry for you and your families losses Grace, what a tough time all at once.
I can really relate to what you mentioned about crying…I rarely cry, it makes me feel uncomfortable, is the only way I can describe it and when I do, it’s about 20 years worth of tears!! I also used to hide when I was kid and watched sad films. A flashback for me was ET, I used to hide my face so no one could see and even as an adult, I remember going to the kitchen when everyone was watching the Notebook.
Your article was beautifully written and thank you so much for sharing during such a difficult time 🤍
Oh, gosh, this made me tear up. I am so sorry for your losses. I have lost my grandparents by now and it's as if a piece of your childhood goes with them. Never had a dog as a kid, but I can imagine how that could feel like that too. My dog Fantastico is now the one that brings me the most joy, I cannot imagine losing him. I am sure Gus had a lovely life, and how nice that he was loved til his last day. Sending you a big virtual hug!
Pilar, thank you for the sweet comment. So true that grandparents are the keepers of our childhood. Love that framing. So glad you have a perfect pooch by your side, what’s better?
Oh Grace, this was so, so beautiful. This part was so, SO relatable:
"When she broke the news, I didn’t cry. I come from a family of non-cryers, and feel a duty to hold it together, even if it means dropping a deflective joke or coming across as indifferent.
I don’t like the overexposure of crying. Plus, once I start, I can’t stop."
I am so sorry you had to experience these two painful losses so close together. But this was the most beautiful tribute. Thank you for choosing to share this with us. 🤍💔
Thank you, Deborah. So appreciate your kind words and the call out. It felt good to release this into the wild ❤️
Ooooof. Stunning. Heartbreaking. Wonderfully healing read. Thank you for this.
Jillian, such kind words from a great pal. Thank you for reading!
Thank you Gracie. This was a beautiful declaration of love and vulnerability. The clarity you bring to these complex moments is what writing is for.
Thank you, mom! So glad you're here, and that I could capture a little bit of Gus.
My grandmothers were the greatest gift I ever got. So sad and so sorry. Of course there are no words for Gus. 💔
Thank you auntie! It’s been sad but also a reminder of how full life is.
This was beautiful. I feel closer to you through this, and a lot of it has to do with this passage:
“I have a distinct memory of being five or six, watching The Fox and the Hound, and feeling tears well up. Instead of allowing myself to cry in the comfort of the living room, I went to the bathroom, sat on the toilet, and cried alone. Once composed, I reemerged to watch the final scenes with feigned unaffectedness.”
I was you. It took me a long time, and cancer, to allow myself to be sad in public. Now that I can, it’s easier being happy too.
Charlie, thank you for this meaningful comment. You nearly brought a tear to my eye! Appreciate you.
I’m just glad you’re putting this stuff up here.
Thank you and you as well!
I have to say the day I lost my soul dog remains the worst day of my life. so I totally get this. I'm so sorry about Gus and Oma. they both sound like very special souls that lived life to the fullest. may they RIP! sending hugs.
Sorry for you and your families losses Grace, what a tough time all at once.
I can really relate to what you mentioned about crying…I rarely cry, it makes me feel uncomfortable, is the only way I can describe it and when I do, it’s about 20 years worth of tears!! I also used to hide when I was kid and watched sad films. A flashback for me was ET, I used to hide my face so no one could see and even as an adult, I remember going to the kitchen when everyone was watching the Notebook.
Your article was beautifully written and thank you so much for sharing during such a difficult time 🤍