Grief

Tink hasn't been sleeping.  Therefore, mom and dad aren't sleeping.  This is not good, as a sleepless mom is a cranky mom.  We've tried asking her and having her journal and routines and many a night, letting her fall asleep with us in the living room.  Last night, as she gave dad the puppy eyes and was awarded my spot in the bed (I am claustrophobic and can't do 3 in our bed), she told her daddy she missed Shadow (our nearly 16 year old cat who passed away in July)

and she was afraid to go to sleep and wake up to Tigger passing away (she's 15 years 10 months--this is a possibility) or waking up to all of her family gone. 

How scary!  Where do they come up with these things? She does better if she is close to one of us and to assist in this, I have cleaned out a spot next to my bed (Dad will be so happy the clutter is gone) and brought in a pillow for her.  I'll fold a blanket near-by and she can come in and sleep near us anytime she wants.  I've also raided my favorite place (the library) and found several children's books on grief to read with her this weekend to help her work through this and I will hunt down the great picture I have of him to put in a frame so she will always have him near.

This winter might be tough, with a cat who turns 16 in March and a Springer Spaniel who turned 14 last month.

On a more positive note, I received all of the kitchen supplies I asked for so we will begin eating in a new and healthier way.  This could get interesting!