Thursday a Little Personal – Twiggy Remembers Lucy.

~ John W. Howell

“Hi, Little One. Whatcha doing?”

“I’m missing Lucy.”

“Come up here, and let’s talk.”

“How do you stop missing someone you love, Dad?”

“I don’t think you ever stop missing those you love, Twiggy. The key is to replace the pain of missing them with the wonderful memories you shared.”

“Like what?”

“I know you don’t remember this, but look at this photo.”

“That’s Lucy. OMG, that’s puppy me hanging on to her.”

“How about this one?”

“That’s Lucy and me playing puma and water buffalo. We loved that.”

“And you two chillin’ on the patio.”

“We did that a lot. We both enjoyed it.”

“How about Lucy trying to teach you how to lick the dishes in the dishwasher.”

“She still enjoyed that, and I wasn’t very good at it.”

“You both loved those sunny days in the yard.”

“We sure did. We had such fun out there.”

“Of course, passing out on the cold floor was a specialty.”

“Oh, that floor felt so good. I still do that and think about Lucy.”

“Remember trying to figure out a new tool?”

“Lucy was so good at getting to the bottom of things.”

 

“You seemed to enjoy the snow.”

“It was the first time ever. Lucy was an old hand ’cause she had seen it before.”

“How about you two trying on Christmas sweaters?”

“Poor Lucy was miserable. Hers was too small. I liked mine, though.”

“Now there’s a photo.”

“I loved taking naps with Lucy. She was always so warm.”

“So, what do you think?”

“I will always miss her but should concentrate on what we shared and remember the good times.”

“It will still hurt, Little One, but those memories will help you smile through that hurt. Dr. Seuss gives us good advice when he said, ‘Don’t cry because it’s over. Smile because it happened.'”

“I can see that, Dad. I think it is time to play ball. Toss it, please.”

“There you go, Little One.”

“Thanks, Dad. Rest well, Lucy. I got this.”

163 thoughts on “Thursday a Little Personal – Twiggy Remembers Lucy.”

  1. Bkess you, John. This is perfect! I love how you’re helping Twiggy (and no doubt yourself and the Producer as well!) by concentrating on the good memories. Hugs to you all — and just because I haven’t been around much lately, doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten you. Long story. I’ll catch you up later.

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  3. You’re ruining my mascara this morning. This was just such a beautiful post. We never stop missing them. Lotsa love your way to you, The Producer and Twiggy. You’ve got this, Little One.

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    1. That thought went through my mind, Gwen. The time comes for all of us to face goodbyes that we would rather not face. Thank you for the lovely comment. ❤️

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  14. John, you made me start the day with a tear in my eye but a smile in my heart. Wonderful story. I think about you and Twiggy every time I hug Daisy. All my best, John.

    Liked by 1 person

  15. I’m trying to smile because it happened, but I’m still crying. This was a lovely walk down memory lane. (I’d forgotten how tiny Twiggy was as a puppy!) Twiggy does have this. And she’s lucky to have a mom and dad who will see her through this. Sending her extra belly rubs today. And hugs to you and the Producer.

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  17. How touching is this, from the title to the photos, to the heartfelt text.

    I can’t imagine how Twiggy must feel…how an animal processes a loss. I know she slept a lot afterwards, but they were so close that, her grief must be the same as ours when we lose someone we love.

    I’m glad that you will continue to honor us with Twiggy. It’s good for you and all of us who too already miss the presence of Lucy.

    Susannah

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Susannah. We can’t hope to understand what Twiggy feels but I can tell you she did grieve in her way. She is doing much better and hopefully the adventures going forward will bring her happiness. Thank you for all your support and comfort. ❤️

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  18. Good memories, John. I think we carry the memories of loved ones in our hearts, like a Lakota shaman would carry his objects of power in a medicine bag, and at first the memories are heavy medicine.

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  19. A beautiful tribute, John, although I reached for a tissue. It must have been hard for you to create this post. But the pain will fade and the joy will take over. My heart breaks for Twiggy, but I’m sure you will keep her occupied and fill in the hole in her life. Lots of belly rubs being sent her way.

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    1. Thank you, Noelle. It was hard going through the photos but I did find myself smiling at some of the goofy things I captured on camera. These are now treasures which will become even more comforting as time goes by. Thank you for your support and kind words through our pain. Twiggy loves the belly rubs. ❤️

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  22. I was going to ask how Twiggy was getting on without Lucy. It’s hard enough for us to cope with the loss of a pet; I can just imagine what another pet goes through. It doesn’t work that way with cats, of course…

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  23. John, well, reading your post this morning certainly made me tear up! How well you said it to help Twiggy go on without Lucy. And, the Dr. Seuss quote was perfect. We’ve put down three dogs, and memories of them are treasured forever. We smile because they were in our lives. 🐶🎶🧡

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  26. I was dreading the first Thursday and seeing Twiggy without Lucy, but you made it with photos and beautiful memories. I know Twiggy misses her in her own way and that you will give her extra pets and hugs. May the memories bring you comfort.

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  27. Beautiful post, John. So tender and true. I’ll bookmark it for that day when our Junior leaves us. Our youngest cat, Raji, is very attached. In fact, Lucy and Twiggy’s antics often reminded me of Junior and Raji (except Junior really wasn’t interested in being a mentor 😉).

    Of course, your conversation with Twiggy is helpful for us two-legged, furless creatures. I’m trying to recall more of the good memories, especially when I talk to my BIL, memories of my sister that make us smile, even laugh a bit. It helps ❤️

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  28. This is so sweet, John. I don’t think we ever stop missing them, but we do have plenty of good memories. Twiggy was lucky to have grown up with Lucy’s guidance.

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  33. Awww… Just a beautiful post John and tribute… Overcoming loosing our best friends is hard… I am sure Twiggy is helping you also as the two of you hold those wonderful memories of Lucy close to your hearts ❤ ❤ ❤

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  37. Well, this definitely produced a few tears.

    I was surprised that our remaining lab, Lulu, did not go through any depression after her brother, Jake, passed. I would have thought it might have bothered her more than it did. Perhaps, I’m looking at things more from a human than a dog perspective.

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  38. Such an perfect, perfect tribute to Lucy. I’d not seen many of the photos, especially those from Twiggy’s puppyhood, and that was special. The advice offered here is good for all of us to hear — and I’m glad to read that Twiggy’s beginning to adjust a bit. Anyone who says animals don’t grieve don’t know animals very well.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. I agree on animals grieving, Linda. Twiggy certainly misses Lucy. We are grateful that she is eating again and seems to have come to the understanding that Lucy won’t be coming home. Thank you for the kind words

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  39. A beautiful tribute, John, and yes, it made me cry. And just between the two of us, I’m gonna miss Lucy, too. I always enjoyed the adventures of these two, and am glad you’ve captured so many of them here, wherein Lucy will live forever!

    Sending pats and sweet words to Twiggy.

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  40. Pingback: Smorgasbord Blogger Spotlight – June 16th 2023 – #Guest Marcia Meara and Darlene Foster, #Funnies The Story Reading Ape, #Tribute John Howell, #Dessert Dorothy Grover Read, #YorkshireDales Judith Barrow. | Smorgasbord Blog Magazine

  50. I knew you would have an alone Twiggy post.
    It’s a lovely post, and I believe Twiggy will find her alone footing in the days to come.
    Does she have a pal in the hood? Will you get a new pal?
    I’m sure you have been giving Twiggy a ton of love, and she you back.

    Lucy sure stepped up to the plate when Twiggy was a puppy.

    I’m rambling.
    John, be well, I’m sending love and warmth. Please give Twiggy an extra pet for me!

    OX OX OX OX

    Liked by 1 person

    1. Thank you, Resa. Not sure she will get a new pal or not. She does not have playmates since she does not socialize very well. Her niece (a doberman ) is visiting later today. That will cheer her up. She is doing a lot better than the first few days. She is getting tons of love. OX OX OX OX

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