My spirit shall live on forever.
Today is the first day of the rest of my life in eternal peace and happiness.
Though my people held me this morning as my body was peacefully laid to rest, my spirit shall live on forever here in this blog and these discussion forums.
We’ll share more experiences from my last days after we’ve had a little time to process my passing. But for now, suffice it to say that I am in a better place. Breathing easy and running free.
Let me just share with you this little Irish Blessing we first heard at my dear old friend Don’s wake. It perfectly summarizes how we want you to feel …
An Irish Blessing
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free!
I follow the plan God laid for me.I saw his face, I heard his call,
I took his hand and left it all …
I could not stay another day,
To love, to laugh, to work or play;
Tasks left undone must stay that way.And if my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss …
Ah yes, these things I, too, shall miss.
My life’s been full, I’ve savoured much;
Good times, good friends, a loved-one’s touch.Perhaps my time seemed all to brief –
Don’t shorten yours with undue grief.
Be not burdened with tears of sorrow,
Enjoy the sunshine of the morrow.
I love everything that you have done for Jerry to commermorate him and to realize how much he has done. I myself have learned from his story, to live in the moment and to enjoy life for what it is. Even though Jerry has passed away he is still here with us, and we will never forget what he has taught us, or at least I won’t. I think that, even though this post is fairly old, it is still one of the most important, one from Jerry’s time that should not be forgotten. I now realize how lucky he was for having parents that understood how important he was, even though it is simple. All parents of dogs and all pets should take time to enjoy and let their companions enjoy,for they are just as we are, they appreciate attention and need love too. Everyone that knew Jerry well I am sure will miss him, but like I heard from you earlier, Jerry knows that he will see you agin someday and be with you and all that he loved forever, and he would not want you to dweel on him being gone for too long, but to look forward to seing him again one day and to never be separated again. I love Jerry so much. It should do everyone good to realize that for now he is happier because he has gotten his leg back. I know that death is sad but the thing to keep in mind is that everyone including him will never forget the amazing experiences that he got to enjoy here on earth. I beleive that the heaven that he is in now is just like living here with you two before his cancer caught up with him and caused him to get sick and lose a leg. I think it is really truly amazing that it was still possible, for him to have such a great quality of life after he was diagnosed, and that he livedso much longer than expected. Another thing that I think makes me love Jerry so much is because I think that he reminds me of my dogs that I have. Fortunately for me they have not gotten sick and are living happy and healthy. I just wish that I could travel like you and have a dog that would get to have so much fun. I just want to get to see my dog but I only get to see him on every other weekend and it is sad. traveling the way you and Jerry did sounds like a great adventure that would be awesome to do. I would really like to know some of the places you went, all of them looked like beauitful places to visit. I just want to see my dogs right now and give them great big hugs. I would drive over there but I am only 15. They are in for a big surprise this Friday when I give them each a big hug!!! sorry for writing so long but I had so much to say. I wish I could ask more questions but oh well, see ya.
Thank you so much for your thoughtful comments Aaron. Knowing that the life lessons Jerry taught us are reaching so many other wonderful pet lovers out there such as yourself, makes missing him at least a little easier. Best wishes to you and your pups. Many of Jerry’s milestones are documented in his three legged dog blog, and our entire journey can be traced on our cross country RV roadtrip maps.
I just read this post… I’m so sorry to hear about Jerry. I found this website last year when I thought my Golden Ginger might have bone cancer. Thankfully the results turned out to be negative, however a few months ago Ginger developed cutaneous lymphoma. She passed away on October 28th 2008.
If you want you can read more about Ginger here.