Is Charles with Lars Axl Fokker?
Charles died a week ago today, and if you haven't seen Deb's tribute, it's a must-see and we're very grateful and humbled by her post as well as all of the e-mails and cards and calls we've received.
In all of the lovely messages we've been getting, I've noticed two trends:
1) Death is a communal experience as well as an individual one. One being dies, but the memories of death and the stories of life are brought to the fore for those who learn of the passing. Charles' untimely death brings to mind everyone's past pain and joy. We share each other's grief, triggered by the most recent death. We aren't alone in missing our beloved companions deeply.
2) Charles is somewhere, or part of him is somewhere, or his essence or his soul is in some place, or some other creature, or maybe even everywhere. Death brings up all of the stories we tell ourselves that help us understand and move through the grief. Charles is looking down on me, Charles' soul is running, Charles is with Lars Axl Fokker (Emily's son, to whom she passed her Feline Infectious Peritonitis, which he suffered from before we euthanized him nearly a decade ago). Charles and Lars had a similar, playful energy, and I must say I like the idea that they're playing together somewhere.
Some people seem to think that animals' souls are different from those of humans, while others think they're the same. Some speak of a collective consciousness, and others speak of reincarnation. There's talk of a spirit, which I'm not sure is different from a soul. Charles is definitely with me in spirit, but I don't know if there is a spirit . . . somewhere.
As an agnostic atheist, I certainly cannot claim to have any idea of what really happened to Charles, other than that he is no longer lying at my feet on the bamboo carpet, and never will again. I would love to think that his soul is lying at my feet, or on my shoulder, or just about anywhere, frankly. I'd love to think that I'll encounter a greyhound in a couple of years who will have a familiar look in his eye and I'll adopt him and care for him until the day he dies, as I did with Charles.
And I would love to think that Charles is now a guardian angel of mine.
I'd love to think that he will come to me in a dream and forgive me for whatever part I might have played in his death.
The idea that he will have a more favorable rebirth is a nice one, though I also like to think that being an animal in my house is about as favorable as you can get.
What do you believe about what occurs after death for our sentient nonhuman companions?
–Photo: After an evening of playing with paper and toys on my birthday last year, Charles and I fell asleep.
Our beloved friends joyfully wait for us until we join them. They remain as faithful, vibrant and happy as on their best day as observed by us.
As for playing any negative role in your four legged son's life-well you did not!
I was there and observed the compassion, love and devotion that only a loving mother naturally exhibits.
You were exhaustive in your efforts to do the very best for Charles-you always have been.
I am proud to call you my child. I know that your boy is offering his paw each time you think of him.
Mom
Thanks, Mom.
Charles lives! What a beautiful tribute by Deb. Thank you, Deb!
Mom knows best…Charles lives 🙂
Hi Mary
They stay with you, for you and for them. Sit quietly and you'll find them sitting with you. Shed a tear and they'll lick it away. Go on their favourite walk and they'll walk it with you. And watch their non-human animal family and you'll see the family's still as one.
Dear Mom, Mike, Mary & Harry,
Your thoughts about Charles are a fitting tribute to his beautiful character. His sterling qualities have always constituted his true being. They can no more die than the stars can stop shining. Keep on twinkling, Charlie. We see you.
"It came to me that every time I lose an animal they take a piece of my heart
with them. And every new animal who comes into my life gifts me with a piece of
their heart. If I live long enough, all the components of my heart will be
animal, and I will become as generous and loving as they are."
Unknown
I would also like to add that although a piece of our heart goes with them when they leave us, a piece of their heart will always stay with us and there can't be anything more beautiful to treasure.This love-bond can never be destroyed.
Hella