Those of you who know me IRL or follow the Always Drunk Facebook page know that last week we suddenly, sadly lost our beloved junior tuxedo cat, the Chongers.
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| July 9, 2009 - February 8, 2023 |
He was the best boy, and losing him just derailed me. I had so many things I was planning to write here, and just like that, they were gone, as if he took my thoughts with him when he passed. Losing a loved one will do that.
So I haven't been writing. I know that's not how a "real" writer is supposed to deal with sadness. We're supposed to write our way out, over, and through our troubles, use them and bend them to our will like the creative geniuses we are (or aspire to be).
But sometimes tragedies don't look like inspiration, and troubles don't act like a muse. And sometimes I just want to be sad when something sad happens. So I haven't been writing.
Tomorrow I'll go to the vet - the same vet that saved the Chonger's life shortly after he joined our family in 2020 - and get a little box containing his ashes. And I'll be sad all over again that he left us so unexpectedly. I'll put in on the shelf with the other little boxes containing the ashes of other sweet kitties who left us. I know there are those who will think these boxes are a waste of money and shelf space. And that's OK. I couldn't argue the point if I wanted to. Because I haven't been writing.
This right here, this isn't really writing. This is me filling some space with some words, just to let you know I'm still here. I can't wait to get back to bringing you dumb little posts about monkeys or politics or pooping in a box, which is something else I haven't been doing - but I will. And I'll write about it. Whether you want to read it or not. Because that's what writers do. I guess.
Anyway, tonight I'm snuggling with my Siamese Kitten, who I never expected to outlive the Chongers, but here she is and here we are. Never assume you know how life is going to unfold and who will be there as it does. Love everyone you can. Don't be afraid to say it.
And don't be afraid to write it down.
There's not one way to grieve or to express grief. Hey, that sounds a lot like what I say when friends ask me for writing advice and the first thing I say is there's not one way to write or to be a writer. You find what works for you.
ReplyDeleteOne thing I've found that works for me is sharing grief with others who've been through something similar. Maybe it won't help, though, that I'm sitting here crying over Chongers. I still hope you find what helps, and I'm glad you've shared this.
Thank you, my friend. That means a lot.
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