i love LOVE

Written by

in

MWVD

A departure from talking about loving art, to talking about the art of loving.  On this calendar day when we honor and celebrate those we choose to love, I want to share our sweet boy, who gave us so much joy.  It is a sorrowful time for us and I don't mean to bring down the day by sharing this, but want to ackowledge him, and that he matters.  Blowing kisses to all of you, especially those who have embraced me at this time to share my grief in an attempt to divide it.  Thank you.  Loss is painful, but I loved loving him, and always will.  I read a quote by Hilary Stantin Zunin, "The risk of love is loss, and the price for loss is grief, but the pain of grief is only a shadow when compared with the pain of never risking love."  Here's to us risk-takers, who love loving both people and the creatures who enrich our lives.  Happy Valentine's Day.

MWWinstonWardrvsd

 MWWinstonWard2

MWWinstonWard4

 

MWWinstonWard3

 

Sam stamp

xoxo

 

Comments

60 responses to “i love LOVE”

  1. tejae heart shaped art Avatar

    such a gorgeous baby. I’m sorry for your loss Michelle. Sending a valentine hug your way today!

    tejae ♥

  2. Marlynn Avatar

    It is heartbreaking to lose both a loved one and a loved pet which I include in the “loved one.” When I lost my Cricket James Likens (1993-2005), was so heart broken I could not bear to have another pet. He was special as they all are – but to me he was the most special kitty I had ever had. I could rock him and sing his “Cricket” songs while he little black and white paw touched my cheek. I know the grief you are feeling in your soul and wish I could take it away – but slowly it will wash away and as I always say – our beloved furry friends are waiting for us on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge. Hugs to you and all of your family who miss him so dearly. xoxo

  3. lyle Baxter Avatar

    winston was a beautiful boy! we have shared this grief recently too and know how hard it is. hopefully all our animal babies go where they can play and eat in peace! xxoo, lyle

  4. Sarah Avatar

    oh so sorry to read this, what a beautiful boy xx

  5. Kim Mailhot Avatar

    What a beautiful boy ! I know that kitty cat love so well. I am sending big squishy hugs to you, Michelle.
    Purr loudly and well, Winston.

  6. Debbie Avatar

    My heart is with you, Michelle. Winston was such a gorgeous kitty…I hope he has met our dear Sophie Cat on the other side. Big HUGS to you & your family from me & our Sunny Cat.
    xo
    Debbie
    ===^..^===

  7. maureen Avatar
    maureen

    Winston…a true lover of LIFE!

  8. maureen Avatar
    maureen

    sharing some time & space with “Mac Dog”

  9. Kimibabbitt Avatar
    Kimibabbitt

    <3 <3 <3

  10. Michele Avatar

    Beautiful tribute to your gorgeous Winston. I especially like the quote as it resonates deep with me as well… xoxo

  11. Kelley Avatar
    Kelley

    So sorry Michelle. It is so hard to say goodbye to these dear souls.

  12. Carrie Avatar

    He was a beautiful cat. I’m so sorry you’ve had to say goodbye to him. I still miss Alex’s old dog Chessie, who didn’t like anybody except her family and me, and she’s been gone for several years now. So I know it’s hard without our fuzzy loved ones.
    I do have to wonder though, since he was a black cat and black cats are associated with spooky things… was he by chance named after Winston Zedmore from Ghostbusters? He was the best Ghostbuster.

  13. Erin Perry Avatar

    Black cats are always the best, what a beautiful boy. We said good-bye to our Pookie a few years ago and it was a very poignant time – sorrow at his passing and joy that he had been such a part of our lives. I know Winston will live forever in your heart.
    Erin in Morro Bay

  14. Maryanne Avatar

    What a beautiful cat and a beautiful tribute. I’m sorry for your loss, Michelle. I hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day in spite of Winston not being a part of it.

  15. Robruhn@ozemail.com.au Avatar

    So sorry for your loss Michelle, they are such constant companions, they leave such a gap in our lives when they are gone.

  16. Cim Allen Avatar
    Cim Allen

    What a cutie pie !! I’m so sorry for your loss .. I know it’s hard, they become part of the family and have a special spot in your heart.

  17. teri Avatar

    What a lovely quote, and so true. So very sorry for your loss.

  18. tina Avatar
    tina

    So sorry for your loss Michelle. Happy Love day to you and yours.

  19. VickiR in OH Avatar
    VickiR in OH

    So sorry for your loss, Michelle. Such a pretty boy. Sending hugs xoxo
    “When you lose someone you Love you gain an Angel you know”
    RIP

  20. susie lafond Avatar

    Much love and understanding, loosing a much loved member of the family is very difficult and a pain I know all too well. Give yourself as much time and room that you need; that kind of sadness requires being gentle with yourself. xxxoooxxx

  21. Ulyth Avatar

    I am sorry for your loss but I know you’re boy Winston hasn’t left your side.
    Such a beautiful black cat, what a blessing

  22. michelleward Avatar

    thank you tejae. valentine hugs to you too.

  23. michelleward Avatar

    thank you sweet marlynn. it is indeed unbareable right now. i appreciate your friendship always, but most especially now when i’m filled with heartache. xo

  24. michelleward Avatar

    lyle, i’m sorry for your loss too. dreaming of peaceful babies brings a smile. xo

  25. michelleward Avatar

    thank you sarah. xo

  26. michelleward Avatar

    kim, i’d love that big hug, anyday.
    missing that purrrrr. xoxo

  27. michelleward Avatar

    thank you debbie. means alot. xo

  28. Jen Crossley Avatar

    Oh Michelle Im so sorry about Winston they are part of our families,Im abut to face this with My dog Cassie she is over 15 and I know our time together is short.Bigs HUGS to you xxx

  29. Chris Avatar

    I’m sorry, Michelle.
    Every day I fall in love with Scout even more. I am always aware of how lucky I am that she picked us.
    Here’s remembering Winston minute by minute. Thank you for being his shepherd.

  30. Nancy Avatar
    Nancy

    I’m so sorry, Michelle. He was a beautiful boy; there’s something very special about an all black cat.
    My heart goes out to all of you.

  31. michelleward Avatar

    maureen, i like to think of my black cat with your white dog 🙂 you saw i showed sam’s drawing turned into a stamp – priceless. he’s having a tough time processing this, as are all of us. sadly, i know you know the feeling. xo

  32. michelleward Avatar

    <3 <3 <3 to you too kimi.

  33. michelleward Avatar

    michele, thanks for coming to visit my ode to winston, and remarkiing on the poem. happy love day to you.

  34. michelleward Avatar

    kelley, i know you know….dear souls indeed. xo

  35. michelleward Avatar

    carrie, sorry about your chessie too. winston was named for churchill, but ghostbuster’s winston had our heart too. xo

  36. michelleward Avatar

    erin, i agree, a very handsome boy. you said it perfectly, both joy and sorrow, but forever in our hearts. xo

  37. michelleward Avatar

    thanks maryanne. happy heart day to you too.

  38. michelleward Avatar

    ro, yes…it’s quiet here, especially during the day as i miss my little friend. a feel a big gaping emptiness in my heart but i’m working hard to fill with the happy memories. xo

  39. michelleward Avatar

    cim, definitely a cutie pie and a rascal 🙂
    he was a big part of this family – we were so lucky!

  40. michelleward Avatar

    thank you tina. big love to you and yours too. miss you.

  41. michelleward Avatar

    vicki, what a beautiful thought. thank you.

  42. michelleward Avatar

    thank you susie. i’m sorry you’ve had to endure this pain too. being gentle is something i’m trying to do…

  43. michelleward Avatar

    ulyth, he was certainly a blessing. i wish he was by my side, but i know he’s in my heart.

  44. michelleward Avatar

    jen, so sorry for you….enjoy this time. so precious. xo

  45. michelleward Avatar

    chris, what a beautiful observation about your dog, such a simple truth. shepherd…i like that. xo

  46. michelleward Avatar

    nancy, you’re so right. black cats are lovely.
    mine was the best of course *wink*
    xoxo

  47. Suzanne Avatar

    Good Bye Winston! I am sorry for you Michelle! Pets are friends and companions and I wish mine was eternal.

  48. Cath S Avatar

    Hugs – what a beauty Winston was…

  49. Gabriele Avatar
    Gabriele

    I’m so sorry, Michelle, sending hugs to you………………

  50. Bonnie Luhman Avatar
    Bonnie Luhman

    Sending hugs to you. I am so sorry Michelle. He sure was a beautiful kitty and one can tell he was well loved. :o)
    Right this moment He is playing and romping and has no pain. He will be waiting for you one day. What a reunion you will have!! Love ya!

  51. Marie Z. Johansen Avatar

    Letting go of a 4 legged family member is so painful! When one of favorites passed unexpectedly (we thought that she had healed) I literally wailed like a banshee – and then wondered what the neighbors would have thought. I was so despondent for such a long time over her loss. We had nine felines – each a trusted, beloved family member – now we have only one… I couldn;t bear so much pain again. Your chosen quote was so appropriate!

  52. Sharon Fraser Avatar
    Sharon Fraser

    I’m so sorry to read about the loss of your treasured little Winston. We too are facing “end of life” issues with our feisty kitty “Boo”. Thank you for sharing both your grief and a wonderful quotation which has already brought a measure of comfort to me. Warmest wishes to you and your family Michelle.

  53. michelleward Avatar

    thank you suzanne <3

  54. michelleward Avatar

    thanks bonnie, i’m swimming in happy memories this week of mutual love, and meeting his spirit again.

  55. michelleward Avatar

    marie, my heart goes out to you too. i know the anguish. xo

  56. michelleward Avatar

    sharon, i am sorry you are facing this. enjoy and savor your moments. big hugs to you.

  57. michelleward Avatar

    thank you gabriele.

  58. Evokative Shane Avatar

    Dearest Michelle – Winston. I remember him so well from earlier years’ blog photos. A beautiful being. A lucky one, landing in your family. Their lives are so darn short, to love them well is all. A hug to you, and wishes for Winston to rollick free of his limitations in the physical world. -Shane Keven Reinhart

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