Thank You So Much!

[Chris & Boys]

Hi All ~

I just wanted to thank all of you for your kind words, reassurance and prayers. I haven't been able to respond in a timely manner because I can only get through typing one sentence at a time before the tears cloud my vision. I knew it would be hard, but not this hard. What makes it even worse is seeing my 11 year old son struggle with it. Hopefully once we pick up Boomers ashes, it will give him some comfort.

We took the prayer that Adrianne sent us when we went to church on Sunday. We lit a candle after mass as both boys read the prayer - it was beautiful. Thank you so much Adrianne! It was so wonderful to have that prayer, as we had missed the mass for the blessing of the pets the week before.

I have decided to replace a shrub in the front of my house and to replace it next spring with a blooming shrub in memory of Boomer - I will see it every day as I come and go, and there it will be to greet me when I arrive and to send me off as I leave, just as Boomer did. For this wonderful idea, I have to give credit to Cheryl Elblonk - you, my dear, are a genius!

And the rest of you have helped me to realize that I did do the right thing, even though it felt so wrong. Although it was painful for me, I know it was not for Boomer, he lived with pain every day, but not any longer.

I mentioned earlier that my son is having a very tough time with this. I am trying to find if anyone knows where I could find a cremation pendant for him, that's not going to cost $100, or, some kind of locket that we could keep a snipit of his fur in.

Again, thank you all for your kind words and thoughts. It has helped tremendously. It is wonderful to be part of such a great group of people.

Thanks again,
Chris

[Chris & Boys]

I got a lot of wonderful ideas. I would love to plant a bush this fall, but we have had very cold weather, snow several days this week and more to come. So, I am going to plant some tulip bulbs and wait to plant the bush in the spring. I ordered two memory boxes for my boys today, and will try to put together a scrapbook (have never found time to put one together for my boys yet! - bad mom) and give them as Christmas presents, as Boomer's birhtday is on Christmas.

Every day I cry a little less......I am coming to grips that I did the right thing......

[HANNAH 8/2/07 & HONEY 7/2/08]

Hi Chris,
After reading through all of the comments and some of the great group things here on DK, I really like the memory box, but another thing you can do with the boys is make a scrap book with all their favorite pictures of them growing up with Boomer. Let them each do one so they have their own memories, and they can add to it with other pets, something they will always have to remember. This will also help them to talk about Boomer.

[Lorraine Bromley]

My co-worker just got one for her grandmothers ashes. She went to the jewelery store and asked for one. It was a dramatic price difference from the funeral homes one and it was the same.
II also seen them on Ebay recently.

[Kyoko]

What about one of those dog tag type gold necklace that you can get your photo etched?
http://www.thefind.com/gifts/info-photo-memorial-necklaces#page=1
http://www.4pawsforever.org/pages/gifts.php?gclid=CKvBiIzFu50CFdZM5QodsHlYjA

My heart aches for you and your kids......

[Leslie and Halas]

I missed your news about Boomer. I'm so sorry for your loss.

[cheryl & oliver]

Chris, u are more then welcome for the idea, I am certainly not a genius, lol, it was a friend of mine that suggested it to me. Chris I am not sure where u live, but if u can afford it now, go and plant that flowering bush now so that it will be blooming in the spring, or some bulbs that bloom in the early spring...When u see those blooms, bush or flowers or both, it will warm your heart and soul. I don't know if it is too cold to plant where u are now, but if it isn't, just get some bulbs, and watch when the snow ends and the flowers peek thru, it makes u know that the circle of life goes on, and Boomer may not be there in person, but his spirit is now part of the living chain of the earth and your lives...I am sorry that I can't help with your other question. What about one of those little silk jewelry bags, the chinese pattern silk ones. You could put some of the hair in that, and keep it in a special place?...Just a thought, and they are cheap....Cheryl

[Karen & Lucy]

{{{{{{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} TO YOU AND YOUR FAMILY

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

I just realized I repeated what Libby said!! Sorry! But maybe that means its a good idea :)
Keep posting blogs if it helps you feel any better. I know it is hard.

[Adrianne Matzkin]

You are so welcome! I hope it gives the boys some sense of comfort!
I love L&Bs idea of making a box yourself. Your boys can find their favorite pictures of Boomer and make a collage. Maybe add his favorite bush to the top. A wonderful place for his ashes, collar and whatever helps the healing.
When I read that prayer, even though my Maggie is gone almost 9 years, I cry. Not shed tears, pure crying. That's okay - it shows deep love you all had for Boomer.

[Allyson, Peri & Taquito]

Another idea is to put his collar and tags in a memory box (that your boys can have around). I bought this for my mom for Mr. Jake: http://www.cherrylanecollection.com/html/6575.html
She put his tags in it and keeps it by her bed. Just another thought. We have been thinking of you.