"Life isn't long enough to do all you could accomplish. And what a privilege even to be alive. In spite of all the pollutions and horrors, how beautiful this world is.
Supposing you only saw the stars once every year. Think what you would think. The wonder of it!"--Tasha Tudor



Monday, July 19, 2010

Goodbye, My Beautiful, Beloved Girl



I am standing upon the seashore. A ship at my side spreads her white sails to the morning breeze and starts for the blue ocean.

She is an object of beauty and strength, and I stand and watch until at last she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come down to mingle with each other. Then someone at my side says, " There she goes! "

Gone where?

Gone from my sight . . . that is all.

She is just as large in mast and hull and spar as she was when she left my side and just as able to bear her load of living freight to the place of destination.

Her diminished size is in me, not in her.

And just at the moment when someone at my side says, " There she goes! " there are other eyes watching her coming . . . and other voices ready to take up the glad shout . . . "Here she comes!"

Farewell, my beloved Bridget
BISS CH. Heronsway Two For The Show
7/25/03-7/18/10

My heart and soul.

John and I & the kids & Mary Elizabeth are overcome by waves of crushing sadness and tears. We are so deeply grateful for all of the calls, notes, emails, posts and flowers. I can feel your hugs. I can't imagine going through this without the most wonderful friends in the Corgi community. My heart is broken and I am paralyzed with grief and guilt right now. But I promise to get back to each of you when I can breathe again. With all of my love, Cathy




33 comments:

Jennifer MacNeill said...

I am so very sorry. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Susan said...

Oh, my heart breaks for you. May you find peace in your memories of your treasured friend.

Kelly said...

So sorry for your loss! :(

B said...

Cathy, I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers!

coopercreek said...

So very sorry...thinking of you all.

^..^Corgidogmama said...

Oh no....I'm so, so, sorry.
We're heartbroken for you all.
Am dreading the day it happens here.
Take care now....
Susan

MC said...

Dear Cathy,

I am so sorry to hear of the loss your beloved corgi, Bridget. Through your blog posts, art work, and involvement in the "corgi community," I can tell you are a wonderful pet owner and person. I love reading your blog and I am disheartened to hear about Bridget. I will be thinking of you. God bless.

--Mary Clark

Tanya said...

I'm so sorry!

Chatty Crone said...

So very sorry for your loss. sandie

Roseann said...

I am so very sorry to you all. How sad!

hugs and prayers,

ro

Anonymous said...

I am so sorry to hear this. They are with us for such a small space of time yet they have such a huge impact on our lives. Please know you and your family are in my thoughts.

ellen rardin said...

I am so sorry. My daughter told me that you had lost your beloved corgi. Our breeder, an Episcopal priest,always tells us he is amazed at how much love God can put in a corgi. Thoughts and prayers-we love your work.

Anonymous said...

Dear Cathy and Mary Elizabeth,

I cannot tell you how shocked and grieved I was when Cindy wrote to tell me of Bridget's loss. She has always been a shining star to me in the corgi world and I can't imagine that world without her in it. She was so beautiful and such a great spirit that she blessed all of us who knew her.

Please know that all of you are deeply in my prayers and I am holding all of you in the Light which will surely shine through to you again as the darkest days of grief lift their heavy hand. But for now know that we are with you in spirit just as Bridget is.

You gave her such a wonderful life as she gave to you--love, companionship, fun, accomplishment, and work. There is no better partnership and no better way to spend one's brief time on this earth. I know you feel her love and gratitude for all you were to her. And now she is on the next leg of her journey and all that love and strength will carry her on.

Love and blessings to you all,
Diana

Cassie said...

My heart is breaking for you =(

dana said...

I'm hurting with you right now, Cat. Losing a faithful and deeply loved furry friend is just too sad for words. I still miss my cat Buffy...and he's been in heaven for 6 years. L, Dana

Lois said...

Oh Cathy, just reading the title of your entry....I know your sorrow, they take part of us with them, and it HURTS....Just know a total stranger is writing through tears...

Angela said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of Bridget.

Hugs & Prayers,
Angela

Rachel said...

Dear Cathy,

What a beautiful tribute you have written for your beautiful Bridget. I am so sorry to hear of your loss.

Peace & blessings

Karen said...

I'm sorry, Cathy. I hope you have some comfort in knowing how much she loved and was loved. -Karen (on corgi-l)

chershaytoute said...

What a beautiful poem/tribute to a beautiful, sweet girl and her littles, Cathy.

You, Mary Elizabeth, your family...you're so important to everyone in the community, Cat...and very dear to us. Of course, we greet the sorrow of one of our own with heartfelt thoughts and caring hugs...

We have a community of love...look at all of the love that pours out with Vicki tells us about new dogs that CorgiAid has helped...stranger pups, new to our family. We could do no less than to love and support you all...

"The Other Diane" :)

Philip's Mom said...

So sorry, sending lots of hugs and Corgi love your way.

Emilie said...

Oh Cathy, tears are flowing here...I am so sorry and shocked to hear about Bridget.. My heart is breaking for you. I will be keeping you in my prayers.

Emilie

ocmist said...

We at Corgi Country were so saddened to hear of your loss! I am praying for you and your family, for healing from the broken hearts you are experiencing during this time of sorrow. Linda

Nancy at the Farm said...

Cathy,

We are so sorry for your loss. We hope each day gets a wee bit better for you. Dottie went to the Rainbow Bridge this morning so we know she is in good company! We are holding you close and sending you lots of corgi love.

Love, Dozer and Cooper

Pam said...

My condolences to you and your family - I am very sorry for your loss.

betty said...

I am so sorry to hear of your loss, Cathy. Bridget was a beautiful corgi in more than one way. I am sure she will be greatly missed

betty

Kelly~MysticalEntities said...

I just found your blog through cloth paper scissors. I`m so sorry for your loss. I lost my Bullmastiff Buddy a year ago this april to lymphoma. My heart too was broken so I can feel your pain.
Just know she was lucky to have such a loving owner.

I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Kelly

Unknown said...

I am SO very sorry. I know how hard it is to loose them. I am teary eyed with you. Prayers to heal your hearts. God bless.

Whosyergurl said...

Oh, Cathy, I am so very, very sorry. I knew that is what this post was going to say...
HUGS and lots of love,
another Corgi mom, CHeryl

wvcorgis2 said...

I am overwhelmed by the beauty of your poem....layered lovliness. Your Bridget will be with you in spirit always.

Cathy Santarsiero, "The Christmas Corgi" said...

Thanks so much, everyone. I believe the poem is from Victor Hugo, written during the 1800's but you can google it if you like. It is truly lovely and just speaks to my heart. xo xo

Ivy@PaperElixir said...

Oh no, I'm so sorry for your loss, Cathy... I'm sure Bridget is somewhere in doggy heaven happily chasing squirrels. You've been so wonderful in supporting us when Bryson was going through his diagnosis with Addison's, I truly wish you and your family all the peace and strength you need to move forward!

Tricia said...

You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I know in my heart and soul that my two boys (both Corgis) are at the Rainbow Bridge and have greeted Bridget and have made her feel right at home. I lost my "soul mate", Chester, in January of 2010 and while the memories sustain me, there will forever be a hole in my heart until I meet him again on the other side.

May YOUR memories sustain you, and may time ease the pain.

In "Corgi love"
Tricia