28 November, 2017

Bardo

Can Chucky really be gone a week already?  It just doesn't seem possible.

Chuck loved this beddy!
The Hubby and I have chosen to observe the Tibetan or Buddhist tradition of bardo, for Chuck.  In a nutshell, while a soul is in transition between the physical and spirit worlds after death, the family shows great love by leaving everything as that soul knew it in life.  Beds, bowls, favorite toys, pile of woolie socks...all remain and are not put away. 

We created a Chuck shrine, which consists of a framed photo, and we talk out loud to Chuck.  The presumption is that he will visit 'home' during the 49 days after his passing, to observe us and recall his life.  We honor him with our loving words and this allows him to remember everything, and will help him move on to his next life.  After the bardo period, we will rearrange things to suit living with Angel alone, such as removing a couple of litter pans, uncovering the chairs that are draped with blankets under which he loved to sleep, and dispose of his medicines.

I suggest that you search the interwebs under author David Michie, where you can read about bardo in his blog dated August 5, 2017.  Mr. Michie has written many books, but we cat people may know his "The Dalai Lama's Cat" series most of all.

Again, thank you for the kind thoughts and prayers. 

πŸ’—πŸ˜ΏπŸ’—

34 comments:

  1. I think that is a lovely tradition to honor and remember Chucky's presence. Remember to keep a look out he might drop in to say hi and all is well.
    Hugs madi and mom

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    1. The Hubby said he felt Chucky around on that first evening without him.

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  2. chuck is not really "gone", he just has a different "address" and you can't really see him like you're used to; he will always be with you in heart and memory.... and when he visits.. it will be when you least expect it.

    if his meds are unopened; check with your vet as they may be able to use them ♥♥♥♥♥

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    1. I hope he visits us someday, and all of our meds were opened :-(

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    2. You could post what you have for medication on the Cats with Blogs Facebook group. Perhaps someone could use them for their cat.

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  3. That is such a wonderful thing to do and we sure send hugs your way.

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  4. I've never heard about this tradition before. To be honest, I do the same thing myself. It took me YEARS to finally throw away most of Kitty's stuff (food, diabetes supplies, etc). It hurts so much when you expect to see the kitty you lost in certain spots and at certain times - and there's just a big empty now. My greatest comfort is knowing that Kitty lives inside of me in the way I love other people and other kitties. Her life transformed mine - and the transformation "keeps" way beyond her life span.

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  5. This is a lovely tradition, but everyone must deal with grief in their own way. After Tucker died, I had to put away some things immediately, but others (like his carrier) I still can't look at, 3 years later. If it feels right to you, then it's right.

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  6. I sort of have done this with my other babies when they flew away from me. I put a few things away that caused me depression pain. But most all else was still out. I can't look at their personal things as it sears my soul. But their ashes are here...and their personal thing, their favorite blankies, their whiskers, some furs, their paw prints, those are safely put in an oak chest. It hurts to see them.

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  7. What a lovely tradition to adopt for Chuck.I had not heard of it til I began to read the novel "Lincoln in the Bardo, about the death of Willy Lincoln.) It is a very comforting concept.

    I have been talking to my long-gone kitties for years, so I think you can feel safe talking to him beyond the 49 days.

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  8. I've never heard of Bardo...but what a lovely way to honor Chucky. Though it must hurt to see those reminders of him. I hope he does visit you in these next days...let us know if he does. ~Island Cat Mom

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  9. I'm sure he'll be back to visit. Sending comforting thoughts.

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  10. I'm sure he'll be back to visit. Sending comforting thoughts.

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  11. I love this. What a nice idea. Hugs.

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  12. Oh, I love that SO much. When my other cats passed away I picked everything up because it just hurt too much to look at. But after losing Truffles so suddenly I left everything where it was until Mudpie arrived a month later. And I do have a Truffles shrine where her ashes are. It's decorated for Christmas each year too.

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  13. What a lovely, and touching, concept. We know you are hurting, and glad that you have something to help ease you through these days.

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  14. Those are such nice ways to remember and honor sweet Chucky. XO

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  15. What a wonderful and touching thing to do. We know Chucky is there, listening and seeing.

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  16. A beautiful way to remember your Chuck. I hope that it helps you heal as it helps Chuck. ♥

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  17. What a wonderful way to honor your sweet Chuck. It hurts to put things away that belonged to our fur babies - I hope this helps you heal. I know Chuck lives in your heart forever. xo Sending warm hugs.

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  18. What a lovely custom Vickie. I think of you often.
    Take care.

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  19. I've never heard of Bardo before, but what a wonderful custom and way to remember him.

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  20. So beautiful. Thank you for leaving his things for him to come visit.

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  21. I really like this tradition - it's so beautiful. Chuck will always be in your heart, no matter what.

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  22. It is all about whatever brings one the most comfort...it is a beautiful thing to do, we all mourn in our own way, there is no right or wrong way. (((hugs))) catchatwithcarenandcody

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  23. So sorry again about Chucky! I love the tradition- what a perfect way to honor those we love!

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  24. I think this is a lovely tradition and way to honor a loved one. I have never heard of Bardo, but we did something similar when our cat Elsie passed away in September 2016. I left her things as they were for quite some time and it was comforting knowing that her spirit might pass through and find things as they were.

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  25. That sounds beautiful! TW still keep certain toys and remembrances of the cats who came before.

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  26. We don't know any of that. And, not bein' buddhist, wouldn't purrticipate. But, it's good ifin you get comfurt from it. Losin' Chuck was a tragedy and we're sendin' lots of purrayers and hugs.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Raena

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  27. That's a wonderful way to honor Chucky. <3

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  28. We have been recently peeked over Γ„iti's shoulder as she has been reading The Tibetan Book of the Dead as she feels the Bardo is a very important period to be honoured too. We love your post, and fully concur.

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  29. That is a lovely tradition. It was quite a long time before I could pick up some of the things that were unique to my previous cats and put them away after they passed

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Mee-row!
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