For the next seven weeks, we will leave Angel's upstairs apartment furnished with her favorite napping locales, her food and water bowls, and various toys and scratchers.
The Buddhist state of bardo, when the departed's soul is making it's transition from one plane to another, is what The Hubby and I observed with Chuck's passing, and are doing so for Angel.
The Buddhist state of bardo, when the departed's soul is making it's transition from one plane to another, is what The Hubby and I observed with Chuck's passing, and are doing so for Angel.
Nothing much will be moved or changed, just what is needed so Manny and Chili Bruce won't knock everything over.
If Angel's spirit comes back to visit, she'll see that her things are as they were, and that we have not nor will not forget her.
"In the bardo state, your pet may still have some awareness of you, and perhaps other family members, irrespective of where you are physically. They can still be positively influenced by your practice of meditation and mantra recitation, particularly if you dedicate any virtue arising from the practice for their benefit. For seven weeks after the passing of your pet, you are still able to help them, and should do so to whatever extent you are able."
Read more about observing bardo by clicking below to visit author David Michie's blog post:
- I still listen for her meow.
- We turn on the lights in her apartment.
- I swear I've heard the sound of her chewing kibble.
- While taking a bath, I call "Nan-ja-la!" into the silence, as I did when she was with us.
- Every day, I step into her apartment and ask if she likes my outfit.
- Both of us pat the empty spot on the chair, where she spent so much time.
- 15 plus years; her absence leaves a gaping hole in the household.
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| Angel, showing a bit of attitude! |
I've never heard of this tradition. Does leaving her things where they are make it more difficult or easier for you? Are the boys noticing that she is no longer there (or sensing changes in your behavior)?
ReplyDeleteIt's easy right now to leave Angel's things in place, since Da Boyz are not yet allowed into the area. I have to remove and hide away a lot of stuff first. I am still sitting on the floor next to her chair to read at night. Da Boyz know there is a change; they don't smell her anymore.
DeleteIt was months before I washed our sweet Tilly's favorite blanket and her cat bed has not been moved, nor used by our sole surviving cat Jezebel. They used to snuggle in it together sometimes. ~hugs~ Thank you for sharing this.
ReplyDeleteHugs to you for your Angel Tilly. Our Chuck has been gone for over 2 years, but his wooly sock is still laying on the table where he left it.
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute. We have a shrine for our angel Little Bit. I get this.
ReplyDeleteHave a fabulous day. Big hug. ♥
I have a group of drawings and photos of Angel, which will stay in place...and I'll add her cremains box there too. Hugs to you for your Angle Little Bit.
DeleteI wish I could hug you in purrson but since I can't please accept this virtual hug x 100 for this lovely tribute to your Angel.
ReplyDeleteKeep your eyes and ears open for an Angelic visit. Milky-Way came for a visit twice, once in a shadow walking thru the foyer tail flying high and the last was an audio. When he was in his box, (which was upstairs over the family room, he would not use it until he 'dug a hole to China. Very hard digger too. A few weeks after he passed, I heard the most vigorous digging upstairs. I actually came up to check. Folks might be shaking their heads but we saw and heard what we saw...We knew that precious boy was ok and well. Angel Madi is seen every day in every corner. She was more all over this house for 16 years. Milky-Way was very laid back never much of a roamer.
Hugs Cecilia
Thank you. I've heard Angel meow, and the next day I distinctly heard her munching kibble; she had a very distinctive crunchy sound! I totally believe that they come back to visit; I want to make sure that when Angel does, she sees that we haven't cleared her existence from the house.
DeleteI haven't heard of Bardo before, but it is a lovely tradition to help our loved ones make their transition.
ReplyDeleteWe are not Buddhists, however when I discovered this tradition, it felt like the exact thing to do.
Deleteand angel showing a lot of gorgeous !!! :) ♥♥
ReplyDeleteAww...thanks!
DeleteI hope this ritual brings you both much comfort.
ReplyDeleteToby usually got on the corner of the bed from his stepstool. He was pretty hefty so it was always obvious. Within a week of his passing, I was in bed one night, and felt that jump. It was the only time that happened, but I know it was him.
Also, in reference to your comment on my blog about it being surreal without your girl. I totally understand that. My deepest sympathy.
DeleteJust after Chuck passed, I felt him jump onto my bed too. Just once.
DeleteI wish I knew of Bardo. I LOVE THIS. Maybe I should mail my dad a letter. But it will get returned. If it applies to humans, then I found it rather amazing that I had a student at the barn last week, for the first time. His name was Sam. As soon as he got into the saddle on the horse he said, YOU CAN DO IT over and over and over again. His dad and his other volunteer cheered him on saying YOU CAN DO IT too. My father said there was no saying "can't" in our house. He always said YOU CAN DO IT. I took this is a sign that he was there. in that arena. he told me while he was alive that he was so happy we were volunteering for handicapped kids. He felt volunteering was key to good human citizenship. Co-incidence? I don't think so. I think he was there
ReplyDeleteand Im sorry for your Angel grief and pain. Perfectly understandable. Big hugs
ReplyDeleteShe will always be with you.
ReplyDeleteSending our love, hugs and purrs xx
Athena and Marie
As you ease yourselves into your new reality, she recognizes and finds her new place as well, slowly and respectfully for all. Purrs for your journey.
ReplyDeleteWe totally understand. We didn't know it had a name but we do it most similar, it did take a good while for us to even think about opening our Angel Precious suite.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely beautiful tradition. The morning after I lost Truffles, walking out into the living room and seeing her things sitting there like they were just waiting for her to come back was like a kick in the gut. But they stayed there until Mudpie arrived.
ReplyDeleteI understand and I love seeing your love for your Angel.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a exquisitely mindful custom. We know Angel remains close by for you.
ReplyDeleteThis is a sweet ritual and way to honor your Angel. XO
ReplyDeleteThe way my human learned about Bardo, it was actually defined as the space between all six transitional states of consciousness. She didn't know there were specific practices attached to the space after death. Although that is totally logical.
ReplyDeleteAll these funny little creatures have such an effect on us, whether they are present or not. They are always much bigger than they look...
ReplyDeleteThat's a beautiful practice. I hope it brings peace to all.
ReplyDeleteThanks for joining the Thankful Thursday Blog Hop, we appreciate you.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute and tradition. She will know she is still loved if she stops by.
ReplyDeleteOh Vicky,thanks for stopping by with condolences for Clyde and letting us know about your loss. I follow the Buddhist way and find it hard to know when to euthanize which means only when absolutely necessary. I hope there is an easing of sorrow in the weeks to come xoxo
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ReplyDeleteI do like this concept a lot.. thank you for sharing
ReplyDeleteWith luving thoughts and purrs as you find your way, dear Angel and learn to use your new wings. Hugs of comfort for your family as they deal with your passing.
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