WHEN YOU’VE BEEN BLESSED

… is the title to one of my favorite songs sung by multi Grammy winner Pattie Labelle. When she gets to the chorus, she belts out “When You’ve Been Blessed – Feels Like Heaven.” After living with and loving Leo, I have a deeper understanding of such a powerful sentence.

When you’ve been blessed by anyone or anything it makes a profound difference in your life.

I’ve been tremendously blessed by Leo, and it did feel like heaven…

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Thank you from the deepest corners of my heart for your condolences and words of encouragement. Losing anyone close to you is gut wrenching, and a pet I have learned is by far no exception.

 Thank you  

 

• to the dozens of readers who “showed us so much love” by writing comments on our website. Your sentiments comforted me. I know it took enormous courage for some of you to re-live your own pet loss just to help me understand I am not alone- I didn’t take that “act of kindness” lightly. Over the past two weeks I’ve re-read your comments and they’ve helped me step back off the ledge of hysteria. I now understand the power of words and how they can heal. I will never forget how honest words from the writer can make such an impact to the reader. Thank you again for caring about us so much.

• to those who sent us the beautiful flowers and heartfelt cards – what a gesture and demonstration of love. I cannot tell you how much it meant knowing Leo’s photos and “Wilson” stories touched so many…

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• to those who sent Harley cards. Yes I read them to him, yes he listened…

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• to the Virginia Maryland Dog Magazine for creating a memorial page on their website…

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• to my pet blogging community, sponsors, and product affiliates. Your love and support during this dreadful time made me feel like family. I am grateful for your friendship, and guidance.

• to my big brother “the Deacon” who delivered the Sunday morning congregational prayer with Leo on his mind: “Heavenly Father, I know we all make plans for our lives and have an agenda we want to hold on to. Yet if we let go of this agenda and let You be in charge, the results will bring us peace. Help us learn how to let go so we can bask in Your peace. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.” I find myself reciting this often, it is helping.

• To Leo’s neighborhood gang (the little people) who thought to bake Harley cupcakes. I may have cried, but they were tears of gratitude.

Harley and our entire town of Doodleville are still adjusting to this sudden and painful loss. Through this journey we are learning how to cope and move forward. However, I remind myself daily that I am far better off having had Leo in my life then our paths never crossing.

And we feel the same way about all of you!

When you’ve been blessed – feels like heaven. Thank you Leo…

24 Comments
  • Caren Gittleman
    July 11, 2014

    now I am crying again. You are one STRONG woman my friend. To be so eloquent and articulate at such a difficult time. You are a marvelous example for all of us. We all love you and hurt with you xoxo

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 11, 2014

      Caren, I’m simply speaking from my heart. It was super important that I find the words to tell you and so many others how much our entire family appreciate all the acts of kindness shown with Leo’s sudden passing. I will never forget what you and so many others did for us. Thank you my friend, thank you.

  • Robin and Libby Louise
    July 11, 2014

    Yes, I’m crying again as well. I have thought about you each and every day and hope that as your days pass, you heart gets a little lighter. Love to you, Harley and the family.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 11, 2014

      Don’t cry Robin, remember we’ve been blessed by Leo (and “Wilson”) – together we’re all gonna make it. Together girlfriend…

  • DashLilly
    July 11, 2014

    We have thought of you a million times. Thanks for writing today. You are in our prayers. We miss all of you. Deirdre, Dash and Lilly

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 11, 2014

      Thanks Deirdre – Writing is good for my soul, and Harley is PAWfect for my heart. It’s difficult to say the least – but even with the pain, it feels… right. Hug Dash and Lilly for me, and let’s see where we go from here.

  • Jen | DOGthusiast | StylishCanine
    July 11, 2014

    You are so strong. I’ve been thinking of you often over the weeks, looking over your lovely pictures, and sending you my thoughts and prayers. Mort dedicated one of his Mort Report’s to Leo (http://dogthusiast.com/2014/06/30/mort-report-im-teaching-humans-live-sand-everywhere/) – thank you Leo for teaching and reminding all of us humans how to live life well. xoxo.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 11, 2014

      Jen – you and Mort are so special to us here in Doodleville. Didn’t know Leo got a “shout-out” in the Mort Report! It was very nice, thank you. I agree with you – Leo did teach us humans how to live well. Thanks my friend…

  • Claudette pope
    July 11, 2014

    We love you sooooooooo much. I’ve looked everday hoping to hear from you. Thank you for writing. It had to take a lot to still share when a wounded heart is still raw. I agree with Dakota’s Den, I’m crying again. Like you’very heard a million times, Leo brought so much joy to so many people, I’m sure that little Harley is trying his hardest to carry that Banner now. He and you will make it. Prayer works and a lot of prayers have gone up for your strength. Thank you again for sharing with us.
    Claudette

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 11, 2014

      Claudette – I am so sorry for not returning your call. Like they say at EBC “charge it to my head and not my heart.” Harley has been the PAWfect prescription for me. When I didn’t want to – it was because of him that I did. He’s really responsible for pulling me out of the rabbit hole, what a great doodle he is. Continue to pray for us please as we still have many moments…

  • Dee
    July 11, 2014

    I’m trying…not to have a complete melt-down here at work. So thankful I had the pleasure of sharing some doodle time with both Leo and Harley. Thinking of you! Luv & Hugs!

    Dee

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 11, 2014

      Now Dee, no meltdowns, you know you need your job! (hope that made you laugh). I’m happy you had some doodle time with Leo also, and feel free to come back for more romps with Harley. Anytime…

  • Emma
    July 11, 2014

    Mom has leaky eyes again. We are still in shock over this but it also is a HUGE reminder to enjoy every day you have as the future is never guaranteed. Mom can’t imagine what you are going through and you did everything right but it still wasn’t enough. We are so sorry for your loss but we know our pal Leo would want the fun in Doodleville to continue. You and Harley will work through this and you have each other. Nothing beats a good paw on the shoulder. Emma and Joy

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 11, 2014

      Emma, tell your mom, “leaky eyes” are approved in this case. We so wanted to have my boys meet her girls one day. I’m sure your mom thinks about that too, and PAWhaps that’s what makes her sad. But tell her we have our memories, and that is so precious and everlasting. Give your mom one of those big nose sniffing licks, tell her Harley and I are going to be okay, and we’re not moving out of Doodleville either! Much love to you Emma, much love.

  • Sheila and Finnley
    July 11, 2014

    I am glad that you are back. You were truly missed.
    This blog must have been the second hardest one you have ever written, but it was beautiful.
    I look forward to reading more from you and Harley.
    Sending you love, <3

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 11, 2014

      Thank you Shelia – I won’t lie, it was a tough one. But I am so happy I was able to share with you and many others. It was important to me that I let everyone know what an emotional lifesaver your comments, cards, calls and visits meant. It was crucial to my survival. Thank you so much.

  • Jen
    July 11, 2014

    Mrs. B, I haven’t written anything yet, just reached out through Tiffany, but have thought of you almost every day since Leo’s passing. It reminded me of when our Theo passed away in just one day, in the middle of the blizzard of 2011, and there was nothing we could do, and nowhere we could go, because we were snowbound and everything was closed. Lynn and I feel your pain. But in addition to your friends and family support, we know that Leo’s BFF, Harley, is shining for you. xoxo Jenny from the Block

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 11, 2014

      Jenny from the block, I appreciate you being there for Tiffany. It couldn’t have been easy especially since Theo’s loss was so similar in nature and so sudden. I accept this process is a long one, and I am buckled in to ride the waves. Harley is a tremendous help because with him I cannot wallow but for so long. XOXO

  • Betty
    July 13, 2014

    I’m up catching up on my doodle blog. I thought about you since everything happened. My sister and I prayed for you and the family. I’m so happy that you and Harvey are back. I love you Cathy! Maya and I still want to visit.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 14, 2014

      Thank you so much Betty for your prayers. Please convey that to your sister also. Please feel free to bring Maya over anytime, we are spending a great deal of time at home these days. You are always welcome.

  • Ann Staub
    July 15, 2014

    You have been missed here. Hope you are able to continue to heal with time. Very beautifully said!

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 16, 2014

      Thanks Ann, your friendship and support mean so much to me.

  • Jen
    July 15, 2014

    I’ve been thinking of you so much lately Cathy.My heart just aches for you and I know you are a strong person and will find a way to get through this with the love and support of all those around you.

    • Cathy Bennett
      July 16, 2014

      Hi Jen – I shall not lie, this is a struggle, but I am so grateful to my faith and friends. This entire process is teaching me so much about myself. Right now my life resembles a roller coaster and I’ve found it easier to just grip the safety bar and go with the flow. If that means I cry in the middle of the pet store – so be it. I’m sure in time it will get better, but I’m not gonna rush it. Thanks so much for your friendship and support, it means the world to me. Take care…