I have a new respect for familes who lose loved ones

Nurses Relations

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

I had something happen to me two nights ago, and I have been thinking about how much It changed me. I have watched people lose thier loved ones, and although always sad, I've never truly known what it feels like to watch someone you love die. I'm talking about activley watching it, not getting a phone call later. Both are sad situations but the first I think is unique and traumatic in it's own way.

I had to put my beloved Cat to sleep two nights ago. I know what you're thinking....."Really? Her Cat?" Well, my little fur baby died in my arms and I have never felt such heartache and grief in my entire life as I did in that moment. I have lost both of my Grandmothers, but neither of them in front of me. I have watched countless family members lose their loved ones and always have felt sad for them but never did I truly know what it was like. I still don't and I can promise you I dread the day....... I am not comparing losing a feline companion to losing a Mother or a Father, mind you. I am just in awe of how painful It was/is to feel his little body fade away in my arms. I have a new respect for this process and anyone who has to be there with someone who goes through it. All I can think is if I hurt this bad over my little kitty how does anyone move on after losing a parent or spouse in the same way. Wow. Just food for thought, and I wanted to share. I am still grieving and am sitting here typing away with no furball to keep me warm.

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Aw, sorry to hear about your kitty. Im sure her being in your arms as she went was a comfort to her. I have never had a friend or family member pass in my presence, but have plenty of animals pass with me.

I often wonder the same thing, about how different it must be when a friend or family member dies in front of you. I an a animal person too and know that our pets are part of our families and can't imagine what will happen when a human companion of mine dies. I know what you are going through. May memories of better times fill your heart.

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Specializes in Acute Care, Rehab, Palliative.

Oh my I think it would be the same feeling for me. You post made me tear up. My cats and my dog are such a part of my life. My dog is beside me as I type and I know she is failing and may not be here next spring.The grief on the loss of a pet can be just as excruciating as losing a human family member.

My sympathies on the loss of your kitty.

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Specializes in Transitional Nursing.

Thanks for your kind words. Although I don't know for certain, I do think It must be the same. I felt like he was a member of my family. I'm not a crazy Cat lady or anything but i loved him, so much. Animals are truly innocent and pure. They don't want anything other than to love you. (and of course eat and be loved in return and did I mention eat?) I will miss my little furry friend.

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Specializes in Oncology.

I'm sorry for your loss

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Specializes in Medical Oncology, Alzheimer/dementia.

Glycerine82, I'm sorry to hear about your beloved kitty.

I have told the families of the dying patient that they have been given such a gift to be able to be at the bedside of their loved one. So many of my patients have died alone with no family there, only me...and who am I in the grand scheme of life? The families usually think about and agree that they would hate for their mom or dad to die alone.

When my sister died years ago, I got a phone call. It was an unexpected death, so she was all alone. That still makes me very sad.

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My grandma passed away last year. I got to be there and so did everyone close to her. It was so sad but beautiful at the same time. She got to say goodbye to all of us, and I massaged her hair as she passed, something she always found comforting. Pain is pain. I have furry friends too, and don't know what I'll do when they go.

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Specializes in pediatrics; PICU; NICU.

Monday morning, my sister & I had to make the difficult decision to place our dad in hospice. He has told us he's tired of having constant pain, tired of having things wrong that can't be "fixed", and tired of fighting. He's 88 & says he's ready to go. He's worried about everyone he's leaving behind (2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren). We spent the day crying together & holding each other and I was able to tell him it's ok to go because, although we'll miss him terribly, we'll all be fine and someday we'll all be together again.

I'm so glad to have this opportunity to help my dad on his final journey. My mom was killed in a car accident 28 years ago & there was no real closure because it was so unexpected & happened quite far from our home. I feel honored to be able to be my dad's advocate to get the care & comfort he needs to have a peaceful passing.

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Specializes in PCCN.

so sorry for your loss. I too have had similar feelings.I guess that's what we get for being human.....

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Specializes in ED.

Sorry for your loss :( Losing pets is hard, I don't care that they are not human, they are still family. I was a vet tech before I was an RN, and I had to step out of a patient's room more than once because I was bawling over the family having to say goodbye to their pet. I guess that makes me a weirdo because I've never had that kind of reaction with a human patient, but it just hurts my heart to see animals pass, their lives are so short and they are so innocent.

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Specializes in Critical Care, ED, Cath lab, CTPAC,Trauma.
Monday morning, my sister & I had to make the difficult decision to place our dad in hospice. He has told us he's tired of having constant pain, tired of having things wrong that can't be "fixed", and tired of fighting. He's 88 & says he's ready to go. He's worried about everyone he's leaving behind (2 daughters, 6 grandchildren, 4 great grandchildren). We spent the day crying together & holding each other and I was able to tell him it's ok to go because, although we'll miss him terribly, we'll all be fine and someday we'll all be together again.

I'm so glad to have this opportunity to help my dad on his final journey. My mom was killed in a car accident 28 years ago & there was no real closure because it was so unexpected & happened quite far from our home. I feel honored to be able to be my dad's advocate to get the care & comfort he needs to have a peaceful passing.

I am so sorry.....my prayers are with your family...((HUGS))

My pets are my fur children. When I put my dog down 10 years ago....my heart broke into a thousand pieces. She was my best friend, she was almost 17 years old......I held her in my arms and cried until I had no tears.

When my dad passed away my heart broke into a million pieces.......I cried until I had no tears and got up, took a drink of water and cried some more.

I eventually got another dog......pictured here (wink) But I can never get another Dad......your heart will miss them for ever.

We had to make the decision to remove from life support. Even though I am a firm supporter that we are more humane to our beloved pets when they become ill by "putting them to sleep"......removing my father from life support was the hardest thing I have ever done. I miss him so much......

OP I am so sorry for you loss

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Specializes in LTC, assisted living, med-surg, psych.

I lost a newborn daughter 29 years ago today, and as much as it hurt---and still hurts---I've grieved almost as intensely over the loss of certain of my pets, though of course not as long. I remember especially having my 15-year kitty put down a number of years ago; I held her as she slipped away, with Enya's "Only Time" playing softly in the background. It was one of the hardest things I've ever had to do, and afterwards I just held her body and cried till there were no tears left.

I am so sorry for the loss of your fur-baby. Don't let anyone tell you she was "just" a cat, she was a member of the family and it HURTS. Wishing you good memories of your pet and consolation to your aching heart. xoxo

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