Posted 3/19/2018 9:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi to one and all:
It has been a while since I checked in and shared life’s ups and downs with this community that has become a friend through the common shared thread of pain.
My little tea-cup Maltese, Molly, passed away in the days before Christmas. She was 15 years of age and died of natural causes in my arms at home, feeling the total of my love. Molly was my true soul mate and companion, the one constant in years of a downward spiral in my health. Her loss was devastating to me. As though I had lost a part of myself.
Molly had a private cremation service and I carry a small sprinkle of her ashes with me in a paw shaped pendant that I keep close to my heart. It was while wearing Molly’s ashes that I decided to adopt a new little heartbeat - a tea-cup Maltese-poodle mix named Abby. Abby came from a breeder recommended to me by Molly’s original breeder. I adopted Abby at the end of January. Abby is apricot and white in color, 4 months old, and weighs in at a petite 3 pounds 2 ounces. She is a gem. We have bonded fully. I feel Molly’s spirit continues in Abby. I cherish her companionship and spunky spirit.
Addison’s disease is proving to be my recurring nemesis. I am home from my fourth hospitalization in 7 months due to complications of Addison’s. The long-term corticosteroid use over countless years is taking a high toll. Severe vomiting caused micro-tears in my diaphragm and free air on my abdomen. It has been a rough ordeal.
Chronic loss of health is not the trajectory that I envisioned for my life. But it has become my realty as it has become the reality for many of you here. I appreciate this forum and its ability to reach out beyond closed walls of isolation. And I send genuine, gentle waves of good karma to those who are unwell and/or struggling with pain for the hope of a glimmer of joy and a bettering of life.
Nameste,
Karen + Abby