It's never a good time to experience loss, yet everyone goes through it in some way. Aging isn't just about wrinkles or aesthetics, it's intertwined with the collapsing of the body in ways that no one can anticipate until it happens. Losing a sibling or family member can be one of the hardest things a person goes through, but when you're surrounded by other loved ones, family members, or people who understand what you're going through it can actually make the experience transform itself from sad to beautiful. Grief is so multidimensional, and there's always a silver lining to a situation. Take the story below as an example, where a senior cat crosses the rainbow bridge. His 16-year-old brother, Mr. Bear, and his owner grieve the loss together. While they weren't close beforehand, they are since much more bonded and can connect with each other and rely on each other over the loss.
The senior cat who stays, Mr. Bear, has always wanted to go outside and has been an escape artist since he was a kitten. After his brother, Licorice, crossed the rainbow bridge, it's given him and his owner the newfound confidence and inspiration to finally take the dreams to reality. The cat dad bought him a harness and leash, and slowly slowly, they have been able to use it together. They can now live a different life together, but still happy. They found each other through the darkness, and have found hope in the world. Inspiring stories like these are immensely important to read and cherish because there's no telling what the future holds. It's easy to think that everything will collapse in times of hardship, but people find a way to continue.