Cat loss was further blow

Dear June

I’M 72 and lost my husband nine years ago.

I have always been strong and was relied upon by many over the years.

I recently lost my wee cat, who had been with me for 17 years.

It sounds silly but I feel I am now grieving for my husband all over again.

Janette, Cumbernauld.

June Says

Losing an animal friend who was close to you both can leave you feeling very alone.

Your wee cat was the link that connected you with your husband, as you both loved him and missed him after he passed.

You would have become much closer to your cat, who would have become the loving companion you needed to see you through the lonely nights.

To you, he was not just your cat but a companion, friend and lifeline for a time.

For many, the loss of a close family animal, especially for those who live alone, can take away their reason to get up in the morning.

You relied upon each other for companionship and love.

Your home will feel very empty without him and the emotions you are experiencing have brought your feelings of grief and loss to the forefront, but they’ll settle again in time.

In my mind’s eye, I can see a ginger cat with a tall, balding gentleman.

It is now his turn to look after your loyal friend for a while.

Your wee pal’s physical body wore out through age but his love and loyalty towards you will last for ever.

June Says

In many cases, losing a loved one through suicide will leave a family searching for answers as to why they weren’t asked for help or even just to talk.

Family suicides can also leave loved ones with feelings of overwhelming guilt and they often question why they didn’t realise something was wrong.

People who suffer from emotional stress or depression may hide their true feelings for fear of causing unnecessary worry or added pressures.

Those who make the choice to end their life can feel cocooned and alone as they are caught in the turbulence of an emotional battle from within.

This turbulence can prevent many from viewing situations clearly and they feel trapped in an emotional turmoil that no one else can see or feel.

This does not mean they love those around them any less.

While reading your letter, I get the strong impression of a young woman who would have been quite emotional and volatile.

I sense she found difficulty in coping with the emotional ups and downs of everyday life. Did she suffer from depression or mood swings?

I see a very tall, dark-haired lady. She has a child with her that did not draw breath on

this side of life. The energies are similar in colour, which lets me know the child is hers.

She has a baby girl in her arms.

I am drawn to her daughter on this side and compelled to mention her eyes. Has she recently been given glasses?

Your beautiful daughter-inlaw loves you all and knows her daughter will be looked after by those she holds dear.

She’s never too far away and will continue to watch her daughter grow and blossom daily for the rest of her life.

VERDICT

She was always very emotional and would sometimes withdraw from family reunions, as she found it a bit too much to cope with.

She had been diagnosed as bipolar and could be quite easily hurt, but was also a very loving, caring mum.

Yes, she was very tall, around 5ft 10in/11in.

She and my son lost a child quite far on in the pregnancy before they were married and it was a girl, so when they later had our granddaughter they were over the moon to have a baby girl.

My granddaughter had her eyes tested last year and she does wear glasses.