Monday, February 4, 2013

Heartbreak

For those of you who were concerned about me when I disappeared from the blogosphere on Friday... I'm sorry to have worried you. I only wish the excuse was ever so much better than the one I am about to give you. I almost decided not to tell you at all, but felt it was neither fair to those who love us nor true to who I am to withhold this information. We are a family and will get through this together. I know that I need you all right now. Have Kleenex before reading, please. I will be back tomorrow with a much better story and the news of TWO adoptions.
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Heartbreak


I have few words to convey the news for today. There was a devastatingly tragic accident on Thursday evening. Our dear little Chanel is gone.

Out of respect for the family's privacy and feelings, I will not discuss the details here. Only that it was a true accident in every sense of the word. She went quickly and did not suffer. My heart is completely broken, not only for Chanel but for the wonderfully perfect family who took her into their home and hearts... and for all of us who loved her here as well.

I truly believe that little Chanel's short life had immense purpose. There was a reason she was so charismatic and expressive, willing the world to pay attention. She was an old soul in a kitten body, a tiny little firecracker who always set to explode because all of the time in the world did not belong to her. She was a star, and stars sometimes burn out quickly. But she made a spot in our hearts where she will remain forever.

In her short weeks on this earth, she stole our hearts, made us smile, captivated and entranced us. Most importantly, she fulfilled her mission in bringing Abby to their new family and giving another worthy kitten the best home imaginable. NOW I understand why the whirlwind adoption happened exactly as it did... and I thank God that she is with them there today.

My only consolation at this moment is that this dear sweet family has an Abby to love and comfort them. If there was ever a kitten who was made to comfort and care for people, it is our Abby. I hear she is on the job, working her magic.

There is nothing that makes sense today. Nothing that seems right. I am devastated and numb both at the same time. I know that you, too, share in our heartbreak just as you shared in our joy.

I am sharing our favorite Chanel pictures today as a tribute to our baby girl and the tremendous impact that she had on each of us in such a very short time. If you would like to leave your  condolences for her family in the comments, I will forward everything along to them.

Thanks to all of you for being here.

And thank you, Chanel. You will always be the parrot angel on my shoulder.




















"How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard."
A.A. Milne
Winnie the Pooh


















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39 comments:

  1. AnnaFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:11 AM

    There are no words good enough to express my sadness at this news. She clearly was loved and cared for in her forever home, knowing her purpose was to give Abby a forever home as well. This spunky shoulder buddy clearly lived every day on this earth with purpose, vigar, and purrsonality. My thoughts and prayers for all of you guys (Kelly included). I am so glad Abby is there to comfort her humans.

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    1. AnnaFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:15 AM

      PS to Kelly: I appreciate you sharing this info. We are here for you as well!

      Delete
  2. downundersugargliderFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:36 AM

    Oh dear - poor little girlie and surviving family. A baby girl is so full of promise and the loss must be heartbreaking for her new family. I hope they find peace quickly - and abby continues well.

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  3. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2013 at 7:55 AM

    I am so very sorry. I can't type anything more right now.

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  4. Connie - Tails from the Foster KittensFebruary 4, 2013 at 8:00 AM

    Dear Chanel, thank you for coming into my life and making me smile. I was such a very small part of your life, but oddly you were a much bigger part of mine than you might realize. Some kittens just ooze personality and you were one.

    My heart is absolutely broken for those that knew you better. Kelly, I am so very sorry... but to her adoptive family I am so very very sorry. When I lose foster kittens, I console myself with the fact that they were loved, warm and well fed. Chanel's little life could have been so much worse if she hasn't been taken in and if there weren't people like you who are willing to adopt.

    When you open your heart to a kitty, you know full well going into the deal that there is a greater chance that their life will end long before yours, but even knowing that and accepting to love them for the time they have, no one could ever imagine such a happy kitten could ever have such a short life.

    In this life we hope to accomplish something. I say Chanel did that in spades. While that can not ease the pain, I hope it does bring you some comfort.

    http://www.kirazamber.com/lovingones.html

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  5. RobynFebruary 4, 2013 at 8:07 AM

    This is a wonderful tribute to that sweet girl. ::hugs::

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  6. LeoLionFebruary 4, 2013 at 8:19 AM

    I'm at loss for words. I definitely wasn't expecting to read anything along these lines.

    First - I am sorry for your loss
    Second - Thank you to everyone who took part in letting this little fur ball make it to a loving home where she now rests in peace.
    Mostly Thank You to this blog for introducing us all over the world to this personality plus ball of fluff. The captions to each photo, the spark in her eyes she really was the definition of cute overload.

    We all mourn together but we will never forget her.

    Thanks Connie for that very fitting web link, May we all choose tears.

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  7. GretchenFebruary 4, 2013 at 8:52 AM

    Such sad news! :( I'm so very sorry for your loss.

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  8. Holly WaterfallFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:22 AM

    To all who loved Chanel ((hugs))! There are no words but may we support each other with the love of friends and the knowledge that we will get through this together.

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  9. DebFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Kelly, so very sorry for you. I know as a foster mom for kittens you always want to hear that they are thriving, happy, healthy, loved & safe. They are like all your children and always will be in your heart. Unfortunately in life accidents happen and we just can't explain the "why". In her short life you gave her a lot of love getting her prepared for her move to her adoptive family. Just knowing how much love she had with you and watching her grow into her sweet little personality should make you feel proud. You are an awesome foster mommy. Condolences to the family that lost this precious baby girl.

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  10. SC AmyFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:30 AM

    Such a short life but what an impact she made on everyone who saw and knew her! Chanel, I'm sure you must be sitting on Saint Peter's shoulder now, and have been put in charge of greeting everyone at The Bridge! Rest in peace beautiful girl...

    Big hug to you, Kelly, and to her family and Abby...

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  11. too curiousFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:34 AM

    To Chanel's forever family I am so sorry for your loss. It's amazing how such a tiny little being can leave such a big hole behind. I am SO glad you have Abby to help you through this time. Much love and many purrs to you!

    To Kelly and all of Chanel's foster family, I am sorry for your loss as well - the baby had barely left your nest and would never leave your hearts. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful tribute with us. Many hugs and purrs to you.

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  12. Annie BFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:58 AM

    That is so very sad. I'm struggling to find my words, but I just want to say to you and your family and to Chanel's family that I am thinking of you all. She touched so many, it was way too soon for her to go.

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  13. UnknownFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:00 AM

    My condolences to you, Kelly, and to Chanel's family. Chanel's life was short but her impact on all was huge.
    I miss I was a better writer and could come up with the best words to console you all. The link that Connie included says it best.

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    1. UnknownFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:01 AM

      "I wish I was a better writer".

      It's hard to type with tears in my eyes...

      Delete
  14. DorothyFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:09 AM

    I'm so sorry. Chanel was quite the kitten, with an enormous impact on all who saw her. She'll be missed. Blessings and peace to you.

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  15. Doodle BeanFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:22 AM

    Oh no. My condolences for your loss. She had a good life - maybe even the best possible life - and you were a big part of making that happen. Hang in there!

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  16. KerryFebruary 4, 2013 at 10:29 AM

    Like all, I'm just gutted for Kelly and the family. Chanel was a lovely little being.

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  17. TeughcatsFebruary 4, 2013 at 11:05 AM

    I lost a foster kitten in an accident several years ago. It was devastating and I have never forgotten little Mew. I am so sorry for Chantel, her new family, and Kelly - holding you all close in my heart.

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  18. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2013 at 11:28 AM

    Rainbow Bridge:

    Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

    When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.
    There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.
    There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

    All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
    The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

    They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

    You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

    Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

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  19. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2013 at 11:29 AM

    Dear Kelly, and dear Chanel's Family, please accept my deepest condolences for you loss. I'm sending lots of prayers and warm thoughts in your direction.
    Love and hugs,
    Joanna from Poland

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  20. RuthFebruary 4, 2013 at 11:39 AM

    What an adorable kitten, and what a heartbreaking loss...hugs and thoughts to all involved. These darlings sure leave an impression on their humans. Kelly, thanks for being a foster cat home, and opening your heart to both the joy and the heartbreak, too.

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  21. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2013 at 1:19 PM

    sending love and light to you and yours ,Please tell chanle's family I am very sorry for their loss tears B

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  22. Cherry City KittiesFebruary 4, 2013 at 1:50 PM

    To you and Chanel's adoptive family, we are so sad to hear this news, but remember that the depth of the pain you are feeling, shows the depth of the love you have. Love and reiki light to all.
    Harry, Dexter, Tipp and Mom

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  23. CharleneFebruary 4, 2013 at 2:54 PM

    Oh Kelly, I cannot begin to imagine how you must feel. And I have no idea what to say except that all of us who have come to love your blog share your grief. Thank you for telling us what happened--we're here to be part of your fostering journey, the good and the heartbreaking.

    To Chanel's family, your adoption story was just so wonderful and gave us so much joy. I am so sorry that you had so little time with dear, sweet little Chanel, but I'm sure you will never forget every moment you had with this extra-special little bundle of exceptional purrsonality. My heart goes out to all of you...

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  24. Andrea and the Celestial KittiesFebruary 4, 2013 at 3:09 PM

    To her adoptive people, fur sister, and Kelly and family: We are so terribly sorry for your loss. There are no words to make this better. She was such a bright little spot of light, I'm so sorry she had to disappear from this earth so fast. My heart breaks for all of you.

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  25. WebbthistleFebruary 4, 2013 at 4:47 PM

    I just don't have any words to describe how horribly out of joint time seems upon hearing this news. Precious Chanel indeed did have a mission - to bring Amy to her forever family. And she will always be your guardian angel. I wish each of you who knew and love Chanel peace, light, and sweet memories.

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    1. WebbthistleFebruary 4, 2013 at 4:51 PM

      Sorry..of course I meant Abby. Hard to type with all the tears. Hugs to all.

      Delete
  26. Random FelinesFebruary 4, 2013 at 5:04 PM

    Oh Kelly - I am SO sorry......no matter the circumstances, any loss is terrible. Please let her family know I am thinking of them and my heart is broken for their loss.

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  27. TinaFebruary 4, 2013 at 6:50 PM

    I hugged my kitties extra tight this morning after reading this. Accidents can happen to anyone at anytime, any where.

    Hugs and head bumps to Kelly and Chanel's Family.

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  28. AnonymousFebruary 4, 2013 at 7:04 PM

    So sorry for your loss and the grief of Chanel's new family who wanted her so much. I became quite attached to the Tiny Miss who made a big impression in every reader's heart.
    Love thoughts and hugs from Québec City, Canada
    Hélène

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  29. CheechFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:11 PM

    Sending loving thoughts to all of you who knew Chanel, loved her and miss her now.

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  30. DonnaFebruary 4, 2013 at 9:44 PM

    I am so sorry for your loss. Sending prayers and kitty purrs ur way

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  31. PrepinTXFebruary 4, 2013 at 11:35 PM

    What sad sad news! Every kitten has a purpose and I truly believe that Chanel's purpose was to make sure Abby got to her perfect home. And then God decided he needed a little precocious kitten to come sit on his shoulder and head. I wish I could wrap her forever home and foster home in loads of hugs. My heart is breaking along with you.

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  32. T. GrayFebruary 5, 2013 at 12:37 AM

    Very sorry to hear this sad news. It was a shock. Chanel was a precious one. Deepest condolences to her family and to you.

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  33. jannaFebruary 5, 2013 at 12:40 AM

    What BethAnn right above me said is what I believe, too -- I think that Chanel's purpose here was to find Abby her forever home. I am so sorry - my thoughts and prayers are with you and with her family.

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  34. UnknownFebruary 5, 2013 at 6:07 PM

    Kelly and all,
    All the members of Chanel's adoptive family would like to thank everyone for their outpouring of love and support, and sharing memories of our precious little peanut during this difficult time. Chanel bonded to our hearts the moment we met her and will forever be a part of our family. Chanel's sister Abbey is helping to mend broken hearts with her exuberant purring and freely provides kitty love to all. Abbey is never without a lap to curl up on or a bed partner to snuggle with.

    Thank you again for all that you do Kelly, we are blessed to have met you and your kittens. Chanel was a beautiful girl that we will hold dear in our hearts forevermore, thank you for giving us the opportunity to love this little one and experience all that she brought to our family. Her spirit will always live on in our family.

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    1. SydneyFebruary 5, 2013 at 7:34 PM

      I will miss my baby Chanel I loved her so much I miss her and her licking my face and laying next to me in my lap I miss u chanel u were a loving, caring, silly, outgoing little ball of fun I have ever seen and you will be in my memories now and forever love your owner Sydney Stockel

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    2. SydneyFebruary 5, 2013 at 7:40 PM

      I will miss my baby Chanel I loved her so much I miss her and her licking my face and laying next to me in my lap I miss u chanel u were a loving, caring, silly, outgoing little ball of fun I have ever seen and you will be in my memories now and forever love your owner Sydney Stockel

      Delete

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