Tuesday, July 14, 2009

sunshine and sorrow

Our Sweden vacation continues. We have returned to Malmö, where my mom and sisters live. The boys enjoy sleep-in mornings and days filled with play, beach visits and no commitments. I relish having time for true conversations, long evening meals, and endless card games with my nephews. We've been to a Swedish premier league soccer game, a youth track meet, many neat museums, restaurants, and stores...

But sadness lingers amidst our joyful activities. Kajsa, one of our dogs has died while we were away. She was sick with a fever when we left, and despite loving care from our veterinarian, house sitter, and friends, she continued to get worse. When her liver stopped working we decided to put her down, a difficult step to take in any circumstance and heart wrenching when you are thousands of miles away. Kajsa was an amazing, intelligent, and loving dog. She was worried and fearful (especially of hot air balloons and thunder) but extraordinarily devoted, loyal, and trusting. And she knew how to smile. I'll miss her.

11 comments:

  1. i'm very sorry about kajsa. it must have been very difficult being so far away. at least she's not suffering anymore. sweden looks lovely in your photos.

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  2. I'm very sad to hear about your dog, animals are such are big part of our families and it is so heart breaking to lose them, she had a beautiful kind face.

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  3. I'm so sorry, Lotta. She looks like she had a beautiful soul, and I'm sure she will be terribly missed. You were lucky to have her, and she you.

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  4. so sorry to hear about sweet Kajsa, I can't imagine how hard that must have been being so far away. We recently lost our dog and cat (who could have been a twin to your Hoppsan) and it is surprisingly hard. The deepness of the sadness really took me by surprise. All i can say is let yourself and your boys be sad for as long as you need. That being said I'm glad to see that you are having fun in Sweden!

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  5. sa sorgligt. :-( fint att hon hade folk omkring som tog sa bra hand om henne medans ni var borta. sa svart att inte vara dar nar sadant hander. jag kanner for dig.

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  6. I am so sorry about kajsa. My brother´s dog is also fear of hot air ballons.
    Beautiful photos, looks so lovely place

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  7. Lotta,
    How awful for you! I lost a dog as a kid while on vacation...my heart breaks for you and your family. I hope you can still enjoy the trip. Hopefully we will cross paths when you return. I send a hug. Les

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  8. Oh Lotta, I'm so sorry for your loss. The death of a beloved pet is heart-wrenching. I hope that you will continue to remember all of those special moments with her!

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  9. Lotta, I am sorry for your loss. I have been through this (too many times) and know how heartbreaking it is. My heart goes out to you and your famiy.

    Sharon

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