I have known one person who died from the Covid-19 virus. Her name was Doris and she was 86. I regularly visited her with my dog, Bau, through the Caring Paws Animal Therapy Association.
Bau and Doris had a special bond. As a patient who suffered from Alzheimer, Doris had lost much of her ability to verbally communicate. However, with Bau she tended to speak more and became joyful. Her sad mood lifted and Bau was always excited to see her. This is what animal therapy can do.
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Millions of people have died from this virus and millions more have had their souls and hearts ripped apart because of loved ones suddenly gone.
When my mother died I wrote Don’t Bring me Flowers, an essay which is in the Mourning Has Broken collection. In the weeks which followed my sister’s death, an urge to write an essay about her also emerged . It was at page eighty that I realized the essay had flown off on its own and that I’d given myself this mission: for one year I would write about mourning as I went about my life collecting memories as myriads of emotions assailed me.
Through it all, I explored the meaning of life and the changes of my own beliefs, taking me through a journey of sorrow, guilt, regret, joy and hope.
Available as e-book and as paperback
With sincere condolences to all those who have lost a loved one through Covid-19 or otherwise. May your memories of your loved one comfort you.
Carol Balawyder 
I hate all these senseless deaths at the hand of this awful virus.
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Je l’ai mis sur Facebook 🙂
Envoyé de mon iPhone
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Merci. ❤
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First, I must command you on your excellent taste for the stained glass, I must say it’s REALY NICE ! And so, I just heard of my long 1973 lawyer who passed with covid-19 a month ago, but he was an old cracked pot, or close to it !!
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This Covid-19 has been so awful and taken so many lives, Carol. It’s tragic; it really is. I am sorry to hear that Bau lost a friend. She was lucky to have both of you. Thinking of you…
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Thank you, Margot. Your presence on my blog is always a comfort. ❤
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It must have been hard for you to write this book.
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Thank you, Anneli for your question. The book is a collection of essays on grief and I wrote whenever grief stuck its head up. It was hard in that their loss was painful but, as writing as a tendency to do, it was also therapeutic. Writing helped me go through my mourning process.
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A good exercise then, and a productive one as it turned out.
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So awful
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It is. This virus touches so many people indirectly. Cemetery workers are overwhelmed. It’s both sad and surreal. Keep safe and healthy, Beth. ❤
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I’m sorry for the loss of yours and Bau’s friend. It’s just so damned sad what’s happening in our world. On a lighter note, I loved your beautiful and moving book Carol. I will share this in my Facebook Literary Diva group ❤ Stay safe!!! xxx
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Thank you, dear friend, for your words of comfort. ❤ And, thank you for sharing with your Facebook Literary Diva group. Truly appreciated! ❤
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My pleasure ❤
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This virus has touched everyone in one way or another. Sad to hear of the loss of Bau´s friend. Take care and stay safe. xo
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Yes, you’re so right, Darlene about the virus touching us all and in so many different ways. Bau truly lost a friend. Sometimes we walk past the residence where Bau used to visit Doris and he instinctively turns to go up its driveway. You too, take care and stay safe. ❤
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Hugs to you and Bau! 💖
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I’m really sorry to hear about the loss of your dear friend. ❤
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Doris was a charming lady and was easy to like. She had always loved dogs and there was an instant connection between her and my dog. Love at first sight! ❤ Thank you, Jill, for your kind words. ❤
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Awww that’s so nice of Bau and yourself to have made a difference in this woman’s life Xoxo
Sent from my iPad Deborah Humphrey
>
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Thanks, Debbie. ❤
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Thank you for sharing!!.. they have not passed on, they have simply moved into a place in your heart and you can visit them anytime you wish… 🙂
Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamonds glints in the snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain
When you awaking in the morning hush
I am the swift uplifting rush of quiet birds in circled flight
I am the soft star that shines at night
Do not stand by my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die
(Mary Frye)
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Thank you for posting this here. ❤
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Such a thoughtful post Carol
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Thank you for saying so, June. I appreciate it. ❤
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My condolences to you and Bau. Such a sad story, but how wonderful that you and Bau had the opportunity to brighten her life. ❤️
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Thank you, Marie for your very warm and kind comments. ❤
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Carol, I read your book at a time of grief and it gave me so much comfort and wisdom when sorely needed … I hope others will their way to it if suffering loss and sure your words will be a light to many.
I’m sorry to hear about your friend, Doris and know you and Bau will miss her a lot.❤️
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I’m glad, Annika, that my words gave you comfort. ❤ Thank you for your kind words and wishes. ❤
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I’m so sorry for your loss and Bau’s. There’s nothing to say that makes it better…
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You’re so right, Jacqui. Silence is often the best words. Be safe. ❤ As always I appreciate your stopping by. 🙂
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Grief from loss is such a rough road. I’m sorry you’ve been touched by it recently. Writing does help us navigate through it, and I expect your book which helped you, will help countless others. Wishing you peace.
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These are such nice words. Thank you, Eliza. I wish you peace as well. ❤
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Sorry for your loss., Carol
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Thank you, Leyla. ❤
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How very sad dear friend. So often your posts (such as this one) touch hearts with thoughtful words we all can relate to. This pandemic has taken so many from us and my heart grieves for you and Bau’s loss Carol. ❤ Sometimes I wonder how those in the medical industry can continue their work so valiantly. Blessings back,
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I do not know how those working in the medical industry do it but a huge thank you and admiration for all of them. It must be very devastating to have to tell someone that their loved one has died. And to do it so often. Thank you, Ellie, for your kind and gentle comment. ❤
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amazing work!
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Thanks, Nancy. ❤
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So sad yet so unbelievable. Really sorry about your loss! Take care, best wishes:)
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Thank you. It’s very kind of you. Keep well. 🙂
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