Several days ago, I wrote about my "little blessing" - Thea - and how she was almost 15 and starting to have health issues. One of those problems - she has started to "lean" to the left with her head and neck. We first thought it was an inner ear infection. But it has started to get worse. Today we took an x-ray of her neck to see if there was anything noticeable. When my boss (and veterinarian) came out and said - "we have serious neck problems" - I knew he was not joking around. Two discs in her lower neck have no space between them - they are so close together, they look like they are fused together. Which means there is no cushion between those discs. He commented that it is no wonder she is in pain. Our options are: neck surgery (which is quite risky and would mean going to a vet school to have it done); checking into accupuncture to see if that would help at all (and that won't correct it, just help with the pain); or continue treating with prednisone (which also just helps the pain). The neck surgery is not really an option because of her age and the risk involved. So we will be checking into the accupuncture and we will be treating her with the prednisone. We will also have to try to keep her from jumping up and down off the couch and try to keep her from straining her neck.
Thea has been in my thoughts a lot lately. I have been thinking of her neck pain and I think in the back of my mind, I knew there was more to it than just an inner ear infection. And I have been asking myself - how much longer will she be with me? I pray that God will let her be with me for several more years, but I don't know if that will happen. And I know that when I do lose her, I will feel a sadness that will be hard to deal with, but God will be there always to help me through it all. Thea has been with me through so many things in my life. Good things (visiting and getting to know and love Jo) and sad things (Mom going into a nursing home and then passing away 4 years later). She has let me cry on her and would just lay her head on my arm while I cried.
I don't know how much longer Thea will be with me. I hope a long time. But I do know I will not let her suffer in pain. And I will love her and Thank the Lord for her every day that she is here with me. God has blessed my life with her and I love her very much. And I pray that when the time comes, the Lord will give me strength and courage to get through the pain and sadness.
"Lord, thank you so much for the gift of Thea that you gave me 14 years ago. Thank you for allowing her to be in my life and giving me her unconditional love. Her love has shown me just a glimpse of what YOUR love for me must be. Thank you for loving me and always being there with me. And I pray that when the time comes and I must let Thea go, that you will be beside me and hold me in your arms and give me your comfort. I love you Lord. Amen"
2 comments:
Deb,
I know that those are some of the hardest words to write. It is a fear of the unknown and the out of my control kinda thing.
Thea has been around for a very long time. She is a special little girl who has been a great companion for you. God has truly blessed you with this girl.
I think you have felt something coming for a little while. This is a feeling I know a little too well. You know I always say ask every question, try all options that you think are available and worthy, and love her a little more each day. This will give you peace when all options are used.
Thea and you are both in my prayers. May God give you peace and wisdom as you look for options. Trust God and His plan for both of you.
Love and hugs!
Good morning, friend!
I wanted to stop by and tell you that you, Thea and Fancy are in my thoughts and prayers today. This is not an easy road that you must travel, but I know that He will go with you on it. I will also walk with you.(if that is any consolation) I love you!
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