The Price of Love

A love letter to my furriends.

I got some news tonight that's making me think really hard about all I've learned in the past year, and especially since I've been on Twitter and blogging. I've made a lot of good friends since I joined the anipal world. I've lost a lot of friends, too. And tonight I heard that another pal, Inigo Flufflebum, may be headed for the Rainbow bridge.

For some reason, this one is hitting me much harder than any of the others, and I don't really know why. Maybe because there have been so many lately. Maybe because Mom and I went through this the same time last year with my sisfur, Sheena. Maybe because it looked like he was going to get better. Maybe because I flirt with him and Rumbles so much. Maybe because the two of them always make me smile. Whatever the reason, the thought of losing Inigo is leaving a big hole in my heart, and my eyes won't stop leaking.

I know it will eventually have to happen. I know that at some point, it will be what's best for Inigo, and he'll let his family now when that is (hopefully not for a while yet). That doesn't make it hurt any less. But I guess that's the price we pay for letting others into our lives. The more we love, the more we have to lose and the more it hurts. The selfish part of us wants to hold on to those we love for as long as possible. When they leave, they leave an emptiness that no one can fill. But eventually, leave they must, just as we will when our time comes.

The pain of loss is a high price to pay. But what's the alternative? Not let others in to out lives? Not ever care about anyone or have anyone care about us? To be lonely and alone so we don't suffer the pain of loss? I think that would be a worse pain and a higher price. So I let others in. I care. I love. And when someone crosses the bridge, I hurt and I get leaky eyes. Yes, it's a high price to pay, but I pay it gladly.