APR 10, 2020 – With another surreal week behind us, I wish we could each find time and space just to sit and have a good cry. It releases all the feel-good endorphins that lift our spirits and calm us down when we have a deep, cleansing, soothing cry.
We’ve all been on overload, overwhelmed by the knowns and unknowns. Each with a different stress threshold, some people freak at the thought of running out of TP, while the most selfless among us somehow have the grace to intubate infected patients just inches away. Rather than remaining in frantic small business survival mode, I’ve been making a conscious attempt to stop and really feel my feelings, letting stress-releasing tears fall where they may. We all have so many losses to mourn — from our former way of life to more than 16,000 fellow American lives.
It was a week ago tonight that loss was felt very close to home: One of the dearest dogs in the world somehow made her way out and was found dead in the street.
For a dozen years, Miss Josephine Barker gave comfort and joy to me and many others, with a heart way too big for her sweet 7-lb frame. In the past month, she spent most days napping with or in the lap of her best buddy, 96-year-old friend and neighbor, Hannlis, serenely sheltering in place. Josephine’s passing was like the pandemic in that it blindsided us, a blow massive, violent and tragic. It was support from understanding friends and family and boat loads of tears that got me to this accepting place. I share this not to put more sadness on your radar, but to pass along a message that has been amazingly soothing to me.
It’s from psychologist Claudia De Angelis, a wise friend in Argentina who uses forms of meditation and hypnosis to help her patients deal with emotional pain. Claudia emailed, “I can imagine the huge hurt your heart feels, along with the gratitude for the times you shared. All those lovely thoughts are ones you can feel deeply in your chest when meditating. She will always be there when you need her. Just close your eyes, breathe profoundly, and go with her to the beach, walk and smile, cry and laugh. She always will be by your side. I’m absolutely convinced that we can share moments with our beloved,” Claudia wrote, “if we can create a new language to share. That magic of pure energy will allow you to always feel her there.”
What a gift that was to read. Wondering if it would be helpful to you, and not just pertain to my sense of loss alone, I shared Claudia’s message with our graphic designer, Brandon, who said, “Oh, it was wonderful for me … I would love to be states away with my parents right now, but I can’t. This helped me imagine being right there with them, together, caring for each other and doing the things that we love.” I hope the same is true for you, Cardies, whether it’s feeling the hugs of your favorite people, enjoying the pleasure of traveling again, or getting a good workout at the gym.
After reading Claudia’s message, another kind email popped in from prolific Contributing Cardie and now also dear friend, Mary Morini. Knowing we’d just lost Josephine, Mary forwarded this from gratefulness.org, a site I know she values greatly; the quote from Patricia Campbell Carlson said it all, “Grief and gratitude are kindred souls, each pointing to the beauty of what is transient and given to us by grace.” Please take care of yourself and those you treasure most.
jodee stevens
founder & chief creative
Dear Jodee,
I am so very very sorry to hear of your loss of Josephine. Know that she is there with you in every emotion. My dear Mother use to say to me “live the silence”. Through that silence came a deep understanding that my beloved dog Boo Boo was always with me, through every emotion. Our hearts were attached. And, I did come to know that she was. I felt that we were one
May you find peace and acceptance that Josephine is with you always.
Sincerely,
Karen Keough
Hi Jodie: I am so sorry to hear about your sweet Josephine’s passing. Her spirit is always with you. Thinking comforting thoughts of peace and strength for you.
Pat
Jodee, I’m convinced that you, and your company, Cardthartic, are the essence of essential companies and workers. Miss Josephine will always be a part of your story and one of your “people”…take heart and hold onto the certainty of meeting her at the Rainbow Bridge…lots of love and gratitude to you and how you’ve touched my world.
Donna Bonus
Jodee…..she will actually remain with you forever…..it won’t be long, you’ll be smiling, thinking of all the fun times with her. So, you (and me), have been blessed to have such a wonderful dog, who can show love…..consistently. We’re lucky.
We lost our Riley several years ago and there isn’t a day when we walk in through our back door that we don’t see her waiting for us. I know she is still with us in some form and I am grateful and sad for it all at the same time.
Peace.
Jodee,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved dog. I have lost many dogs and I know the pain. Find comfort knowing she is at peace and i am sure you have many happy memories to help you through this difficult time.
I’m so sorry to hear this sad news. My 17 1/2 year old dear, dear little gal, Gigi, left to go home and wait for me 17 years ago and I think of her everyday. I never got another dog as I could never fill her space. Instead I take care of other people’s dear ones when they travel and have to leave them. Wishing you peace as you remember all the good Josephine gave happily.
Jodee, David and I both had a wonderful fur child. Some of our best memories are when we are thinking or talking about our Saiko. We, and you as well, have been blessed by their love, companionship.
Just as I waited for my email to open, I snapped a picture of my little Jack Russell, laying in tiny ray of sunshine, where I am working from home. I sent it to my daughter telling her how much I love this sweet companion. It broke my heart as I read of your loss.
Tears do come easy these days, but the hope we have in the resurrection that we will celebrate this weekend, gives us a reason to wipe the tears and press on.
thank you for sharing
I’ve told so many people I know about your cards because you have the perfect card for any occasion. I especially stress to friends the amazing selection of pet condolence cards you have which are impossible to find anywhere else. When someone loves animals, it is clear to see that you understand the depth of love between a human & a pet. When I heard of the tragic loss of Miss Josephine Barker, I felt the pain I knew you were going through because to create these pet condolence cards means you feel this connection to animals to your core. She was a beautiful, loving dog that brightened everyone’s day who had the pleasure of her company and her enthusiastic, loving personality. You were both so very lucky to have each other. She knew your love because you lived the words of this Walt Whitman quote “This is what you shall do: Love the earth and sun and the animals”.
Dear Jodee, so sorry for your loss. Such a sweet photo of Josephine. How we love our animals, no one can take away the joy and love that dwells within our hearts. A friend sent me the following quote and hope the sentiment will help you through your memories of Josephine Barker. “Grief never ends…but it changes. It’s a passage, not a place to stay. Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor lack of faith…It is the price of love”. Take good care of yourself.
Be ever so gentle with yourself and your feelings. My dog has been gone 4 years now and I still miss him so much. Hugs to you:)
Dear Jodee,
As I read your email today a lump gathered in my throat, followed by tears streaming and my heart broke for you. Anyone who has ever had a beloved pet is mourning the loss of your sweet Josephine right along beside you today. My deepest sympathy to you and Hannlis..❤️
Jodee,
My heart is with you, just as Josephine’s spirit will be with you always. Such a dear and tender little one, the love and joy that she brought to those around here were so much bigger than her petite frame. What a gift that I was able to hold her in my arms when visiting you recently!
Like in the stories above, the spirit of our little-dog-with-a-big-personality Pippa Lily is with us every day, even though she left us five years ago. We smile when we think of her, we tell stories about her, her photo hangs on the wall, and I honor her by typing her name every time I log into my laptop. Some dogs are legends in their own time: Miss Josephine was and she always will be.
Jodee, you have helped me on many occasions with your pet condolence cards. I wish I had the right words today, but hope and trust that these wonderful notes you are receiving show how much you have touched the hearts and emotions of so many people. The cardie community is here for you, and understands.
Much, much love,
Anne
Dear Jodee,
I hope you can feel the connection of love from my heart to yours. So sorry for your loss
We are here to sit through this with you, Jodee. I’ll always remember Miss Barker living up to her namesake that fateful night in Coral Gables when Clementine and Ana were brought together. Alex and I send you lots of love and light. As usual, thank you for the grace and beauty of these messages from you.
Jodee,
So sorry to hear of your loss – Miss Josephine. Having felt the sorrow myself there truly is a gap in your life. Just today I was cleaning out drawers and found a lock of fur from Kameron, my Bearded Collie that left us three years ago. He was my soulmate and we loved him so. I miss him so much, and he was such a handsome guy. Then quickly I remembered the fun we had playing, walking and chasing after each other.
You’ll soon feel the same way, I promise.
Dear Jodee, Glad that you and Miss Josephine shared such a good life.