Always an Adventure

Well, I went to pick up Scruffy's ashes over the weekend. She was taken to the Hinsdale Animal Cemetary for her creamation services. Little did I realize at the time that this place was an honest to god pet cemetary. I didn't even think such a thing existed.

Only in the mind of Stephen King...or so I thought.

We pulled into the lot, and were surrounded by hundreds upon hundreds of headstones...only slightly smaller, and for animals. It was so weird. I mean, it was nice...and peaceful, but still, weird. I went inside the building in hopes of retreiving her remains. I stood around waiting for a moment while the gentleman went into the "back room" (which I happened to see a glance of the oven? as the door swung open....did not need to see that) to get her. As I waited, I parused the different varities of urns, and the animal caskets.

Yes, animal caskets. Same thing as normal caskets. Just smaller.

After a moment or so, he brought her out. She was in the small white cardboard box...heavier than I would have expected. I signed for her (because apparently there's a huge problem of people stealing other people's animal remains these days.) started getting all choked up, and had to force my legs out the door. Once I managed to get out there, I was ok. It all just hit me at once. Very strong emotions.

Jonah and I drove to the cemetary where Mom is buried, and attempted to spread some of Scruffy's ashes on her grave. Attempted was the key word. Somebody upstairs (Mom) thought it would be HILLARIOUS to have a HUGE gust of wind start blowing the moment I started pouring from the bag.

Yeah...faceful of ashes. Love-ly! I let out a little scream, and both Jonah and I started laughiny hysterically. Even in death my mother is the eternal prankster.

Very Funny! =)

I think the worst part of the grief process with Scruff is over. After that day I've felt a sense of calm and peace in the house...it was as if you could feel part of her suffering, and now that's gone. Don't get me wrong, I still miss her like mad...but I think we're all ok for the most part.

I ordered her urn the other night. It's a cherry wood box with a slot for a picture on the front, and and engraved nameplate. There's room for three lines, so they go as follows:

1) Scruffy
2) 1996-2008
3) **This is the one I was having trouble with. I wanted to put something funny like "No you can't have any. It's chocolate." Or, "Wait until the commercial." But I didn't...I figured for once in my life I'll be serious. This is what I decided on:
"She left a paw print in our hearts."

Yeah, it's sappy...but it's cute all the same.

She was my kid, after all.