Alongside creating custom knitted portraits of beloved pets, I often listen to stories from people who are grieving.
In those conversations, there is a phrase I hear from time to time:
“The only comfort I have is…”
For many people, those words become a lifeline—a small light in a very dark time.
One person told me about losing their pet to a sudden heart attack. Their trusted veterinarian gently said:
“I believe they passed peacefully, without suffering. That, at least, is a small comfort.”
Another person told me they were able to hold their pet in their arms as they drifted off to sleep for the last time. That, too, was the only comfort they could hold on to.
I’ve heard many such stories over the years. And it made me think—what if we intentionally gathered these “small comforts” together?
Count Your Comforts, Not Your Regrets
In a previous post, I wrote about the idea of counting the moments of love you shared with your pet, rather than the regrets you carry.
In the same way, I invite you to start counting your comforts—the moments, however small, that bring even a little relief in your grief:
- That medication eased their pain, so they didn’t have to suffer.
- That they could still enjoy their favorite food until the very end.
- That they left this world on a warm, peaceful day, as if falling asleep.
No comfort is too small to acknowledge. By recognizing these moments, you may find your own heart growing a little lighter—and perhaps your pet would be happy to know you feel that way.
The Greatest Comfort of All
Above all, I believe the greatest comfort is this:
Your pet was loved by you.
To have someone cry for them, to mourn their absence, is a sign that they lived a life filled with love. Even if your grief feels too deep for tears, they knew your heart.
Meeting you—their kind, devoted owner—was the greatest gift your pet could have received.
So as you hold onto their memory, keep counting those small comforts.
Somewhere, I’m sure they’re smiling down on you from heaven.
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