Ceremony for our Boxers

Cami · #1 5th June 2010, 01:02 PM

Made it through the ceremony today. It was very emotional and not one of the attendees nor speakers remained without tears. I am very glad I decided to go. If anyone ever gets the chance to do something similar I would suggest you do so.
The organizer of the ceremony spoke first, broke down, apologized and told why she decided to offer this to the community.
One of the oncology vets spoke next.....she treated Cami at OSU and is a Boxer mom who spoke of her boy Tyson who she lost to lymphoma.
A chaplain spoke also and told numerous stories of her experience with loss and grieving. She also sang a song called "Always"....I am including a small portion of the lyrics.

Days may not be fair Always,
That's when I'll be there Always.
Not for just an hour,
Not for just a day,
Not for just a year,
But Always.

I'll be loving you, oh Always
With a love that's true Always.
When the things you've planned
Need a helping hand,
I will understand Always.

There was a slide show and one by one we were able to see precious pets that have gone on without us. When Cami came up on the screen I shed even more tears while daddy took a picture, (sorry it is blurry).
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...urkett0002.jpg

After the ceremony in the auditorium we headed outside to The Remembrance Tree. We were all given a seed heart and were able to write on it before hanging on the tree. I so hope that the seeds produce magnificent flowers this summer. I kissed Cami's heart as I got ready to add it to the tree.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...urkett0014.jpg

There were upwards of 100 participants who each, one by one walked to the tree and presented it with their heart.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...urkett0022.jpg

We waited for things to clear out a bit and then I added to the tree.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...urkett0030.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...urkett0034.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v6...urkett0009.jpg

I want you all to know that I could feel each and every one of you with me today and you gave me strength.
I hope I made you proud.

cantfindlog · #2 5th June 2010, 01:17 PM

Wow Susi, Thank-you for taking the time to include all of us at the ceremony.

I did save your pictures of the names and will add that to my scrap book I have of Molly.

I am so glad you went and hope this will help in your road to healing.

Thanks again, you're the best!

Amy

Holden's Mom · #3 5th June 2010, 02:13 PM

Susi,

We all knew you could do this for Cami, but thank you for including Petey and the other boxers in this rememberance ceremony. I knew there would not be a dry eye in the auditorium as you were among those fellow pet lovers who truely cherish their beloved furry friends.

Pam and Autry

Jakesmommy · #4 5th June 2010, 03:50 PM

Susi,

Thank you so much. What you have done has meant so much to us. I am crying as I read your post over and over. Not a day goes by that we don't think about Jake. This was such a wonderful way to remember him and all our babies that have gone to the bridge. Thank you again!!!!

ehayes21 · #5 5th June 2010, 06:32 PM

Oh Susi! I didn't even know you did this! I guess I should pay more attention...Cami and you will be in my heart forever. She was so loved, what a great tribute so such an awesome dog. Big hugs from me and my crew.

samsons · #6 5th June 2010, 06:38 PM

susie ~

thank u so so much for what u did - for all our loved and lost , but not forgotten best friends !

i am honored to know such loving and caring soul such as urself.

thank you
angela

AbbyRoad · #7 5th June 2010, 09:23 PM

Susi,

Thank You! Thank you for including all of us in this amazing experience. What a great tribute!

TossBranAbi · #8 5th June 2010, 10:22 PM

Susi,

Thank you SO much. I am glad you were able to take the day to honor your sweet girl, hoping it helps you in the grieving process.

What you did for the rest of us was an awesome gift as well. I was already crying while reading your post but when I opened the picture of the list you put on the tree and saw my girl's name, I lost it. I am saving the pictures for my sake.

I lost my girl 4 years ago and the pain is still so real, I can't imagine how hard your day was with Cami's passing being so fresh. I am so so so glad you were able to gain the strength to honor her and the other boxer babes on the list.

Stay strong woman, Cami is watching and guiding your every move

Krissy

Gatorblu · #9 6th June 2010, 07:58 PM

Susi,

I'm so honored that you included Star's name on the list and hung the list on the tree. Thank you! Also I want to thank you for including the pictures on your post. The picture you used for Cami just makes me smile.

Whoever came up with the "seed hearts", thank you them too. What better tribute, seeds that lead to flowers just like the "seeds of love" our precious babies gave to us.

I think Cami would be proud.

Pam

Jackie · #10 7th June 2010, 05:49 AM

Thank you so much for including Chester at the ceremony. It seemed that I came on to Boxerworld Friday evening for a reason. I was feeling very sad, having had to say goodbye to CHester only 3 weeks ago, then I read your post. Such a special thing to do. I realise, that nobody on here knows of me, or Chester, and we are half a world away from you.

Chester was such a sweet boy. My husband had a dreadful accident 2 days before CHristmas, and was in hospital for 13 weeks. After 8 weeks he had to have his foot amputated. That was when Chester suddenly started having seizures. I was afraid, that we would lose him while Joe was still in hospital, and I know it would have broken his heart, if he could not have said goodbye to him. It was hard to believe, that when he went to hospital, we had a happy bouncy boxer, and then I had to tell him we may lose him. We were able to keep him, with the help of medication, until May. Joe came home from hospital 20th March, so we had nearly 2 months together.

In between all this, my Mum has been unwell with mini strokes, and had to have a pacemaker fitted, so this past 6 months have been pretty hard. That is why, your kind gesture has meant so much to me.

Once again, thank you very much,

Jackie xx

Independence · #11 7th June 2010, 05:54 AM

Susi, words cannot express how I feel right now. My eyes are filled with tears and my heart with gratitude. Thank you, thank you, thank you for including my boy on your rememberance list and posted it too. I hope that beautiful flowers grow for many years as tributes to all the babies that have passed on......

You will always hold a special place in my heart.

DyckDogs · #12 7th June 2010, 08:01 PM

Susi,
Tears are fallng as I type this post.
Thank you so much for taking the time to remember all of our babies at the Rememberance Ceremony.
Not only that, but you went above and beyond by taking the time to take the pictures that show the names of our babies on the list.
The pain is still very raw which is why I am so emotional right now.

You are a special person.
You have given me another memory of Lexi and Quincy to cherish.
With all of my heart, I thank you so much.