In my mind, I’ve been turning around the pros and cons of euthanasia for our ailing and beloved cat, Oscar. Yesterday morning, Oscar seemed so sick that I scheduled a home euthanasia visit for this afternoon. This morning, I am turning around to cancel that visit, because Oscar took a turn for the better yesterday afternoon.
I notice Oscar has trouble turning around without staggering in the morning. In the afternoons, he is turning around before he settles in my lap. And no matter what he is doing, he is still turning around to eat some delicious chicken whenever we offer it to him.
My son is not turning around in his belief that we should not euthanize Oscar. My husband Michael is turning around what he believes is right, depending on Oscar’s behavior.
I’m used to turning around many perspectives in my mind while making decisions, especially difficult ones like this one. With so much turning around, everybody seems a little dizzy, including Oscar.
Turning around to today’s photos, here’s the inspiration for today’s title:
When I saw that sign yesterday, I thought there was probably no turning around from today being Oscar’s last day on earth. However, in my life, I’ve experienced and witnessed so much turning around that nothing seems written in stone.
Last week, I witnessed people in my Coping and Healing groups turning around low self esteem by discussing positive attributes. If anyone had trouble naming what they liked about themselves, the other group members had no trouble turning around to share what they appreciated about that person.
Every time I try to write my last letter from the President for the Northeastern Society for Group Psychotherapy, I keep turning around to other activities, like watching musicals on TV (including The Music Man, Bye Bye Birdie, and On The Town).
Here’s a thought that’s turning around in my mind: It’s difficult to say goodbye.
No matter where I am, I’m often turning around to take photos like these:
In On the Town, Gene Kelly, Frank Sinatra, and Jules Munshin are playing sailors showing up and turning around in New York, New York:
There’s a lot of turning around in “You’re Awful” from On the Town, including Frank Sinatra and Betty Garrett turning around the meanings of words:
What thoughts and feelings are turning around for you, here and now? Consider turning around and leaving a comment, below.
At the end of each post, I’m turning around to gratitude, so thanks to all who help me turn out this blog every day, including YOU.
I have gone through these turn-arounds with my pets over the years and understand. one cat, sugar, was ill and I took her to my local sweet and kind vet, expecting it to be her last day. he pumped her up with fluids and said to watch her closely, she still had a bit of life left in her. this ended up happening 3 times, and each time a different daughter went with me for support. the last time, I told the vet, that sugar and I had had a good life together, we had made our peace about it being her time, and I had to convince him, who was crying, to have mercy at this point, it was hard, but it was the right time. last year, my cat nacho, was doing very poorly and I made the appointment. we listened to Springsteen ballads on the way, and had the same discussion. once there, the vet had a new protocol they tried and took nacho home, who rallied for a few days, and then could no longer rally without suffering. we went back that day for the last time.it is a very challenging balancing act, doing what we think is right and when and there is no right or wrong, I believe we honestly do the best we can, to be merciful. my heart goes out to all of you.
(hug)
I’m turning around to hug you, beth, and you, Maureen. Thanks for turning around a difficult time with your supportive and helpful comments. <3 <3
Our love goes straight to you all and sweet, sweet Oscar, Ann. Your time together has obviously been so precious.
Thank you, my sweet, sweet friend. <3
It’s so difficult to say goodbye to our pets. But I believe Oscar will give you a sign when the time is right. Do what you think is right. Just listen to your heart, my dear friend. Sending you much love and hugs, ♥♥♥♥♥(੭ु｡╹▿╹｡)੭ु⁾⁾(੭ु｡╹▿╹｡)੭ु⁾⁾(੭ु｡╹▿╹｡)੭ु⁾⁾♥♥♥♥♥
I’m turning around to send love and hugs back to you, my wonderful friend. <3 <3 <3 <3
(｡･ω･｡)ﾉ♡
Oscar is no fool
Neither are you, my friend.
I hope Oscar gets better. I’m sorry this is such a hard decision, Ann. I was wondering do you ever have any coincidences when you think about titles for your blog post?
Thank you for this supportive comment, Gigi. I think it is no coincidence that your comments are always so helpful. And I encounter coincidences whenever I create a post! <3
I do love a good coincidence!!
As a veterinary hospital manager and a rescue mom myself, I empathize so much for your family and Oscar right now. I’ve seen all the experiences you mentioned in your post and experienced myself with many of my fur babies. My personal experience with my sweet kitty Gypsy Rose Lee was when I no longer saw her personality anymore… she was just so tired of living. That’s when I knew we could turn around no more. Hugs and prayers for you and Oscar. And when he crosses the rainbow bridge, tell him to look for Gypsy… for she will be a forever friend for him!
Thank you for turning around my sadness with this beautiful comment!
Turning around is what every living thing does. Cats are amongst the strongest of animals, so either he’ll die on his own (which is what I think might happen), or when he no longer gets up, then take him if you wish.
Thank you for turning around the comments section with your wise words, Maria.
It’s a very delicate and personal decision, about Oscar. I tend to agree with your son, but that’s just me. Just remember once he’s gone, there’s no turning around. We are here for you for whatever decision you make. , Ann
Thank you for turning around here with another wonderful comment.
I know how difficult these decisions are, but I also know that whatever you decide will be what’s best for Oscar, and that he has been, and will be, happy.
Thank for turning around these beautiful words into another decisively wonderful comment, Chris.
I have had to turn that thought over in my mind and it’s never easy. As long as he’s going for the chicken, you can feel comfortable. He’ll tell you when he’s done. It would be nice if he could just go to sleep and have lovely dreams. Thinking positive thoughts to help him to cat heaven.
Thank you for this dream of a comforting comment, my heavenly friend.
This post made me think of our late dog Dot Dot we had her put to sleep as she was riddle with cancer but it was hard.
lso if I turned around fast I would lose my balance and fall over not a nice look
Thanks for sharing your dog Dot Dot with us, my very nice friend.