[BraveMan]

I know what loved family members pets can become. Losing one is like losing a child.

Dear gentle poster, I cannot let this statement pass idly by.

There is a vast, unnavigable difference between the two. The loss of a beloved pet will in no way prepare you for the loss of a child.

I have the unfortunate experience of having experienced both. The pain of losing a pet can hurt terribly. However, the pain will diminish with the passage of time, eventually replaced with fond memories of the times shared together.

Not so with the loss of a child. The 'fond' memories will continue to cut and sting like a salt covered jagged rusty weapon, torturing you for the rest of your life. Any regrets you accumulate during your time with your child will be amplified beyond measure, forcing you to cast into the sea of forgetfulness ANY memories, good or bad, of your time on the planet with the child. The most innocuous moments from that point forward become sources of mind numbing pain and regret which you will be forced to endure for the rest of your existence in this temporal world.

Have pity on the strangers around you; thank GOD you do not have to endure the loss of a child. Be thankful that cup passes you by.

[viewfromthefrontier]

Eternal rest grant unto BraveMan’s child, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon them. May their soul and the souls of all the faithful departed through the mercy of God rest in peace.

[fwdude]

Well, I’ll just say that you have no insight into the experiences of others.

[Albion Wilde]

My deep condolences, BraveMan. A worthy post, for those who need a lesson in perspective.