Please forgive me as I have yet to find the appropriate words to express myself during this time. The one thing I know is how lucky we are to have each other during this time.
Thank you to everyone that has reached out with kind words. It means the world to us.
The chimps obviously know how much all of you love them and they feel the same way toward you. I have yet to get through a blog this week without crying.
Same here Cindee. Grief can be consuming and different for each of us. My heart is so heavy. Be kind to yourself. :two_hearts:
I have never been so moved watching a video as watching the one showing the love and concern they have for each other.Tears will not stop due to sweet Jody.Love you all so much.Special kisses to the boss lady?:pray:
I am still tearing up over your, our, loss. Loved the sweet caring treatment by her family as they grieved. They needed that as much as you did. Hugs to all there
Grieving over Jody allows us to be sad for a time in our life. We can shed some tears and not feel it’s wasted. Chimpanzees must also cross the Rainbow Bridge.:rainbow:
It’s still so fresh and heartbreaking. I haven’t been able to watch a single video. Maybe someday, but not now. I hope you all are healing a little bit each and every day! Thank you for all you did for Jody, and for her family.
This one’s ok to watch, promise
Hi Sofia. Sigh. Nothing to forgive. Negra’s kisses say it all. You are very lucky to have each other. Cherish every moment.
Bless Neggie!
Have you ever seen signs before that her EQ was that high?
I’ve lost pets before, and even though I never met the lovely Jo in person, I’m feeling the loss almost as hard. Must be the fabulous job you all do of communicating, through these blogs and videos, their individual personalities. I guess the fact that they are so intelligent and that you make their personalities shine for us makes it hit harder.
It is a very sad time for the caregivers and the chimpanzee family,it is good that you are a well bonded group and can offer support to each other,carers and chimps.I grieve with all of you it was a great shock.xxx
It is YOU who mean the world to us and to the chimps as you carry on with daily tasks while you grieve. I remember a blog post which said that those who work at CSNW must check their feelings of the day when they come through the door, whether it’s happy, sad or mad. The Chimps will pick up on it. What I see them picking up on now is feelings of your love and caring.
As others have said, I too still have a lump in my throat and tears as I rewatch the video of the chimps’ farewell to Jody and read others’ comments of sorrow, love and appreciation. I’m sure that eventually the great photo of Jody and the lilacs with her amazing smile and eyes filled with excitement won’t produce tears. As I’ve read the many comments from members of this community of blog-people over the past few days I’m struck by a few things — How much love and caring there is for the chimps and the level of respect and appreciation for the staff’s love for them and the hard work and dedication needed to maintain the chimps’ lives functioning so beautifully day to day. It’s been a profound process and experience. Also, I’m struck by the appreciation, affection and recognition for the incredible beings that the chimps are by so many people from all over the US and perhaps farther. It’s like being a part of a large family connected by how much we value the chimps, the sanctuary’s existence, the unbelievably dedicated and knowledgeable staff, the board, and each other’s commitment to helping it remain working smoothly for all involved — especially the chimps! In these times of political and social strife I feel grateful and honored to be part of such a community that shares a dedication to these beings’ lives no matter what differences we might have in other areas. Much gratitude for these amazing connections across the miles…
Ditto that, Marya. In the last 6 yrs, the political climate and the divisiveness that accompanies it has invaded just about every corner of life. I do so appreciate that this blog, and this sanctuary, is a place where we, for the most part, come together, united in our love for these chimpy people!
Thank you, Linda! I forgot to mention all the love and appreciation for the bovines and BK and Benny, etc. that so many people bestow as well. I’d swoon if I ever had a chance to wrap my arms around Nutmeg’s neck (which won’t happen except in my dreams, but still…)
It seemed appropriate that our dear Jody was the star of the calendar for April and I delayed turning the page until this morning. I was struck in the Goodbye video by both Negra and Burrito’s reactions……as special friends, they seemed to come to the caregivers more, to get and give comfort, and want that contact. Like so many of the CSNW community, I’m still very emotional….I know it will be a while until the lovely, happy memories of such a special girl can replace the sadness of her passing.
I can’t tell you the gratitude I feel to all the staff and volunteers for caring for the chimps in good times and bad. I grieve with you and thank you for the video of the chimps saying goodbye to Jody. In the past, I’ve thought about how I would feel when this happened to one of the chimps. What I find now is that I am so happy for the 15 years of caring that you have given Jody, but I also find that I am so very, very sad. Jody, the other chimps and all of you at the sanctuary are in my thoughts
:relieved:So refreshing to see The Chimps…… they truly are a work of art
This was a beautiful post as well. It’s wonderful to see the Chimps and their connections with the caregivers and each other after such sadness. We are lucky to know all of you at the Sanctuary and all the amazing things you do every day. Thank you all.
I too still have Jody on my calendar from April and I am taking my time to turn the page to May. Hugs to you all.