Thursday, December 29, 2022
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I cannot even begin to fathom how Amanda’s husband, Jon, her parents, friends, family (including her kitties) are feeling. I just know that my heart is grieving deeply for them. Experiencing the loss of someone we love is devastating, yet when we lose someone unexpectedly, without warning, it takes grief to an entirely new level.
It becomes a tragedy.
Before I share my journey with Amanda, I want to give my most sincere condolences to all of those who love her. Although there are no words that could ever take away your pain and sorrow, I simply want you to know that myself, my family and so many others are with you, sending you immense amounts of Light and Love as you navigate this unforeseen heartache. May these words, so profoundly written by Kahlil Gibran, bring you comfort, gently reminding you that the tears you shed now are because of the joy you’ve felt for having had Amanda in your life:
“When you are sorrowful look again in your heart, and you shall see that in truth you are weeping for that which has been your delight.”
In February of 2019, Amanda and her husband, Jon, became Volunteer Cat Fosters with The Compassionate Village, a nonprofit animal rescue that I Co-Founded here in Toledo, Ohio. When I met Amanda and Jon at their home for their preliminary home visit, I was immediately greeted by her sweet boy, Sherlock. I remember Amanda passionately sharing her kitty’s rescue stories and how much they meant to her. They were family and I couldn’t agree more! When I explained our in-depth home visit and screening process for both fosters and adopters, that’s when we really hit it off. Amanda, Jon and I all knew how important it was to value the life of every kitty who enters our foster program and that their mindful placement into their forever home should never be compromised. It was a breath of fresh air that night, spending time with like-minded people who knew that these animals are far more than, “Just a cat.” Their lives mattered and for the next 4 years, Amanda proved that to be true. I knew, without question, where her heart was as both a Foster and an Adopter.
It was in the right place.
Overtime, Amanda became the loving Foster Mama to Louie, Hank, Maddie, Sunshine, Isabella, Michael, Murray and Storm. Every kitty with an incredible rescue story of survival and resiliency. Amanda’s expertise in socializing, caring for and loving every kitty that she stepped up to Foster was one of the greatest gifts to our organization and every cat lucky enough to walk through her door!
I’ll never forget how excited she was when she and Jon had closed on their new home in Waterville! She said, without hesitation, “We bought THIS house for the cats!” She couldn’t wait to have me visit so she could show me the beautiful renovations made to their second story, specifically to accommodate her Foster kitties! It was amazing and I was in awe! Her love for them was unparalleled. She treated them like her own and that is something I truly loved and appreciated about her.
Amanda was and always will be such a blessing to our many kitties and The Compassionate Village as a whole. She left a beautiful legacy down here on earth that will never be forgotten.
Thank you, Amanda, for joining our village. Thank you for your genuine dedication, passion and commitment to the animals throughout your life’s journey. You left a tremendous impact on so many. Rest assured that we will be there for Jon and all of your kitties every step of the way and although you’ve left this earthly realm, I know that you will remain with your loved ones, in Spirit, lovingly guiding their steps each and every day.
We love you.
