10/8 Bear Man (GA) One year ago

[Linda and Bear Man]

One year ago, on a warm and sunny fall day like today, Bear Man passed away. Though he had been sick for a long time, his last day was filled with his favourite things: a sunbeam, a breeze, some Temptations treats, and cuddles with his beloved Teddy. I will always be grateful for the memories of a comfortable passing.

I have linked some of Bear Man's last condo's below. Most precious to me is the last full moon party with Pat + Raja + Shadow. How Bear Man loved to attend those parties! I would like to post an excerpt (by Pat) here:

They all hurried along in the dark night, commenting on how beautiful the stars looked in the night sky. There was no moon to light their path tonight. But Mannie lead the way as all the kitties with their goodies in their arms in a huge procession, made their way to Bear Man's house. Teddy greeted them all at the door and welcomed them inside. Shadow had Bear's stool with the wheels and went with Teddy into the bedroom as the others set up the bar and quickly got the soup and all the goodies arranged on the table.

I watched from the window outside as they all gathered to await Bear Man's arrival into the room. They gasped at the sight of his frailness but he was laughing his good old laugh...waving to all the kitties as Shadow wheeled him into the room. A cheer burst forth from all their lips and there was a great thunder of applause as they rushed over to hug and kiss him!! The kitties began to cry with deep emotion as he settled them down. His voice was much weaker than Raja remembered as he began to slowly talk of the New Moon to them all.

Bear Man thanked them all for coming to him tonight. He told them that he has been feeling weak but that he still wanted to be with them on this special New Moon night. He talked as always about those who have gone ahead and how their memories linger on. Everyone bowed their heads, thinking of their dear friends. Then Bear Man began to speak of this night. When the Moon is new, he said, the Sun and Moon are aligned in the same sign, and a powerful energy portal is opened. New Moons are a great time to set intentions for things you'd like to create, develop, cultivate, make manifest. There are many ways to initiate this communion with the Universe from lighting a candle to elaborate rituals. What matters is that you're committing yourself to your vision, and open to receiving guidance, healing, support from Spirit. They always learn so much from their Bear Man! At his suggestion, they all lit the candles that they brought. They all took a few moments to contemplate what he had said....

Then, they all began to sing a most haunting and beautiful song....one I had never heard before. They swayed with each other to the rhythm as if in a lovely trance that lasted for so long. Then Bear Man said he would like to rest for awhile and all the kitties helped him get comfortable. They began to kiss his hands and fuss over him....each one so happy to be in his company. He cheered with vigor when he heard that Muffin ate her canned food and gave her a special kiss!

They all gathered around him, touching his shoulders in the biggest group hug I have ever witnessed from them all. Their love for him and the energy they shared with him were almost tangible things. It was beautiful and wonderful to experience. As they settled down with their soup and chatter, I turned to leave them, tears streaming down my face. The beauty of their love for one another leaves me speechless. I know they are worried about him...now they are all hiding their tears. I think he is hiding his too. But this was a good thing...even though he is not up to partying as always, the comfort that they all bring to each other is what is important. Happy New Moon Beautiful Ones.....

Bear Man's last full moon party - http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=26852

GA condo - http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=26934

The last Old Timer condo: http://www.felinediabetes.com/FDMB/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=27014

Bear Man's GA tribute video and Bear Man's garden video are linked in my signature.

I find that as time passes, I remember less and less about his illnesses and pain, and more about his gentleness, his dignity, and his sweet spirit. I have once again been able to enjoy looking at his photos and videos. On this Canadian Thanksgiving weekend, I would like to celebrate and give thanks for his life, for his friends here in LL, and for the fond memories of those who are with him at the Bridge.

A Bear Man condo would not be complete without photos. These two are previews of photos which will be appearing in the Acro Calendar and in the FDMB calendar.

 

[Sonia & Tom (GA)]

Wow. Time sure flies. Can't believe Bear has been gone for a year.

Hugs to you and a very happy Thanksgiving.

 

[Marje and Gracie]

Linda:

What a wonderful tribute to the immortal and well loved Bear Man. Everyone misses him and I know Teddy especially. You've had a tough year but I'm so happy that you are now able to remember all the good things and not focus on the health issues. I love his garden video, his tribute, and his pictures. He was such a handsome boy.

One of the tributes I heard at the 9/11 Memorial this year was spoken by a woman talking about her sister who died in the WTC. She said:

"The time has come to let go of the sorrow of having lost her and embrace the joy of having known her". I think that is what you have done although I do know we never stop missing these wonderful souls which we are so privileged to share a life with.

Hugs and love...

 

[Sherry & Zoe (GA)]

What a beautiful tribute to a truly unforgettable kitty.....can't believe it has been a year. (((Linda)))

 

[Anne&Muffin (GA)]

Linda - what a beautiful tribute to Bear Man. I'm so glad that you can enjoy your memories more now. And what a beautiful recounting of his last party by Pat. Thank you for including that. We will definitely be thinking of dear sweet Bear Man today - Muffin loved him so much, as did we all.

 

[Rocket & his Mom]

((((Linda)))) been thinking of you and knowing that this weekend is hard for you.....i always loved the pics you posted of Bear Man....
the tributes and the links have made me cry.....i'm glad you are able to think of him in a different way and not so much on the illness that took him from you.....

mega hugs to you Linda....

 

[Squeaky and KT (GA)]

Big hug Linda....thank you for sharing this with us....

 

[Randi & Max (GA)]

(((Linda)))
What lovely words. I cannot beleive a year has gone by already.
Pat's words brought tears to me eyes as I remember those days so very well.
I wish you a peaceful and happy Thanksgiving.
Bear Man lives on amongst the love here in LL.

 

[Tena and Curry(GA)]

Linda....what a beautiful tribute on this Thanksgiving Holiday. Thank you for sharing his story and his memories with us today.

Thank you for being there for the rest of us in Lantus Land during this past year. Your support and wealth of knowledge has helped many of us time and time again.

Hugs,
Tena, Curry and Sidney

 

[Traci and Boomer]

Hi Linda-

My goodness, what a wonderful tribute. I started welling up even before I read the excerpt by Pat. Beautifully written. I can't believe it's been a year either. (((Linda)))

 

[Dyana]

For the past two hours, I just cried my eyes out and cleared my sinuses going through all the links. Bear Man is an icon and is very much loved and very much missed. Linda, Thank You So Much for continuing to post and be active on FDMB :YMHUG:

 

[squeem3]

((Linda)) It's hard to believe that it's been a year already. Thanks for sharing the memories of Bear Man.

 

[Lisa and Do Lou (GA)]

(((((Linda))))) thank you for sharing the tribute it brought tears to my eyes as Do Lou and I remember the good times with Bear Man at the parties

 

[Sienne and Gabby (GA)]

I can't explain the why of it, but Bear Man has always been very special to me. Maybe it was because his blindness made very little difference. Your photo of him in front of the screen, sniffing the fresh air and the flowers, is an image I cherish.

Thank you for sharing Bear Man in his health and at points thereafter with us. He is and will always be very special. He will be with those of us whose life he touched forever.

 

[Bo & Jake]

Linda,Thank you for sharing wonderful memories of bear Man!
Cant believe it's been a year!
(for me very tough year)
Hugs to You,Linda!
I,m not posting because no time but do lurke and check sometimes.

 

[Kathy and Kitty]

Gosh, crying all over again. But I imagine Bear Man surrounded by our loved kitties at the bridge, whole and healthy, patiently waiting in good company. I know time flies for him, though time without him must drag.

Hugs, Linda.

 

[Complick8d]

Beautiful tribute to sweet Bear!!

 

[MJ+Donovan]

I choose to believe that Bear Man has his sight, and Butthead has both ears, together at the Bridge, enjoying the warm breezes and fresh green grass.
Hugs to you on this day.

MJ&Donovan&Butthead's spirit

 

[Ella & Rusty & Stu(GA)]

Dear Linda, Dear Teddy (and Pinkerton, too),
Bear Man continues to watch over you and to send you his love. Thank you for this beautiful tribute to a wonderful kitty. Bear Man and Miss Emily were so lucky to have found their home with you, Linda. Reading these very special condos has been incredibly moving.
Bear Man's star is shining bright in the heavens tonight.

Peace and Love,

Ella and Edward, & Rusty & Stu (sharing a drink and a story with Bear tonight at the Bridge)

 

[Sandy and Black Kitty]

(((((Linda))))))

Beautiful beautiful Bear Man. . .full of Grace.

 

[Michelle and Mannie (GA)]

what a perfect way to wind up my evening, reading your tribute to bear man. As Ella said, reading these very special condos has been incredibly moving. He will always hold such a special place in my heart. I have said it so many time before - but he is so like my Mannie, in so many ways. We lit a candle for Bean Man tonight, just to remember how cool he really was.

Pat's post that day was so incredibly special. I remember it well. it is a s moving today as it as then. Here's to you Bear Man- you are indeed one cool dude!

 

[Linda and Bear Man]

I can't explain the why of it, but Bear Man has always been very special to me. Maybe it was because his blindness made very little difference. Your photo of him in front of the screen, sniffing the fresh air and the flowers, is an image I cherish.

Thank you for sharing Bear Man in his health and at points thereafter with us. He is and will always be very special. He will be with those of us whose life he touched forever.

Thanks, Sienne. I love that photo as well. It was our original signature photo.

Thanks to everyone for stopping in and for your kind words.

 

[mybuddybinks]

I too have always had a special "heart hearth" chair occupied by Bear Man...
you, Bear, Miss Emily, Teddy, & Pinkerton have been such an inspiration to us all.

and Pat's lovely, insightful descriptions of sugarcat gatherings were what inspired binks to share his stories as well...

what a lovely tribute to a Lantus Land Legend...
I have always associated Bear Man with T.S. Eliot's Old Deuteronomy
the dignity, wisdom and humor live on in our hearts.

 

[Ele & Blackie (GA)]

((((Linda)))) What a wonderful tribute to Bear Man. Thank you for sharing him again with us all. You and Bear Man were always so special in LL, that you will never be forgotten. I'm very glad that you are losing the memories of his illness and remembering the good times. That is what he would have wanted. I know that Bear Man is at the Rainbow Bridge with Emily and all of our guardian angels, looking down on us and our tearful faces knowing that someday we'll be together again.

 

[julie & punkin (ga)]

i didn't know bear man, but am seeing a glimpse at how special he was. blessings on you as you remember, celebrate his life and his special place in your world.

 

[Patti and Merlin]

Ahhh Linda
You and Bear Man - are always so special to me AND all his pictures are priceless - I treasure each and everyone. Thank you for sharing such a beautiful memory.

And Marjorie...

"The time has come to let go of the sorrow of having lost her and embrace the joy of having known her". I think that is what you have done although I do know we never stop missing these wonderful souls which we are so privileged to share a life with.
.

Thank you for posting the above - what a beautiful quote - something to hang on to - to help move forward in time.

You are all such wonderful moms!
xxx
patti

 

[CD and BigMac]

I was always touched by Bear Man's dignity and the beauty in the way you loved him. He was a kitty that I wished could live forever. I know his memory will.

The full moon party... my tears started to fall before I even began reading it again. I remember it as if it was yesterday.

My heart is with you today and all days in remembrance of Bear Man. ♡
((((Hugs)))))

 

[joyce-tuscany(GA)]

Linda (((hugs))) time passes and time helps ease our holes in our hearts. Bear Man is not forgotten and lives on in all our memories. Enjoy those memories of your special cat. Thanks for all that you have brought to FDMB

 

[Deb & Spot]

It was, indeed, a very sad day for everyone when Bear Man crossed over the bridge. He was so very special to all of us. I love seeing his pictures, Bear Man in all his splendor, he was such a handsome man! I had tears in my eyes reading and remembering. Your tribute to your special boy is very heartfelt and a wonderful tribute it is. Thanks, Linda, for sharing with us and helping us remember.

 

[Roni and Moonie]

Linda--I can hardly believe it was a year ago when Bear Man passed--He was such an important part of the original Lantus Land, and was so loved here...Grief is the price we pay for love and hey I'm crying again!
yOU & YOUR FURBABIES HAVE BEEN SUCH AN INSPIRATION FOR EVERYONE HERE ESPECIALLY ME.
Such a devoted loving caring bean as you is hard to find--You gave him & all your babies your ALL & that's why I always said-
You are My Momma Bean Hero!---Bear Man was one of the stars and we will never forget him!
Sending you love & comfort--Know how lucky we all were to have Bear Man in our lives...

 

[Angela & Blackie & 3 Others]

That's a very beautiful tribute to Bear Man. {{{{{{{{{{EXTREMEHUGS}}}}}}}}}}

 

[Ann & Tess GA]

I saw you post earlier, but needed time to open it and deal w/ all the emotions it brought up. Bear Man was such a gentle soul and remembering his passing as well as all of the others in the last year just seemed overwhelming. All his tributes are well deserved and you deserve a big share of them. i am so glad that the memories are more frequently happy ones now. thank you for being here.

 

[Judith and Thomas]

((((Linda))))

Such a beautiful tribute to your wonderful boy...It's hard to believe it has been a a year. It seems like just yesterday that your sweet boy crossed the bridge. I am so glad that you are beginning to remember less of his struggles and remember more of his grace and quiet dignity. He was indeed a truly special boy, and will always be so fondly remembered.

 

[Miriam and Putty (GA)]

(((Linda)))
Tears all over again for sweet Bear Man.
I cannot believe it has been one year already. I am glad you are remembering less of Bear Man's pain and illness. He was so dignified in his struggles.

Bear Man will forever be special in my heart. I too have always loved the picture of him sitting at the door looking at the flowers.
Linda, I hope you take solace in knowing that Bear Man is happy, healthy and pain free. He has a legacy here in LL that those that knew him will never forget him and those that are meeting him for the first time through your post will understand why he was so special.

Thinking of you. :YMHUG: