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January 31, 2024Don’t fall into the icy creek…
I was on a mountain bike riding with a friend along the Colorado trail many years ago. Thanksgiving was just around the corner and a recent frost turned the path into a bit of a challenge.
We peddled to the summit of a massive uphill climb and took a moment to catch our breath and rest.
The view was stunning. The shimmering yellow leaves of the Aspen trees contrasted brilliantly against the bluest sky.
The top of Kenosha Pass is a sight beyond words.
The path ahead dropped over 500 feet in elevation, so we were in for quite a ride.
I had just lost my Rottweiler, Jessie, who tragically died after a brief battle with cancer at the young age of seven. I had not begun my journey into animal communication, and I blamed myself for everything that happened to her.
All I could do was dwell on all the mistakes I made and how she might still be alive if I had only taken her to the clinic sooner.
Tears welled up as I looked up at the heavens. My heart was shattered and left me numb to the sharp winds that whipped around us. My riding buddy snapped me back to reality.
“Come on, let’s go,” she said, “It’s all downhill from here.”
“Okay, you first,” I said, as she had been on this trail before.
“There is a creek at the very bottom of the trail. Don’t fall in,” she warned, “If you look at the water game over. Keep your eyes on the horizon where you want to go.” She took off in a burst of speed and headed down the mountain.
I watched my friend zigzag down the steep trail at lightning speed and blaze right through the creek. She easily made it to the other side.
“Come on!” she yelled, “You can do it! Just don’t look down!” Her voice trailed off into the wind.
I pushed off, determined to make it across the water but instead of looking to where I wanted to go, my thoughts slipped back to all the mistakes I made while Jessie was alive.
About halfway down, the creek came into clear focus. Despite her warning, I locked my eyes on the swift-moving water swirling feverishly around the rocks and ice.
“Look at me! Look UP!” my friend screamed to no avail.
All I could do was look at the water and think about how I didn’t want to fall in. I felt drawn to it as if it were my punishment for my failures.
It was bitter cold, and I didn’t have a change of clothes, yet I felt myself lose hope. I gave in, and images of Jessie flooded my mind. I felt defeated and resigned that I was a horrible mom and caretaker for her.
My tires sped furiously downhill as I stared helplessly into the icy blackness of the water.
At the last second, I realized I wouldn’t reach the other side.
I crashed head over heels into the freezing water.
The journey through a loss is just like the icy creek. If you focus on the pain and the past, that is precisely where you will end up.
By looking ahead to where you want to go, you can move forward into healing. It will still be a bumpy ride, but at least you won’t have to finish your journey with frozen socks.
Look up.
Look ahead.
Your beloved companions love you more than anything.
They never judge you or question your decisions.
Only love matters.
Here’s to looking ahead to where you want to be….
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18 Comments
Karen,
This story hit home for me. I think I’ve been staring into the blackness for too long. You are the only one who has actually helped me on this painful journey after the loss of my perfect boy, Grizz. I did not want to move forward until I found your books and podcasts.
Now I know I am not losing the last bit of Grizz by letting go of the pain, I am moving forward into healing.
Bless you, you are an angel on earth
I am so sorry for the loss of your angel, Grizz. It is so hard to say goodbye to someone you love so much. I’m so glad my books and podcasts have helped you on your journey. Those bonds of love you share will never die and he will always be by your side as there is nowhere else he would rather be.
Sending love…
I have fallen into the icy creek so many times. I never knew how to get out. Thank you for your kind words, your beautiful stories and the love you share with those of us who are hurting beyond words.
It is an honor and my pleasure to share what I have learned from the animals. They are so wise, far beyond what most give them credit for. They have taught me more about life and the afterlife than any one human.
I hope you have my books as well, to help you through a difficult time.
Sending love…
I love you, Karen. Your stories are so enlightening and powerful. It will be a bumpy ride through the pain but I’m keeping my eye on the horizon to where I want to be. Thank you for your books, your compassion, and for all you do for so many.
I love you, too, Eileen! You are so kind to share your feelings with me. I needed to hear that today, so thank you! It is a very bumpy ride but one we sign up for when we welcome our beloved companions into our heart and home.
I’m so glad my books and teachings are helping you.
Blessings…
I came across this post quite by chance, but now that I am here, I truly feel guided by my beloved dog, Samuel Smart. He was everything to me. He never left my side. Since he died 3 weeks ago I have been paralyzed from the pain and at times I hoped I died in my sleep so I could be with him again.
Today is the first day I have been able to breathe without it hurting.
I’m ordering all of your books and binge-listening to your podcasts.
Bless you, Karen
Samuel Smart’s Dad
I am so sorry for the loss of your boy, Samuel Smart. It is devastating to lose someone so special. I’m honored to be a positive part of your healing journey and have no doubt he guided you my way. Our departed loved ones know who can help us during a difficult time.
My books are full of stories, afterlife insights, and signs from the afterlife to help you heal.
Thank you for the kind feedback and blessings to you and Samuel Smart too.
I so agree with Samantha’s comment here, Karen that you are an angel on earth. I was so sad to read of your pain and heartache from losing your beautiful dog Jessie 🙁 Sharing so many of your stories that you generously do make so many others (including me) feel so validated and feeling understood at the most painful times in your life is one of the few things that can bring some comfort. At Thanksgiving…and always…I am so thankful for you and for your wisdom that you share so lovingly.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Karen. It is humbling to know that by sharing my pain I am helping others. I am usually so guarded with my grief. I appreciate your love and support so much. Grief enables us to make more informed choices as life unfolds in the days and weeks ahead. We can’t go back but we can move forward. Wishing you peace and abundant blessings this Thanksgiving season and beyond.
I myself did the same, with many sessions and Karen’s books, sure did help with the healing process, thank you Karen
Thank you so much for your kind words, my friend. You and I have had some amazing sessions over the years that will forever be part of our journey. I’m honored to know you and all your boys, Captain, Doobie, Cash, Takoda, and Jake. Thank you for sharing your incredible stories in my books and helping others find peace and healing.
I also want to thank my friend Karen for being there for me, thanks again!
I’m so glad I was there…to bear witness and to be a part of the magic…
Karen, Thank you sharing your “spot on” insights and wisdom regarding the loss of your dear Jessie. I had my beloved dog Berky for 19.5 years and it seems when I’m going thru the waves of grief, I focus only on the mistakes I made as well. But I realize now, that he loved me unconditionally. I also know now, he will always be with me. He has forgiven me, I need to forgive myself.
Much gratitude and love to you.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Craig. It is devastating to lose someone you have loved for so long. My sincere condolences for the loss of Berky. Nineteen years is a lifetime of love. One day, we will realize we did everything right as there is no judgement in their minds. As you said, there is only unconditional love and that is all that matters. Sending love and healing to you my friend.
Karen, I am so sorry for your loss of Jessie. I lost my 15 y.o. little Benny in Sept. Some days I just don’t want to go on the pain in my soul hurts so much. He truly was my companion. He pretty much went everywhere with me. Your utube videos and books have helped me know that we will be together again on the other side. There are so many people that underestimate the loss of a pet. Thank you so much for all you do.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your angel, Benny. It is devastating and the pain is consuming. We are never the same after a loss because they take a piece of us with them when they go. One day, we will be whole again when we reunite. I’m honored to be a positive part of your journey. May each chapter of my books bring comfort and by sharing my stories may you open your heart a little more each day to the peace of mind you deserve. I promise your sweet boy is with you and wants you to know your bond is eternal. Blessings and healing to you, my friend.