CeCe, A “Celebration of Life”
September 13th, 2008 categories: William's Friends and Family
CeCe November 12, 1996 – September 11, 2008
Two and half years ago our precious little one ( a Yorkshire) developed a cough and the vet believed she had a cold. It did not sound like a cold so we sought out a specialist’s advise and it was discovered that she had a polyp in the back of the throat area. A biopsy was performed and she was diagnosed with Lymphoma.
Chemo Therapy
Believing that it was caught very early, an oncologist was recommended and treatment ( 25 weeks of Chemo ) was underway that same day. The 25 weeks of Chemo was difficult on all of us as we saw her hair change texture and fall out only to start growing back in as curly and in some of the oddest colors when she went into remission. It took the better part of a year to return to some normalcy. But after that round of chemo, CeCe did so well for almost a full 6 months.
After the next check-up, we received the heartbreaking news that the cancer had returned and she would need another 25 week round of Chemo. This was completed and then only weeks had passed this time before it became necessary for round 3 to be started.
With all the Chemo , steroids and medications used to help control her body’s reaction to the chemo, her body scans now were indicating that her heart was enlarging and that there were even more serious problems with the lungs and the scans clearly indicated that the trachea was now collapsing. Into the 3rd round Chemo for 10 weeks, the new medications were really not helping her and she was having difficulty with getting enough oxygen. These past few weeks after her most recent Chemo treatment, the changes and new difficulties in her health were becoming dramatic. We found ourselves at the emergency ward this past week, day after day and CeCe’s heart doctor, and the two Oncologists discussed that her quality of life was slipping rapidly and that there was now no hope for recovery and that her oxygen levels were getting so low that her body was now going into stress and her life was now passing at a very accelerated rate.
Final Reconciliation
Reconciliation came this past Thursday Sept 11th, at 4:30 PM as she was released from her anxiety of being oxygen starved and allowed to pass on to the Rainbow Bridge where we one day we will all come together again, this time never to be separated. Her life was so very dear to us and she filled our lives with such much joy. No less like a child to us than any other, her valiant struggle is over and she is now at peace. We celebrate her life this day. Writing this through our tears is so very hard but we wanted to share this lasting tribute of her with you.
CeCe’s Life
Her life was a such a total joy that we are so grateful for and feel that we were so blessed to share. It was a love that was so unconditional. Through our aching heart and tears, we wanted to tell you about her and how she was such an integral part of our lives and family. The source of love in our lives matters little, be it human or some other. What’s important is that as part of our life journey that we learn to love and be selfless in that love, knowing that it is returned to us many fold and it shapes who we become. Over our lives it would be expected that we will have many opportunities for love, different kinds of love and frequently, a love that is tested. Having to let her go may have indeed been the most difficult part of our love for her.
Click here to view some of our favorite pictures of CeCe.
Celebration of Life
On this day of the celebration of her life, we will share with you something that had been shared with us to ease the pain and sorrow of the loss of our precious CeCe. I guess in some ways, it embraces the hope and belief we have that when God closes a door, he always opens a window.
We love you our little CeCe girl and we miss you so very much!
The Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that loved one goes to the Rainbow Bridge
There are meadows and hills for all of our special little ones so they can run and play together.
There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and they are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.
They are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent; Her eager little body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special loved one finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your little one , so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge
together….
William sorry to hear about your friend CeCE — I was doing a little digging around your blog as I edit a new Tomato Blog too talkCharlotte.com — nice job by the way — but the reason i am writing is i also have a company Buttons of Hope that make memorial photo buttons and I just blogged about a button for fellow dog lover –thought you might like to read that blog post here http://www.behindthebutton.com/2008/09/every-dog-has-a.htm
look forward to chatting more soon
…and “do not put a question mark where G-d has put a period”.
Your blog was beautifully written and a tribute to not only CeCe, but to you both as well. Such love in one’s life is very rare and you are all blessed to have shared, reciprocated, and felt this emotion. May the love and caring thoughts of your family and friends, help you through this very difficult time.
Many sympathetic and loving thoughts are with you now,
Sharon
Dear Marc and Bill,
I learned of Cece’s passing this morning from Marc. He was out walking Tinker, I with Haley. One thing I was grateful for…that I was wearing sunglasses to hide my tears when I heard the news.
Cece had such a wonderful wife with you both and with Tinker. Haley loved greeting them during our morning walks. I’m so glad you all made it to Haley’s last birthday party and that we got some wonderful pictures of you and “the girls.”
We will miss so much seeing both dogs together as we walk in the morning. I’m sure one day you will see Cece again over that Rainbow Bridge you talked about. I hope to see Brett again there too.
You did everything humanly possible to give Cece the best quality of life for as long as possible Your remembrance page and photo show was just beautiful.
Love,
Kathy and Haley
What a lovely tribute to a beautiful angel! My thoughts are with you in this very difficult time. Thank you for adding the Rainbow Bridge poem…and for the reminder to cherish every moment with those we love, whether two-legged or four-legged.
Marc, Bill and Tinker. This is an incredible tribute to your dear dear Cece. We wept as we read this and looked at her pictures. We both recall with joy how active she was in July when we were all together at Kathy’s party.I saw her for the last time at the end of August at the corner. She was always happy to see us and always gave that sweet love that only Cece could give. You were also the loves of her life. How blessed she was to have you right up to the end. Isn’t it wonderful how she gave you strength. This is not an easy time. The grief will come in waves. The Rainbow Bridge is a beautiful place. I am sure that Tramp and Scruffy greeted her as she crossed.
God bless you three.
Our love, prayers and sympathy.
Eileen and Wayne and Teddy
Dear William
That was a wonderful and GREAT tribute to Miss Ce Ce. I wish I had just one quarter the talent you two have for being so articulate on paper. Everyone loved her including me and we all will miss her.
Love to both,
Toni
Bill–What a beautiful tribute to CeCe. We know how much she meant to you & Marc. Thought you would be interested in reading the piece below. Our love–Sheldon & Stephen
Never knew the name of the man who wrote this before but I do know the story behind it: It is from a speech made in 1870, when the man’s dog, a foxhound named Drum was shot. His owner sued the man who shot Drum. There was no evidence even, but after he finished his speech, the jury was in tears. They fined the man $500, even though the maximum fine was $150.
It is claimed that George Vest was a 19th century lawyer defending a client.
Gentlemen of the jury, the best friend a man has in this world may turn against him and become his enemy. His son and daughter that he has reared with loving care may become ungrateful. Those who are nearest and dearest to us, those whom we trust with our happiness and our good name, may become traitors to their faith. The money that a man has he may lose. It flies away from him when he may need it most. Man’s reputation may be sacrificed in a moment of ill considered action. The people who are prone to fall on their knees and do us honor when success is with us may be the first to throw the stone of malice when failure settles its cloud upon our head.
The one absolutely unselfish friend that man can have in this selfish world, the one that never deserts him, the one that never proves ungrateful or treacherous, is his DOG. A man’s dog stands by him in prosperity and in poverty, in health and in sickness. He will sleep on the cold ground,where the wintry winds blow and the snow drives fiercely, if only he may be near his master’s side. He will kiss the hand that has no food to offer, he will lick the wounds and sores that come in encounter with the roughness of the world. He guards the sleep of his pauper master as if he were a prince. When all other friends desert, he remains. When riches take wing and reputation falls to pieces, he is as constant in his love as the sun in its journey through the heavens. If fortune drives the master forth an outcast into the cold, friendless and homeless, the faithful dog asks no higher privilege than that of accompanying him to guard him against danger, and to fight against his enemies. When the last scene of all comes, and death takes his master in its embrace and his body is laid away in the cold ground, no matter if all other friends pursue their way, there by his graveside will the noble dog be found, his head between his paws and his eyes sad, but open in alert watchfulness, faithful and true even to death.
-Senator George Vest, 1870.
“A dog is the only thing on earth that will love you more than you love yourself.” …Josh Billings
Bill and Marc,
My heart goes out to you and you live through this loss. My Bogey enjoyed meeting CeCe so know they must be romping through the hills without pain.
Claudia
I loved the pictures of Cece and so love the memory of the 11th. hole with Marc, Abby & Cece. It was so much a part of my life. Seeing the pictures makes me think of how much I miss her and the 11th. hole with Marc. Love Lisa
Katherine and Rachel’s day was always so much brighter when they saw Cece and Tinker on their walks. The excitement in their faces showed the love they have for your 2 angels. We will all miss Cece very much.
Marc, Bill, Tinker
It does just seem like yesterday we were all running around on the 11th fairway . . . I am so sorry about your loss. You all were the BEST parents ever for CeCe. She had great love and life with you — We all miss her and the void is both seen and felt. Love the Scofield’s.
Thank you for sharing your beautiful story of Cece! We always looked forward to seeing “the yorkies” on our daily walks. Cece was a wonderful dog and she showed great spirit and courage throughout her illness. What a blessing our pets can be to our lives! Much love, Joyce, Dave, Katie, Colleen & Mijo
Only yesterday did I learn of the passing of your dear little CeCe.
While reading your story and viewing the photos, I was overcome with sadness. I, too, have lost a pet that was very dear to me. Anyone who has ever had a pet to love and care for understands how sad it is to say good-bye. May the beautiful memories of the happy times you shared with CeCe be a comfort to you now and in all the days ahead.
Love, Sandy Mathews
Dear Bill,Marc and Tinker,
I just read your beautiful tribute to CeCe. Iknow how much she was loved and cherished by all of you.My thoughts and prayers are with you. Having lost my little Bogey last year, I,too,took great comfort in The Rainbow Bridge. CeCe had a wonderful home and wonderful life with you. May your beautiful memories and pictures be of some comfort, as she lives forever in your hearts. Fondly, Marilyn
Hi Sandy ,
Thank you so much for dropping by. It was so nice to see you the other day, and I will keep our conversation in mind as we locate the right person for next door. Many thanks again, you have been such a wonderful and long time friend.
Many Thanks again,
William
Dear Marilyn,
As someone who has been through this when you lost your precious Bogey, the ache is more profound than most anyone could know. Thankfully Lauren is still doing well. I can’t thank you enough for the wonderful comment and if you hadn’t been driving when I saw you last, it would have been big hugs all around. I so admired you as a client and as a long time friend . When you lost Bogey, I knew your heart was so broken and I only wish there would have been something I could have done to ease the pain. The people I love and revere in my life have always been parents to the little ones because they all for sure know how to love and what it really means to be loved in perfect way. Our little ones make us better than we could even have been without them and when we lose them, we ache in a way that takes so long to heal, and for some of us, parts of us never do heal.
Marilyn, Thank you again for being a part of our celebration of our little CeCe’s life. And I am so glad that I could know Bogey and Lauren. They will always be very special in life and after.
Always, William