Losing a beloved pet is an ache that goes deep into the core. My heart still bears the paw prints of my cherished cat Zadar, and the silence in my home feels heavy. But amidst the grief, I found solace in an unexpected place: travel.
Introduction about Zadar:
If you know me enough, you know that I love Croatia and Zadar was named after the beautiful Croatian city Zadar. He was born in my house in Casablanca on April 13th 2013 and had decided to adopt him to help with the depression after lossing my beloved mother and coming to an empty house every day. We lived for three years and half before we decided to pack and move out from Morocco. When I say "we", I mean it as he was involved in the preparations since the decision was made.
The journey was so tiring and so stressful for both of us but leaving him behind was not an option. Therefore embarking on the new journey was all that we had. We moved twice again in the US but he didn’t mind as long his mommy was with him. He was my shadow, my heart cat and my unforgettable love. He passed away on his tenth-year birthday April 13, 2023 and my life has changed since then.
Initially, the thought of traveling without Zadar in my life felt unbearable. Yet, the world beckoned, and a gentle nudge from a friend urged me to step outside my comfort zone. As I embarked on my journey, I wasn't sure what to expect. Would the joy of new sights and experiences overshadow the emptiness within? I didn’t think so especially it was still raw. And here’s the thing, I couldn’t pick Zadar the Croatian city as a healing destination but I wasn’t very far as I ended up in Bol.
Surprisingly, travel didn't erase the grief. It did something even more profound – it transformed it. Here's how:
1. Shared Stories, Shared Grief: Every journey brings encounters with people. Sharing stories of Zadar with fellow travelers, from bustling markets to quiet cafes, created a space for shared understanding. Their kind words and attentive listening offered a comforting connection, reminding me that the love I felt wasn't unique.
2. Beauty's Balm: Immersing myself in stunning landscapes – sunrises over mountain peaks, turquoise waters lapping on sandy shores – brought a different kind of peace. The vastness of the world put my loss in perspective, reminding me that life, like nature, continues its beautiful cycle.
3. Stepping Outside My Shell: Trying new things, from navigating bustling streets to indulging in unfamiliar cuisines, pushed me beyond my comfort zone. These small victories reminded me of my own strength and resilience, qualities I needed to navigate the difficult terrain of grief.
4. Carrying Their Memory: Throughout my travels, I carried small mementos of my cat – a photo engraved in a pendant on my chest, Zadar’s favorite mouse toy clipped to my backpack. These tangible reminders kept weaving his presence into the tapestry of my journey.
Travel wasn't a magic cure, but it was a gentle companion on my path to healing. It reminded me that the world is full of beauty, kindness, and new experiences waiting to be embraced. And while Zadar's absence will always be felt, travel helped me carry his love within me as I explored the world, paw prints forever etched on my soul.
Remember, grieving is a deeply personal journey. If you're considering traveling, listen to your heart and take it at your own pace. And if you choose to stay put, know that healing can happen anywhere, as long as you allow yourself to feel, remember, and love. After all, the love we share with our furry companions transcends physical presence, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and guiding us on our unique journeys, wherever they may lead.
I’ll be whole again but I’ll never be the same without my boy!
Thank you for reading his story!
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