It’s been 5 years since Bella left this world. Losing her…Made me understand loss. Prepared me for loss. Made me fear loss. Made me empathize with loss. Taught me meaning in loss.

Bella Colella was a cat. Bella was also a friend, my very best friend. Bella was family. She is family.

I can smile about her now. I don’t cry every time I speak about her. But this month is hard. This week particularly so. Today all the more. I can’t fathom how 5 years have passed and it feels like yesterday and a lifetime ago.

Unless you have loved animal, you don’t know what it’s like to lose one. It’s like losing the very best part of yourself. The part that knows unconditional love. It’s an uncomplicated grief like no other.

I will never stop missing her. I will always cherish the time we had together. And I will always appreciate finding meaning in the grief.

Bella Luna…I will think of you with every beautiful moon for all my life.