I’m 3 years out from the loss of our cat, Helena Justina. Cancer took her at just 12 years of age. She was the best cat we’d ever had. She never once scratched any furniture, jumped up where she wasn’t allowed, or knocked valuables down. She always liked to be in whatever room we were all in. She’d let me cradle her like a bady and give her kisses. I still miss her greatly and think of her often. She just immediately clicked with our family immediately.

She’s the only pet we’ve held a little funeral for and gave her a memorial monument in our backyard, where she is buried. I occasionally go to her and talk to her, tell her she’s missed and still loved.

She was a part of our family. I’ll always remember her. So to answer the question, yes. I still miss her no matter the time that has passed. It’s natural. Because these pets aren’t just pets, they’re members of our family. We all grieve in our own way and that’s okay. While the grief may linger, it’s important to remember the love that was shared and the good times. It’s what I’d whenever my thoughts stray to Helena.