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I Am A Survivor

I have been wanting to write a lot but my sweet kitty of  10 years was diagnosed with renal failure, when I lost her, my home felt very empty, I was dealing with the loss of her, she was more my cat than anyone else's, she was like my shadow .... a couple of weeks later I found my sweet black kitten Oreo, he lights my life up and makes me smile.  He has so much energy, I knew he needed a friend to keep him company and within two weeks I found my grey cat Chai who needed a new home. The two of them have kept me busy when I wasn't working, it takes time to integrate two kitties together and have them both feel comfortable. Chai is still finding his place even though he is more mature... Oreo really is a boss... he's not afraid of anything.

A couple of weeks ago, I sat down and watched the story of Elizabeth Smart, I was in complete awe of her special spirit... it made me look back on my life and the numerous trials I have dealt with. I never compare the types of trials we deal within life as I feel all trials are there for us to grow, become stronger and to become a better version of ourselves. I also know life is a series of challenges that we work to overcome, some easy, some extremely difficult... I have always said and believed that it isn't the amount or difficulties of the trials that we deal with, it is how we deal with them.
 
After watching Elizabeth Smart and hearing about the many horrendous trials she dealt with after she was kidnapped at such a young age of 14, she never thought of suicide but she thought it might be better if she died at times... but she had a strong will/desire to live and she did. She doesn't hold on to the hate or anger that would be so easy to do.. She realized at a very young age that holding on to the bad only hurt her. She seriously seems happy, she was able to marry and have two children... Today she gives back to other people by speaking out about what she dealt with and showing others it is possible to not just survive but thrive and be happy.

I realized that although I want to handle my trials in a better manner, I often don't... I think many times, why me? Haven't I dealt with enough? But life isn't about having everything perfect and wonderful because I have dealt with endless trials... it means I need to take the time to figure out what I can learn from each trial, how I can grow so that when the next challenge comes a long I will be more ready to handle it, I will be able to figure out the lesson quicker and have the time to enjoy the quiet in between.
Life is about finding the joy, whether in between the trials or even during the trials... I know many people will wonder how we can find the joy while we are handling a trial that seems insurmountable, however; the truth is that more often than not we get through and after dealing with it, we discover there was something we needed to acquire from the test. I also know there are a great deal of people who will question why anyone would have to deal with certain trials... the thing for me is that when I read or see how someone came through a trial that was beyond what I could imagine... I know if these people have the strength to get through them, I believe that I can survive mine and even grow stronger from them.

I'm a survivor, I never give up... even when it feels beyond hope, a way is always made. However; I acknowledge that being a survivor is good, what 's even better is that I find the good in whatever trial is dealt to me... Then I will be a warrior survivor...
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56 comments :

  1. Hello Launna. It is so good to read your post, and especially about your love for your new kitties. I am missing my little dog that just crossed the rainbow bridge a few weeks ago. I don't think I will be getting another dog as I am still have my mom's 2 dogs. Anyway, you are right, we can be strong and we can be brave and get through our trials. We WILL get through them.

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  2. I am just leaving the house here to get on the road for a 7 hour trip to my daughter's home. I wanted you to know I read this and, having dealt with a lot of trials in my own life, I fully understand every word you wrote.

    God bless you. I am so glad you have two new kitties that you can love! xo Diana

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  3. Oh I am so sorry for your loss, but how wonderful you have some new kittens in your life to help you get over your grief. You have been through so much, but you are such a strong survivor. You're doing a great job! :)

    Hope you are having a lovely week! I'm getting excited it will be December this weekend! We are going to put up our tree then.

    Away From The Blue Blog

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  4. My mom watch the Elizabeth Smart documentary and said how well she is doing today which a family of her own. That's wonderful that she's come so far and appears to have put that part of her life behind her. A true survivor for sure! Sorry for your loss, and congratulations on your additions. I saw them on Instragram. They are adorable.

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  5. Aquele creme รฉ maravilhoso! Deixa o meu cabelo perfeito. Se algum dia encontrar aquela marca aรญ no seu paรญs, recomendo a compra! ;D

    Launna! Sinto muito pela sua gatinha. Fiquei feliz de saber que depois encontrou dois bichanos para te fazer companhia! A Elizabeth รฉ uma guerreira. Sem dรบvida uma inspiraรงรฃo! Sobreviver รฉ obrigatรณrio para todos. Mas escolher o lado da felicidade รฉ opcional!

    ร“tima quinta!

    Beijo! ^^

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  6. The lives of others can be really inspiring to learn to live and fight every day. I'm very sorry for your kitten. I totally understand your pain, I can't imagine life without my Misha.

    Jasmine ♥♥♥

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  7. First of all I'm sorry for the loss of your lovely cat, I'm a HUGE cat lover and when my kitty of 13 years died I mourned her as she was part of my family, because these lovely furry friends are like family in some ways <3 I'm happy that you found those new kitties (LOVED the name Oreo for a black cat -do I have your permission to steal it next time I have one?!) and I'm equally happy for them because I'm sure they're in a lovely safe home now.
    As for your thoughts on Elizabeth smart, I think you're completely right, we all go through our own trials and they're all hard for us independintly to other people's trials. But one thing is for sure, you're indeed a survivor Launna. I read what happened to you in your life and have dealt with it more graciuously than many people. It's only human to ask "why us?", but it takes a lot to come up with the answer you found.
    xx

    www.stylebydeb.com

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  8. OH NO!!!! I am so so so so so very sorry to hear about your kitty cat! I was wondering if something way wrong when I hadn't seen you updating your blog in awhile... oh man. Renewing my prayers for you, emotional healing can be rough!! - http://www.domesticgeekgirl.com

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  9. I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty. I've never had a pet of my own, but I've always admired the bonds between animals and their owners, such an amazing friendship. Oreo and Chai sound adorable, and I'm glad that they bring joy into your life.
    I've been sick for the past week and was feeling sorry for myself for missing school and work. Of course, it made me feel worse I had the audacity to feel so bad about a cold when so many in this world suffer from far more. At the time, though, all I could think about was my own suffering. I'm still pondering the best way to go about this whole idea of self-pity--am I denying myself kindness by not focusing on myself, or am I selfish for focusing on myself too much?
    Anyway, because I was sleeping at home each day I got the chance to see the morning sun. It may sound trivial, but it brought me so much joy. Here I was, so used to the stressful routine of waking up in the dark, going through the day without a thought for nature and then returning home after dark. Being in the sun, even if I was resting by a window, was just...really nice.
    That's what your post made me think of, Launna--that happiness. Continue to focus on your joys. You can "get through" anything, but those joys retain emotional well-being.

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  10. oh ,i am really sorry for the loss of your dear pet dear Launna!

    what delivered peace to my heart is that you adopted another pet and keep your life on easy way of acceptance and patience .
    i am glad that you learnt about a lady who came out of the cage of weak moments of her life and ornamented it with new meaning and purposes .i felt proud of her and i feel proud of you my dear Launna!
    as i see you so daring and courageous for facing all the tasks that life brought to you so amazingly

    i had Hard life for almost 20 years and beard the unexpected cruel circumstances which i did not deserve buti believed that these are the phases to test my faith and i am not going to give up whether they end are go along my breath as i heard and read and God tests his loved ones more than others .
    i saw miracles coming out of these miseries and still can;t believe that patience and continuous unshaken faith can bring me true peace and joys of life

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  11. I'm so thrilled to hear that you have two lovely new friends to take care of, and who bring you joy. Something about cats is so soothing. That quote is pretty phenomenal, and speaks to many of whom have suffered. We can't let the things that hurt us consume our lives because the those who made us suffer win. It seems that when I start to creep down that path of memories, you come back to share the perfect post to get us back on track. Continue to hang in there and be that boss! Hugs...RO

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  12. I am so sorry for the loss of your kitty. I lost my beloved kitty about a year ago and I was very sad. I also lost my dog at the same time. Shortly after I got to adorable kitties that have been keeping me company. They are so fun to watch- so I can relate to your newest pets. :)

    Elizabeth Smart is an inspiration. I am glad you watch a special about her and she has helped you because she has overcome such terrible things and has a positive outlook.

    Sending hugs!
    ~Jess

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  13. So sorry for your cat.

    Finding happiness during trials is the hardest thing ever. But I pray we all get the courage to find it.

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  14. I'm glad you found two cats a home! Thanks for writing this piece. It is important to remember we are survivors..and to keep moving forward. All the best with much love and blessing this holiday season. Keep Writing!

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  15. I'm glad to hear you have a couple of kitties to keep you company and provide some free entertainment for you. (Aren't cats the BEST?)

    You're definitely a survivor. Learning from your experiences also makes you a thriver... and more empathetic of other people and their struggles.

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  16. Oh Launna...your kitty....... when my Sigynn died (I had her for almost 15 years and she didn't like anyone but me...) I was a mess. I cried for six months. Like you, I got another cat very soon after, though this was unexpected. I figured it was better to be sad and have a cat rather than be sad and not have a cat. I'm glad you have some new kitties to love and keep you company. Hugs my friend. xoxo

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  17. you are so right Launna and I must say I always get inspire with your posts. I'm so sorry about you cat =(
    kss
    =)
    New post up! Lifestyle Blog

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  18. You always have found the good in a situation no matter how difficult, and that is what I admire so much about you!

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  19. I have seen your lovely kitties on IG, very very cute!!!!
    You are a survivor Launna and your posts are always so inspiring!
    Kisses, Paola.

    Expressyourself

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  20. Congratulations on the new kitties in your life. I know how much joy they bring. You are indeed a survivor of many trials, Launna. You are strong and well able to take on whatever comes your way. I hope you are having a good week.

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  21. So lovely to read about the new cats in your life, they are such characters.
    It is true, you are a survivor and you never give up ...

    I hope the month of December brings special times for you.

    All the best Jan

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  22. Dear Launna,
    I'm so sorry about your kitty. But I'm glad you now have 2 wonderful little fur-balls to keep you company. Animals have always brought joy to me and hope it's the same with you. And you are a survivor. You're also very inspiring. The way you stay strong and deal with whatever comes your way. You're amazing :)

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  23. So, true we all have our own shares of rials and with right guidance, faith hand courage we can rise above them. Glad you got the companies of two new kitties, may be your old kitty is watching over.

    PS: In our language (Hindi, national language of India), "chai" means tea!

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  24. I am proud of what you've done and how far you've gone, Launna. You are an amazing person, I hope you see that. Thanks for being an inspiration to everyone privileged enough to know your story. Life's really amazing with pets, huh?

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    Replies
    1. Merry Christmas to you and your family, Launna!

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    2. And Happy New Year too, Launna. I wish you a wonderful 2018!

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  25. I still can't watch the Elizabeth Smart story. This young lady went through hell, and to this day, I thank God that she got out of that nightmare. Sure hope you're pain free and doing well today, Lovely Launna. Hugs...RO

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  26. Launna!

    Thanks for all the love on my blog. I'm so busy single-mommin' (you know!!) and sometimes the busy-ness of life becomes so overwhelmed, I just get depressed. I shut down. And everything seems to take an immense amount of effort. I'm trying to practice more moments of reflection and gratitude to find joy and appreciation even in the smallest of things.

    It's neat that you reflected upon Elizabeth Smart's life story. I saw the movie previews for that on TV. I'm a huge fan of Lifetime! They produce very thought-provoking films. Albeit, her story was true and it's great that she rose above.

    Also great that you continue to rise above. I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your dear cat, but Oreo sounds like the perfect new friend! What a darling name, too!

    Hope you have a fantastic Christmas!

    With Love & Style,
    ♥ Amber
    ALL THE AMBIENCE

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  27. Launna I'm so sorry for the loss of your cat. That must have been very tough to deal with. Even though it's hard to come to terms with such a loss, it's a positive thing that you have a new kitten and cat to look after, and keep you distracted and busy.

    What you said is very true. We all have trials we have to overcome in life, and sometimes it's hard to see a reason for them. I guess the challenge is to keep on going, and refine our knowledge of ourselves, so that we avoid the same problems and seek better solutions, as a result of those earlier experiences. You have a lovely writing style and it's always good to read your insights.

    I hope things are getting better for you. Have a lovely Christmas and a Happy New Year. You deserve it!

    Lots of love Saba xx

    www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com

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  28. Very inspiring post. Be persistent, live life cool, here and now. Merry Christmas.

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  29. Thinking of you this Christmas-time and sending my good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  30. Isn't that something to be gone from home for that long at a young age too. So sorry about your cat Launna. I lost mine back in April and just now got another a few weeks ago. A young female kitty with a lot of energy. Ready for Christmas? I've been for over a week now. Good to read you again Launna!

    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/2017/12/the-power-of-monochrome.html

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  31. Yes!!! And now onto being a thriver. Wishing you a beautiful Christmas awesome lady.

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  32. Hi Launna. I'm here to wish you a Merry Christmas! xoxo

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  33. Happy New Year, Launna! Hugs...RO

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  34. hello my precious friend!

    i just reread your post and felt tears in my eyes and these were of happiness ,may you always be blessed with same wisdom ,courage ,love of life and fighter spirit amen!
    wishing you a new happy ,healthy and peaceful year my friend!

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  35. Hi Launna,
    I'm so sorry to hear about your cat and what she had to go through with renal failure. I also meant to watch that special about Elizabeth Smart after following the story when I was younger and being so terrified about what she went through. You are strong and a survivor and I'm wishing you a Happy New Year! ps -I had to copy and paste this to myself 'Life is about finding the joy, whether in between the trials or even during the trials.' Such a great message. Hope you have a great weekend,
    xoDale

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  36. I'm so sorry about your cat - and so happy that you found two new special ones! You are definitely a survivor Launna, and you give me great inspiration.

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  37. Stopping by to say hey and to see how you've been feeling lately. Hugs...RO

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  38. Blessins and Happy New Year.
    I wish you health, love, joy and peace.
    Sorry about your cat. Congrats at the new edition.

    peace.

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  39. Hard to believe it's nearly the middle of January!
    Stopping by to send my good wishes.

    All the best Jan

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  40. Dearest Launna,

    How are you? Things have been quiet on the blog lately. I do hope you've been well. I also hope you had a positive start to the New Year. Take care and hope to talk more soon.

    Lots of love Saba xx

    www.trulymadlydeeplyfashion.blogspot.com

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  41. I am so sorry about you kitty! I alway get inspired when I read your post. Hope that you keep writing and you will always get through!!
    Savannah
    Savannah85.blogspot.com

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  42. Hi Launna,
    I'm sorry to hear about your kitty. I know that is so hard to deal with. I'm glad you found more fur babies to keep you company though! ๐Ÿ’– I want to see the Elizabeth Smart movie now, it sounds very interesting. I know her story but have never seen the movie. ๐Ÿ˜Š

    xo, Sarah
    Hustla, baby.

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  43. Sorry to hear about your kitty. We recently lost our little dog. It's so quiet around here without her. Take care x

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  44. So true. Recently, I've been going through a tough time, but I found I could cope so much better if I focused on the positive things in my life.

    I hope you have an amazing year.

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  45. I love that. We're made of tougher stuff, but only if we believe it. December really tested my mettle, but we can let it get us down, or keep on kicking, eh? I prefer to kick. And eat cheese. Then kick some more.

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  46. Just peeking in for a wave! Hello! Hugs...RO

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  47. Hi Launna! I'm sorry I wasn't able to visit as much in these past few months... but it is always a pleasure to read your posts. I hope you and your family are doing well!

    I have just launched my new blog (which is one of the reasons I've been away for so long), so in case you want to take a look: Scent of Summer

    xx
    Anett

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  48. It's glad to hear from you.
    I'm so sorry for your kitties.
    I hope things are being better now. :)

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  49. Thinking of you Launna! Hope you're doing well.


    http://www.fashionablyidu.com/

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  50. Hi dear, am so sorry for the loss of your Kitty. I have come to know that once we have fur babies they become a part of our families and losing them is a hard thing. I saw Oreo and Chai on Instagram and they are beautiful. I hope things are getting better for you dear. Kisses

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  51. It's almost Easter ...
    Just stopping by to say Happy Spring, I hope your weather may be Spring-like and Happy Easter too ... I hope you have a happy weekend ahead.

    My good wishes

    All the best Jan

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  52. Oh my, my message run away, before I said: I´m sorry about your loss...I am. So Sorry. It´s hard.... I´m here always, hope you know that..and I´m back in my old blog. So...if you need me, here I am! <3 <3 hugs dear Launna!

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I love and appreciate all genuine comments, to save a little time, I won't be commenting on the comments on my blog (unless you don't have a blog), I will just visit your blog and comment there, if you have left a meaningful comment for me... I would much rather spend the time reading and commenting on a few extra blogs ❤