Sometimes loved ones leave forever and take a piece of us with them. Empathy is what makes people great, but it does hurt, including truly gut-wrenching pain with no solution.

I think it's best to practice forgiveness, both for yourself and for the loved ones who left you despite there being so much more to say. I think that makes it easier to turn the pain into motivation on the days you really need it; to have just a bit more patience and energy for the next time someone wants to share joy with you, even if you're tired and stressed and they're a pet doing the same thing they do every day.

I have a lot of regrets, but I at least think I'm a better pet owner for it.