Handling loss is part of spiritual growth

Sammy the cat died an hour ago, and is being buried as I write these words. I've shed many tears today. I didn't think I could be there as he died, but I was - and I'm pleased I did. He was with his family, the people who loved him, right to his very last breath.

Non-cat person that I am, it seems I loved Sam a great deal, if all the tears are an indication. Grief is an outpouring of love. When we open ourselves to loving someone/something, we also open ourselves to their (temporary) loss. Handling loss brings spiritual growth.