After losing a special member of the family, after the initial outpouring of grief and disbelief, come the firsts. The first time an action, or event, or activity, or special occasion, or memorable date comes along, the grief comes flooding back. The hard lump forms at the back of the throat, the eyes liquefy, and the pain is renewed. A few days from now marks the 15 th year after losing my sister. I still miss her every day. I wish I could talk to her. I feel like she knows where I am and what I’m doing, but I really miss my big sister’s advice. I have long passed the age she was when she died, but she will always be my older sister. It’s weird to think I have outlived her and known things that she had yet to experience. If only I could talk to her. Losing a pet is like losing any family member. I know this only too well because I have sadly experienced both. The emptiness their absence creates is bigger than the life that once occupied that space. Everywhere you look within...