Let’s be honest, loss sucks. Whether it’s something as big as losing a loved one or something as small as losing your favorite t-shirt, it still sucks.

The past month or so, I’ve had some experience with loss that’s been really hard on me. First, as I’m about to go take a big test for one of my classes, I hear the news that my cat had to be put to sleep. He was really sick and there was nothing we could do.

Then, just a few days ago, I get a message saying that my grandma’s (who lives with us) dog passed away in her sleep.

Both of these events were heartbreaking for me and for my family. In our family, animals are just as big a part as anyone else, and losing them is never something easy. My cat, Indy, was particularly hard for me to deal with because he was my cat. I picked him out at the Humane Society for my tenth birthday. All I had ever wanted was an orange cat. He was my orange cat.

In both of these moments, I was so sad, and not only because I had lost my furry friends, but because things were changing.

Just over a week before graduation, I know things are about to change. Yet, there are some things you don’t think will change. Home is usually one of those things. I know that my life will be very different after May 16, but it’s difficult to think about going home and have something missing.

It will be extremely hard to have to face the absence of Indy and Babe just as it was hard to have to be away from my family while these things were happening.

However, despite the sadness I have felt for these members of my family, these events have given me the opportunity to reflect, and I’ve come to a few important realizations.

First, never be afraid to show emotion or be honest with people. When I heard about Indy, I wasn’t sure what to say to people. Would they understand that I was sad because I lost my cat? They did understand. People who care about you understand, so don’t be afraid to tell them straight up what’s wrong. It was really comforting to hear people just say they were sorry.

Second, live life to the fullest. Animals are the best people in the world and they live every day energetically and happily. What I have been reminded from this experience is that life is short, so you can’t waste it. If I try to have just half of the love and compassion my animals have, I know I will be much better off.

Last, change is scary, but it happens, and we have to deal with it. Graduation and becoming a full-on adult is terrifying. Losing family is terrifying. But both of these things have and will happen and I, and lots of other people, have to face it. I know that it will be hard, but that doesn’t mean it’s impossible.

If I know anything, it’s that there will always be people in your life to help you with tough times, and that’s always a comfort. Indy and Babe are looking out for me, so let’s see what the future holds.

To contact the Ionian’s Randa Kriss, e-mail her at [email protected]