Continuing on…
May 5, 2023 by Jenna -
Many have reached out to ask how the rest of Jody’s group members are doing following her passing. I am happy to report that they seem to be handling it well. Of course, it is evident that they feel the loss of Jody, as she was an important member of their group, but they are okay. They are continuing on with their daily routines, which I personally think is crucial in the grieving process. They are all doing the things they enjoy the most, such as reading books, playing, nesting, etc. Grieving and continuing on with life can occur simultaneously.
I know many blog readers enjoy reading our blog as a positive escape. While our blog content is typically positive or fun/silly in nature, I know with the loss of Jody, it has not been. I apologize if you feel the heaviness. We hope you understand as we inevitably continue to mention Jody in the coming days/weeks/months. I don’t think any of us want to stop talking about her yet.
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Jody is a part of our Lives as well …..always in the present ……never in the past….We Love Her:slight_smile:
I certainly don’t wish to stop just yet, Jenna. I appreciate that we can all come together in this space, u ited in our love for these chimpy people.
Thanks for the video. I see the party police is back in action. Hope Neggie’s also hanging in.
Bubba looks pleased with his reflection in the mirror :slight_smile:
Jody is and always will be part of the group so no apologies needed Jenna. There are thousands of us around the world grieving with you, and so grateful to you caregivers that you’re able to continue your care for the others in spite of the sadness. Thank you so much.
I hope you guys never stop talking about Jody! At the same time, I hope the sadness and deep, raw sense of loss lifts as time goes on, and talking about her makes you feel more happy than sad. Death is so difficult. Even if one believes in “something” after, the very real present loss is just so hard. I am glad Jody’s chimp family is coping pretty well, and I hope her human family is, too. Sending virtual hugs to you all (from someone who isnt much of a hugger!) and wishes for peace and hope.
beautifully said?
Personally I love that you’re talking about Jody. I so appreciated that you let us in on the very personal and tender moments her family had with her body. It would feel awkward and disconnected if there was an absence of posts about the grieving process. It’s a bit odd to think that so many who never knew Jody in person are grieving her loss from a distance. Thanks for giving us the chance to experience some of this with you.
I agree with all of the above statements. Let us remember our beloved Jody even as we cherish those with whom she lived. I hope that all is well with Willy’s troop and with Honey’s herd.
One way that I am remembering our dear old friend is to look back at videos and pictures of her. The blog posts from 2017 have some good videos of Jody laughing, rolling pumpkins, and impersonating how a stegosaurus at Thanksgiving.
They should actually roll out :hugging:one of their favorites on Mother’s Day!
Every Mothers Day…..what a wonderful :relieved:tribute
Rest assured, Marie, I am sponsoring Mother’s Day in honor of the Den Mother extraordinaire.
“Too cool to be forgotten”, as Lucinda Williams sang.
Yes!!!
:grin:PERFECT TOBIN!:hugging:
Please don’t stop talking about Jody…ever. My Mom was the first person close to me that I lost, and the thing that hurt the most was how people stopped talking about her almost immediately. Our family, her friends, her own siblings, etc. If you want to talk about her, please do. It’s good for everybody that loved and misses her.
I’m just catching up on this sad news of Jody’s passing as I was completely disconnected and struggling with the passing of my mother just the day before. of course I am crying my eyes out watching these videos and reading all the kind words that people have written. I certainly don’t have the right words to say, but please know that I treasure everybody who has been taking care of, and loving Jody and all of her “family”
I’m so sorry for your loss, Julie. I lost mine 25 yrs ago, still miss her every day.
I’m so sorry to hear of your loss I will keep your mother in my rosary prayers
and for strength and healing through this difficult time
Julie, so sorry for the loss of your Mother. May you find comfort in memories you have of her.
I lost my Mom 5 years ago and I miss her dearly.
You have to always talk about Jody she’s a family member she’s still here so much so.
As so many have eloquently commented, we want to share all the moments, from joy to grief. I believe the majority of your blog readers are as invested as I am in all that is CSNW, and want to support all of you in your grieving process. I can’t imagine not remembering and speaking of Jody in future posts. I lost my grandma seven years ago and I still talk about her all the time.
I don’t know which of that video I enjoyed the most! First, what an awesome book! Is that a custom book for Jamie, or is it available for purchase? I would love to have a copy. I was disappointed, startled, and then laughing when Jamie got excited for her meal and quit reading her book. And she sure took time out of her busy day to remind us that she is in charge!
Burrito – need I say more???
It was good to see everyone enjoying their day. Lots of love being passed around.
It’s called “James and Other Apes”, by James Mollison, I believe. I think tjis should be Jamie’s 2nd copy 😉
Thanks Linda. I’ll check it out.
This video made me feel much better. Thank you Jenna.
It is comforting to read your posts about Jody and your perspectives on this new, unknown reality you find yourselves in. I have been concerned about the Cle Elum Seven (Yes, I said Seven because they will always be the Cle Elum Seven to me.), so I am sending you thanks for this video. The chimps and staff are tougher than I would be. Resilient! I am amazed and proud to see the caregivers and chimps facing their routines knowing how hard it must be. I hope the routines and companionship help to soften the emptiness a little bit.
Life is not always happy, I appreciate the honesty of your posts. Loosing Jody is a massive loss. You can talk about her everyday, sneak in a photo when you need to, flash back to an old video, seeing Jody will always make me smile. She’s one of the Cle Elum Seven and part of the sanctuary still.
Kathleen, so well said, ALWAYS one of the Cle Elum Seven! Never to be forgotten.
When my daughter died people would ask if it bothered me to talk about her. I always answered no because talking about her made me feel close to her, even now, 23 years later. It will be the same with Jody, she will never be forgotten, she was loved and will always be remembered with love by staff and the hundreds of followers of CSNW.
You created a family through your daily blogs. When a family member dies, the grief never ends. It might get better but it is always a part of you. Jody’s loss is exquisitely felt because her group is so small and she was such an important part it and in the lives of all who read the blog. Accepting her death is going to be a different process for each of us. The blog has a global following so it is going to be tricky to manage but I think I speak for most of us who will never tire of Jody stories. Grief is grief be it for a human or for an animal. It is important to experience and get to a point of acceptance and you do that by talking about the departed.
Wonderfully expressed. Thank you, Karen abd Don
oh Jenna, We are not here only for the fun and games and silliness. We want to hear about everything! We love them dearly. They are family. That is the uniqueness of CSNW. You provide such a wonderful window into their world that allows us to get to know each one of them personally. Thank you all for being the wonderful photographers and videographers and writers that you are, for allowing us to visit our beloved chimps daily, though only from afar.
Everybody expressed it so well. To only concentrate on the fun and games would be so shallow, and the lives of these chimps, and our participation in them, is anything but. Yes, I still choke up when I see photos of her, or messages, but that just reminds me that my heart still wants to sing. There are no deadlines, and I hope all of you will continue to speak of her for as long as it’s right for you.