399

I hear the news. I go into my room and close the door. I grieve alone. The grief of losing a beloved animal is not forced, it is felt. The pain I feel is real. This magnificent creature came into my life many years ago. She filled me with joy! The thrill of seeing her was genuine. The smiles she garnered were lasting. Each spring the anticipation one felt waiting for her to emerge from the den was met with pure jubilation. Some of the best days that I have spent in the Tetons were spent with her.

I introduced her to my friends and family. They fell in love with her and all of her cubs. They continued to follow her journey after they left the Tetons. My little niece dressed up as her for Halloween. 399 touched so many lives in so many ways. She touched mine.

And now she is gone. I am sad. I am shaken. I ask myself “would you give up all those hours, days, months and years spent with her to not feel the heartache now?” And the answer is no. The harder you love, the harder you feel the loss. But I am glad I loved her. I am blessed and quite fortunate to have spent time in her presence. I have a greater appreciation for grizzly bears because of her.

A highlight of my time with her was when I saw her nurse her four cubs the day before she “kicked them out”.

There were so many highlights. Any occasion with her was special. If you have a friend or family member who knew her, then you have someone close to you who is sad today. You have someone who may need a hug. The sadness they are feeling is very real. This bear moved people in so many ways. She brought joy and happiness to so many. She will be missed. A void will be felt this spring. Sadness will be felt in all her usual places. But we must still go there. We must remember her always.

Long live 399

For the love of a bear.