A time of letting go...

In the last month or so, I seem to be repeatedly given the message that I need to let go. Let go of my beloved cat Neguinho, who was my buddy for 11 years; Let go of a friend whom I knew for almost 20 years and now is also no longer with us. Letting go on that level has been very difficult—I've never experienced sadness so overwhelming. And, I'm told to let the sadness go.
And then there are the other ways I'm being forced and pushed to let go. Letting go of controlling the shape of a chunk of plaster that insists in not chipping in the way I intend. Letting go of the pain and discomfort that increases as I chisel material away for hours at a time so I can continue for just a bit longer. Letting go of the shape I created with so much effort and care to watch it become something else at the hands of another.
I am told to let go and focus on gratitude. As I hear the words, I realize that I'm not ready yet.