Warning: I’ve been in a
morbid mood lately, so as you read on bear with me. As a writer, one way I work
through issues is writing about them …
Last week, I
missed a blogging date at The Romance Studios Rainbow Room. I simply didn’t
have anything bright and cheery to write. Better to focus with reality on my
blog.
Over the past
few months, we’ve had multiple deaths in my family, and I’m not simply talking
of the human variety. The decline started last November, with the loss of my
mother-in-law. Although it wasn’t a total surprise with her health, the timing
shocked. We’d seen her the day before, and she was “well,” not in the hospital.
She passed away in her sleep.
A few days
later, my daughter’s male hamster Sherlock died. She was inconsolable. The two
deaths combined, pushing her over the edge of grief.
When the year
ended, we sighed with relief. A new start: 2013. Then my 14-year-old dog was
diagnosed with cancer and given three to six months to live. Six months later,
and he’s still holding strong.
Over the past
few weeks, we lost my uncle, my grandfather and a dear, sweet woman from my
writing chapter. Today, I’ll attend the memorial services for Charlotte Lobb
(here’s a wonderful tribute from one of her friends http://craftieladiesofromance.blogspot.com).
“I’ll be happy
if I don’t have to attend another funeral for a long time,” my 10-year-old
said. I can totally relate.
My aunt’s
15-year-old black lab, a gentle soul and her daily companion, also died in the
last month. I was so thankful to have seen him only weeks before, and I know
she’ll mourn him for a long time. Day by day, we continue to push on … for the
living.
Then last week we
woke up to find the second hamster dead of natural causes. With a lifespan of two
to three years, it’s heartbreaking to fall in love with a little animal, and
then lose them. This one was the Momma to a litter we had two years ago.
The night
before, my daughter stayed up until 1 a.m. sewing makeshift blankets out of
unmatched, cut-up socks. She soaked dried carrots in water to entice Mist into
eating. She knew the end was close.
How quickly my
mind jumped back to my cousins and I sitting around my uncle’s hospital bed,
waiting for him to take his last breaths, and say goodbye. Death is not pretty.
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| A colorful home burial for a loved pet. |
When we woke, I
asked my husband to go check on the hamster first, and she was gone. She lay in
her cage, at peace. I reached in and petted her soft fur. We decided to bury
her in the evening. After everyone left for the day, I wrapped a small box in
my favorite Florentine paper, and went to place her inside.
Her teeth
gripped the green running wheel, and I tugged to remove her. Dry blood lay
crusted on her mouth. Tears streamed down my face. I was so glad my daughter
saw her from the side, and the restful pose and didn’t know this bitter truth.
I tucked the made-with-love blanket around her cold body, and sealed the box.
Death is not
pretty. But we continue on, capturing and cherishing those moments of joy.
A few days
later, we brought two new pets into our home – guinea pigs. With a five- to
seven-year lifespan, hopefully they’ll be with us for a while.
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| Our new housemates -- Princess and Rebel |
Enjoy one
special moment today,
Louisa
