Monday

Pushing up Daisy

Our neighborhood is in mourning. It is a sad time.

A young life was cut short. 

I explained to my children about loss.  That's never easy.  There have been many questions.

“Is he in Heaven?” 

“What is he doing there?”

I’ve tried to be honest and transparent with my children.

We’ve watched our neighbors struggle through the difficult mourning process.  They have wept bitterly, donned black clothes, and truly struggled.

Although we don’t know this family very well, the parents and two college-aged kids have accepted our condolences.

The funeral was very touching.  My sweet husband helped with the burial process.  He’s a good man, always lending a hand to those in need.

Watching adults throw themselves on the ground and beat the dirt, screaming, “Why???” is so painful to view.  It broke my heart to see these people so hopeless.

Once we were in the privacy of our home, I explained to my kids that this why we must put our hope in God.

A beautiful memorial was created.  In my neighbor’s front yard.

  


Although, I am not close to the immediate family, I knew their loved one well.  I’ve prepared an obituary for our local paper.  It’s the least I could do.

 

Daisy

2003-2008

You were a special cat.  You left your mark, literally, everywhere we stepped.

No one will ever forget the way you devoured life, especially the baby birds from THAT family’s tree.  The way you fertilized the neighborhood gardens will truly be missed.

 

Your life was cut short by a hairy brown dog in the early morning hours, according to the investigation.  We all mourn your loss and pray that you will find catnip in the afterlife, the way you found my daughter’s turtle shell in our garage that she was saving for show ‘n tell.  Balls of your calico clumps will be missed floating in the air.

 

It grieved us to find your body in our front yard.  Explaining rigarmortus to children is never easy.  I’ve truly forgiven my hubby for offering my craft box as a casket.  It’s a small sacrifice for such a great life.

 

We’ll never forget.


I almost hit the publish button.  Thankfully, I didn’t because I got a frantic phone call, from my mother, a lover of all things animal, right before I posted this.

Thru her weeping, I learned that her beloved bird of fifteen years had died in the night. 

I listened as she cried and mourned her bird and thru her sniffing, she asked if I had a box to bury her pet in.

(That is the second time this month I’ve been asked to provide a casket for an animal.  I think someone’s trying to tell me something.  The entrepreneur in me is rising up, I tell ya.)

My dad buried the little creature in the front yard, under a pot.  I took my children to my parent's house after school and they cried. 

It brought me some perspective watching the people I love grieve over a pet.  I did use this time to remind my kids that God gives life and that we have to trust Him.

They hugged my mom and offered their condolences with some flowers.  She asked them if they wanted to make a little cross as a marker.  I did not snicker once.

My 5 year old wanted to know how we were going to hang the bird on the cross.  

Apparently I need to spend less time blogging about dead pets and more on his theology.

Okay. Now, I can hit publish. 

*disclaimer:  this is entirely true, including the neighbor’s response to the loss of their cat.  I have a cat whom I love.  I would be sad. It’s just interesting to see other’s reactions.   Please do not comment as though I were a heartless, animal-hater.  I am not.  I am a stay-at-home-mom with a big bay window and a few spare moments during nap time. 

37 comments:

Anonymous said...

The bird on the cross....now *that* is funny!

Did they really have that kind of reaction? Hmmm...interesting for sure.

Uh yeah, and let me know if you should need a little pro bono advertising for your kitty casket biz. You might be onto something!

Valarie Lea said...

Ok, I can't stop laughing!! I am crying over here, Oh my Goodness, I need a tissue. That was the funniest thing, I was really getting upset about the loss those poor people were going through and then it was a cat. This part really did me in:

"It grieved us to find your body in our front yard. Explaining rigarmortus to children is never easy. I’ve truly forgiven my hubby for offering my craft box as a casket. It’s a small sacrifice for such a great life."

I know that shouldn't be funny, but it is.

Unknown said...

Oh dear. I didn't know wether to gasp or giggle! My eyes are still bugging out by the way.... and we do bury family pets and dead animals that show up in the yard (happens on a farm), but just to dispose of the bodies and keep the coyotes away!

Heather J. said...

My Mom and Dad had a full blown funeral for their dog....bagpipes and all. I loved this dog.....but a casket and bagpipes...come on.

Yes, there was a wake, with 50 people in attendance!

Tracy DeLuca said...

Ok. I almost **almost** feel bad for laughing about this. And yet, here I sit, snickering as I type. You have such a way with words! LOL I am sorry your mom's bird died, though.

Kisha said...

I feel for you, I don't know if I should laugh or cry (did a little of both) but I know when it's Halley time (my English pointer) it will be a very sad time in this house. I know I will have to explain it to my daughter but only after I pull myself together.

Anonymous said...

Ok. totally lost all sense of decorum and can't help but sit here and snicker as I watched my orange juice sprinkle all over my keyboard (yeah and I just yelled at Meg about eating or drinking when she's on the computer)...will come back and offer proper condolences when I don't feel quite so overwhelmed with giggles....I shouldn't be laughing at such a solemn subject but I can't help it.

Anonymous said...

This is hilarious! I mean, I like animals but Garsh!

Being separated from nature does this, I think... Cuz we see animals as only pets, never anything of use. When we lived on the farm we (esp the kids) were forced to face the balance of being loving stewards of animals - caring and feeding for them, then enjoying their provision.

MT said...

Oh my - the idea of a bird on the cross. I'm trying not to laugh too hard but failing. Just gotta wonder what runs through their little minds as they sit in church!

I'll be the first to admit, I bawled like a baby last July when we had to take our beloved Bailey dog to the vet and help her on her way to Heaven. She was the best dog, ever.

Sorry about your mom's bird - 15 years is a long time to have a pet. It hurts to say goodbye.

MommyTime said...

"hang the bird on the cross" -- I'm laughing out loud.

SO very sorry for your losses.

Lisa said...

Ok you all, when we found Fred the goldfish dead late one night, we had to put him in a body bag(ziplock baggie) put him in the icebox till the next day after school. then we had the proper burial. My daughter was devastated over her loss. Still talks about Fred her favorite fish and it has been over 15 years! What can I say?

Suzie said...

I am so glad she didn't hang that bird on the cross. Death is no fun to explain to kids.

In response to your post on my site. I would never publish that letter without my hubby's permission. He's a silly guy with a good sense of humor. Thats one of the reasons I love him so much.

twinklemom said...

"hang the bird on the cross"

Okay...Lord, forgive me, this had me spitting my coffee out and laughing.

I did stop long enough to Praise the Lord that your children had the right concept, just uhm..wrong species?

It's a blessing though that God does have a sense of humor and who says Romans 8:28 only involves disasters, like the dog eating a pair of $50.00 sandals versus the 75 cents chew toy he dropped besides the sandals?

God has a wonderful way of turning anything and showing us He can turn anything toward praising and looking toward Him.

As far as the entrepreneur note...I have your email saved so when something happens to the dog (all natural and not involving chinese resturaunts (I'm asian so I can joke about that except when telling my dog that is his new home if he goes after the new pair of sandals that hubby had to replace-the sandals were hubby's not mine so technically I couldn't be that mad- and if it's not seen as funny...it's called, "sense of humor"..we all technically have one, but I digress), I will drop you an email and see if you have any more craft boxes to spare.

Hmmm....you may want to trademark that idea before Hobby Lobby grabs it and starts marketing their own special craft boxes geared for pets...

Though...you may want to make biodegradable ones...the kids want a pet fish now.

Unknown said...

Oh my Gosh you are hilarious! I'm glad I stumbled across this blog. I love your template, too.

A short story. My daughter (when she was 4) wanted a cockatiel. I bought her one. He was the BEST, sweetest little guy. She would carry him every where. Well, for a month anyway. I woke up one morning and he was laying the bottom of his cage. Before I could think I said, "Oh my God! Buffett is dead!" Well, she cried, wanted to know why he died, and then she shocked the crap out of me and said, "Hey! Momma, isn't your daddy dead and in heaven?" I said, "Yes, he is." She said, "Well, maybe he can take care of Buffett for me!" I told her I'm sure my dad would be happy to do that, and she was fine ever since!

twinklemom said...

I’ve truly forgiven my hubby for offering my craft box as a casket. It’s a small sacrifice for such a great life.

I just had an afterthought. Have you checked with hubby to make sure not to think the same for yourself?

This actually got to thinking that I might have to write down in black and white to mine that when I go...if he is going to go cheap...don't go wally world cheap...at least splurge a little. LOL

Robin said...

So sorry about the neighbor's cat and your Mom's bird. But thanks for the laugh!

BTW - I think you are absolutely qualified to evaluate writing. You should do it!

Eternal Sunshine said...

Cute story - Sad, too. Thanks for stopping by my blog!

Unknown said...

Sorry to hear of the loss of your mother's bird. A loss of an animal is difficult as they are most usually an important part of the family.

However, we all know neighbors, friends, &/or family who over-react to simple things let alone a tragedy such as the death of a family pet.

Hilariously written! Thanks for the laugh.

Missy said...

Hey, I finally found my way back to you through your comment on my blog (which is in a sad state of neglect right now). I was devestated when blogger kept telling me it couldn't find you.

I have to say that I love this new format better where I don't have to click on each post to be able to read it all. That is nice, and your blog loads a lot faster now, too. Ah, I love the changes!

marky said...

Oh My! I'm not quite sure if I should be laughing so hard..or crying a bit harder? this has to be Real..things like this just can't be made up!

Colleen - Mommy Always Wins said...

Ah, poor Daisy. May you rest in peace. ;o)

Dawn @ simply transparent said...

You had me going..of course one of my yahoo group screen name is known as:

"Mrs.Sappy Odd Cosmo Duck"

My dear friends dub me this, geez~I wonder why?


Your a great "picture painter" as we say here at home!

~ Dawn :0)

Anonymous said...

Why do I feel a little like I'm going to get hit with a lightning bolt for laughing at the bird on a cross?

And TWO pet casket requests in a month? I think you may be on to something with that biz idea ...

Happy Mommy said...

Oh, My Gosh! I won! I don't think I have ever not even on single time in all my life won one thing, and I won! Can you see me dancing I have some cool moves too! Not as good as that boy of yours but I am doing a little dance! So what do I do now, I am have never won! WOOHOO!!!!!

Marcy said...

Thanks for your comment. Love your header pictures.

Wonderful World of Weiners said...

Must be the time of year to lose pets. My coworker's cat dies Saturday.

Is it wrong to say I loved this post?

Hallie :)

Jessica said...

Now I will be most devistated when it is Penny's time to go but I don't think I will throw myself on the ground.

This was a cute post to come back to after my too long break.

Becca M. said...

True, I'm sure explaining rigamortus WOULD be hard! I would cry if Jericho (our pet pooch) died; but a funeral, I think not. Plus, I don't think there's a craft box big enough.

Anonymous said...

Girl, you are so funny! You really had me going in the beginning, and I should know better by now!

I remember burying a bird in my yard as a kid. I made a little cross out of Elsie sticks for a grave marker. Then there was that frog I accidentally killed. Buried that too.

I love animals, but I got over the pet funeral thing sometime in elementary school. That's a bit too much for me LOL!

The Apron Queen said...

Oh my gosh. Very similiar incident at our house a few weeks ago. Neighbor's cat was deader than a door nail in our driveway. All anyone can figure is that she got bit by a snake in the ditch, crawled out & took her last breaths before kicking the bucket in our driveway. Poor thing. Totally the whole talk of the neighborhood for a few days. Sent my daughter in the house to get a towel to wrap the kitty in. Of course, she brings out the nicest, plushest & most expensive of the towels! It got buried with the kitty. I considered digging it up under the cover of darkness, but was grossed out by the thought of drying off w/ a towel that a dead kitty had been in! Small sacrifice. :D Thanks for the laugh.

For your daily dose of vintage goodness & a bit of silliness, stop by Confessions of an Apron Queen, the home of Vintage Thingies Thursdays.

Anonymous said...

Are you KIDDING me? I just got this email today.

"It saddens my heart to write this email to all of you, however, Miss Mia Bella died this morning at 10:30 a.m. Over the last several days, Mia became weaker and could no longer stand on her own, nor could she even be hand fed. She gave up her battle to fight for life.

For almost eight months, Mia was hand fed, and given water by holding her up to a cup. I never gave up, my prayers were not answered, and now Mia is no longer with us.

Say some prayers tonight that Mia has a peaceful transition to her new journey."

I LOVE the woman who sent this, but I can't help feeling like her energy is somehow misguided.

There are children suffering in this world. Widows struggling to support their families. People dying without Salvation.

That said, I don't know how I will respond when our dogs die. I've lost cats, and it's sad, but you get over it.

(I'm also not an animal hater. Please don't hate me.)

Anonymous said...

wow. the pounding. that's something special indeed.

Bananas said...

ha HA! LOVE it!

heather said...

I am not sure if I should laugh over the hilarity (is that even a word?) of your post, or cry over the loss of the bird and poor little Daisy.
RIP Dsisy and little bird.

Anonymous said...

hmmmmmm.the TALK. yeah, my daughter was on the TOILET flipping through one of our horse books. I hear ..ewww...gross.. then, MOM do babies come out your BUTT?

that being said..we've had the TALK....

keep writing, laughter is so good for you!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for that great post. It really brought a smile to my face. And the bird on the cross - even my husband we cracking up at that one. I love it when kids are so innocent and open!

Jane of Seagull Fountain said...

I really don't ever want to have pets. I've got 3 (4?) people whose poop I'm responsible for. Do not want to add to that list.

BUT, my mom just got a dog to help with her rapidly-emptying nest. The change in her attitude, energy and face were immense. Thank goodness for good pets!