I'm always amazed at how, whenever I'm stuck for ideas to strew for the owlets, mother nature steps in... This week I'd been thinking about Big Owlet. Wondering what new thing might spark an idea for her. I watched with interest as she took a sudden revived interest in the guinea pigs. She'd just recently discovered that she was capable and comfortable catching them and picking them up without our help. She was especially enjoying giving Martha Wainwright (the guinea pig) cuddles. She read books on guinea pigs at night and rounded up treats for them by day. We invented a wordy mystery for her, involving guinea pigs, at her request... Then one day she noticed blood in the cage.
The next day, it was clear Martha was not well. I took some vegies out of the fridge to chop up and instead of Martha's friendly, insistent meeping, there was silence. I reached down to pat her and she was cold. Alive, just, but cold. The owlets and I dashed off to the vet with her tucked in a box the owlets had decorated for her...
Big Owlet walked in holding Martha in the box and the vet introduced herself. She directed all conversation to the owlets, occasionally referring to me if they couldn't answer. She understood the importance of the situation for them and spoke to them as people. Something we don't often strike. Big Owlet was impressed. Before we left, she said "I want to be a vet when I grow up". "When did you decide that?" The vet asked. "Just now", Big Owlet replied. "Well you'll need to work very hard at school, but of course you can be a vet!" Said the vet. "Oh I don't go to school, I unschool" (cue crickets and quick mama explanation)... "Oh I was homeschooled for a while too. It's pretty cool." Yup Big Owlet was impressed. Little Owlet was too, but she decided to be a doctor instead.
So, on Saturday we woke up and Martha had slipped away in the night. Big Owlet was very sad. Little Owlet was matter of fact about it and reflective, as she often is in these situations. Huz and I were sad too... she was most certainly a favourite. A real character, who'd come out for a chat or to sniff your finger, she'd happily feed from your hand and seemed to have a cheeky smile...
We wrapped her in a piece of pink silk Little Owlet chose for the occasion from her small stash of favourite scrap fabrics. Then we placed her in a paper bag and in a small grave under the apple tree. The one in full blossom right now so we can think of Martha when it blossoms. Big Owlet payed her respects and Little Owlet offered only a simple "I miss her", which had Huz and I welling up... Then we cancelled all weekend plans and just hung out together.
Today, talk turned to learning what's needed to persue careers as vets and doctors. Lots of maths and science happening. Lots of role play. And so another pet and the circle of life and mother nature step in again to help us reprogram and keep on learning... Always learning...
My condolences. It always surprises me how sad it is to loose a pet. I had to leave work early when my mum phoned me to say our childhood dog had died (aged 17) and even though I hadn't lived at home for nearly 10 years I was devistated.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with the vet in training!
Sorry to hear about your dear little guinea pig. It is always devastating to lose one's pet(s). Good to hear about the choice of occupation of your owlet - brilliant choice. :)
ReplyDeleteOh poor little pet.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad her passing has brought some refreshed perspective to the owlets though xx
Oooh, it's very sad. My big girl still visits our dog, who we laid to rest down on our hill more than two years ago. It is a special part of the garden for her...xxx
ReplyDeleteSo sad. We haven't lost a pet yet (I dread the day when our 'girls' leave us), but I do remember quite vividly how each childhood pet was taken from me and how my parents handled it. Your children are blessed to have you and that lovely vet to gently guide them through learning about death. xx
ReplyDeleteSorry for the loss of Martha Wainright, though grateful for all her time with you brought the Owlets :)
ReplyDeleteLove that you cancelled plans for time in, such sensitivity to everyone's grief.
PS X's sling is rather awes!
That made me cry - really. So sad to lose little Martha. We have guinea pigs and it's tough when they go. How fabulous that the vet was amazing and even homeschooled! Lovely learning.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear of your family's loss and much love to the owlets as they work through their grieving time.
ReplyDeleteTell Little Owlet that the slogan on the back of our Vet Faculty t-shirts at uni was "Real Doctors Treat More Than One Species". ;) Being a vet is a lot of confrontation with death and can be very emotionally draining as well as rewarding.
We have 'Alfie and the Birthday Surprise' by Shirley Hughes which might be nice for LO - the old cat across the road dies and it is dealt with in a really sweet and gentle way. Just a picture book but so great.
So sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteGo gently sweet owlets.
Loving thoughts!
Jen x
What a beautifully written post. Hugs to the owlets for their loss. How wonderful to find such an inspiring and understanding vet.
ReplyDeleteOh, bless. We were sorry to hear about Martha dying - we understand what it's like to lose a pet, and although T tends towards Xanthe's reflectiveness and matter-of-factness, he is definitely touched by it all. He wonders about death and dying a lot, and was very concerned about you Owlets, and Martha.
ReplyDeleteI love that the vet spoke to them as people in their own right (what a concept!) - I try to encourage that in others when they seek answers from me about T - and that she affected them both, particularly Audrey, at a poignant moment.
Love to you all. Sel xxx