Monday, April 30, 2007

Goodbye Dasher


Seeing your children hurt is more painful than anything personal one can possibly go through. This past weekend, I experienced that first hand. Five years ago, our children had the most memorable Christmas so far, when they were suprised with a pet tortoise - our first family pet. This past Saturday, Dasher died. I just couldn't keep it together while burying him in the backyard, Hannah picked up a dandelion - blew it till it was all gone, and wished that Dasher would come back to life! All three girls were absolutely heartbroken while it didn't even seem to phase Jackson! Taylor scolded him for jumping on his "grave" to which Jackson replied out of breath, "What? He can't feel it! He's dead!" Chip and I did all we could to hold back bursts of laughter while comforting sobbing girls. That was Saturday. Sunday morning, the plans were already being made for a pet hamster. Not if I can help it....

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

This is the first time I have seen your blog and the first time I have ever posted on a blog! Sorry to hear about Dasher. We have never had to deal with loosing pets yet. But John and I for the first time in our marriage lost loved ones- 4 in 2006. The kids didn't see them much, so it didn't really impact them. What a great opportunity for your family before you loose a loved one that they are very attached to. The kids are getting so big and grown up. You guys are doing a great job!
Angie

Tracy said...

Yes, this has been a great teaching experience for the kids. Thanks for posting - GREAT to hear from you!!

Jody said...

Ugh! What a bitter sweet thing for your family. I love how you wrote it and described it all.

Anonymous said...

Tracy--
typical boy response..drew would have done the same while Bryce would be yelling " i wanna see the dead turtle".....thye do keep you laughing though!

Brooke said...

oh i remember being little and crying for days when my cat died; and i remember being a grown up and crying for more days when my dog died!

they are definitely part of the family. and it's tough, but i think kids need to have the good/bad of life too!

Holly said...

Well, we came up with a few responses to the post: "Dasher is Dead...Long live Dasher" and "Alas, poor Dasher, I knew him well!" and so forth...Seriously, though - sorry to hear about said passing - but they had a good run with him, right? I faintly remember you having a turtle before you moved. Just barely. Have enjoyed reading your more recent posts (especially the 5K - looking forward to doing something like that myself, only California only seems to do such things on SUNDAYS! What's up with THAT?!)