saying goodbye to clover

just last week, luca was asked what made him happiest in the whole wide world.  

"clover, my hamster," he answered without delay.

this sweet black bear hamster has been luca's favorite of favorites for the past two years. clover was his happy place and a source of constant comfort.  it was recommended that a pet might be therapeutic for autism and anxiety. boy, was that right. clover was an important part of our daily life and our family functioning. and yesterday we had to say goodbye.

 

i would never have guessed it would be so sad! and that drawing above just brings tears to my eyes. this little rodent will always hold such a special place in our memory. he was truly a gift of peace in a tumultuous time.

how good is the provision of opportunities to help our children walk through healthy grief in the small stuff! because the big is inevitable. i am grateful for a safe home. and knowing love that is worth sadness.

we are oh so thankful for clover.

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fyi: when i student taught in college, one of the lesson plans i wrote for my 4yo class was on dealing with the death of a pet.  i used the book i'll always love you by hans wilhelm and it was such a touching story to revisit this week with my own kiddos.   
xoxo, annalea

zion

 

zion

2002-2012

we said goodbye to our kitty of ten years on friday afternoon.

it was all so sudden - a less than 48 hour whirlwind - and it hit our tender hearted family hard. 

she and i spent much of her last day sunning ourselves on the living room carpet.  i didn't dare move far, since she attempted to pitifully hobble after me if so.  seeing her that weak was terrible, yet making the decision to end her life and suffering was so so hard.

zionesse, you were a sweet dear pet.  i'm thankful for the years of companionship and snuggles.  brother-cat flaco has taken your place by my feet at night.  i think the two of us miss you the most.