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Post by tridlette on Apr 30, 2004 15:56:14 GMT -5
Oh, I know you mom's are reading this thinking something about pregnancy.
And I feel just awful even mentioning this with Sue's recent post. I was actually reading the story of Luke that Sue had posted on the other web site.
Patrick, my 11 y.o., came in with an awful look on his face, dirty steaked tears, and holding his hand funny. I thought maybe he had broken his arm, until he showed me he was holding a tiny newborn baby rabbit. It wasn't even as big as a potato. Patrick had found him floundering in the street and begged me to help it. I took the rabbit, it was a male, and snuggled him closely to check him for injuries. I found nothing obviously wrong with him, but it was so still. I took him back outside and asked Patrick to show me where he found the little thing. I put him back under a tree a few feet away, but the dear thing was already dead. I looked at Patrick and we both totally fell apart. I don't know what to say to him.
I came back into the house and saw that Lucas' story was still on my screen. I know that this tiny rabbit is one of God's creatures too, and I trust that He has a reason, but when Patrick said that this is the first thing that ever died in his care, I just didn't know what to say to him.
I know he is still upset, I can hear his sniffles, and I have tears running down my shoulders and neck too.
Should I go back and move the rabbit so that he won't find him later, should we bury him, should we treat like no big deal? I feel so clueless and helpless here.
I already asked the other boys to go easy on his feelings tonight.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Laurie
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Post by Jorgy on Apr 30, 2004 16:21:54 GMT -5
oh Laurie, poor Patrick! Death is a hard concept and lesson to learn. Can you help Patrick give the little rabbit a funeral and bury him in a special place? It would be like having some closure for him I think.
God really wanted that little bunny back for all his little angel children to play with. Remind Patrick that he did nothing wrong or bad, death sometimes just happens.
((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))) It is hard being a kid... and a mom! Sue
BTY you were right, I was about to congratulate you!!!
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Post by Linda on Apr 30, 2004 16:26:53 GMT -5
Oh Laurie..what a sensitive and caring boy you have.I wish I could hug him...it is always sad that our kids have to deal with this....you are such a good and caring mom.I guess we can't protect our kids from everything no matter what...no matter how hard we try.  If it was me,I would bury the little bunny Let Patrick be a part of it,have some kind of ceremony.Wish I could help more...I would be crying with and for my child too. |
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SKay
Member Emeritus
Posts: 1,126
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Post by SKay on Apr 30, 2004 16:44:15 GMT -5
I agree with the others; I think it would be good to have a little funeral or at least bury the rabbit. Maybe it would help him to feel that he's able to do something for it, even if he couldn't sustain its life. Maybe he could help to plan the funeral.
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Post by tridlette on Apr 30, 2004 17:14:16 GMT -5
While I was typing the first note, he went out and checked on the little guy. We just went back together, and picked him up. We found a small box (swiffers) and made a soft bed for him. We wrapped him up cozy and found a quiet spot in the back yard near the shed that another family of rabbits lives under. Patrick dug a little hole, and we carefully put him to rest. Then he put up the garden edging fence I had left over so that we don't accidently mow that area until the little guy has made it safely to God.
I asked Patrick if he wanted to name the rabbit, but he said that the Mother rabbit already had a name, and that we shouldn't confuse him. We then read the note above that Sue sent him, and I explained to him about Luke. Patrick said he is glad that the rabbit wasn't alone when he died, that he feels good knowing that he was there to comfort him. He is glad that Luke and his little friends have a bunny to play with, and that my grandmother, whom we always called "The Queen" is taking care of all of them tonight. He said he is glad that Luke has a pet bunny!
When I asked Patrick if there was anything else that would make him feel any better, he said maybe Chuck E. Cheese.
~sigh~
Well, I will still need to comfort him more, but I think you were right to suggest a burial for closure.
I am glad that you all answered me so fast.
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Post by Jorgy on Apr 30, 2004 19:05:12 GMT -5
Patrick, you have made my day! I am crying and laughing at the same time. I know Luke and all his friends in heaven love their little pet bunny.
You, Patrick are a wonderful person to take care of this little life so well.
If I lived close to you I would take you to Chuck E Cheese's!! ((((((((((((((((Hugs)))))))))))))))) Sue
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Post by Amsmom on Apr 30, 2004 19:23:28 GMT -5
Oh my, tears are streaming down my face. Tridlette please give Patrick extra hugs for us and give yourself some too. Jorgy, please also take our extra hugs for your beautiful story.
OMG, I wish we were all together, all of us on the forum, to give great big hugs to each other. This really, really touched me in ways I can't adequately express.
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Post by aimee30 on Apr 30, 2004 19:26:09 GMT -5
Once again I find myself crying after reading a post today. Hugs to Patrick!
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Post by finnmom on May 1, 2004 2:30:35 GMT -5
Tridlette I´am clad you did bury that little one, I bet it helped Patric a lot. Give some extra hug´s to him from me too, I wish more children would be so caring and sensitive for little live´s  {{{{{{{{{{{{{hug´s}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}} Marja |
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Post by Linda on May 4, 2004 9:47:56 GMT -5
Laurie...How is Patrick doing?
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Post by tridlette on May 4, 2004 14:47:18 GMT -5
Linda, thank you for checking on him.
He seems to be handling it okay now. We have a little "cemetary" in the back yard, and he says he can't really look out there yet, but he is glad that he made it.
I have to admit it affected me pretty deep too. I sent my aunt flowers just because today, since she is battling cancer. I thought of the rabbit, and decided that time is too short to miss little acts of kindness.
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Post by Linda on May 4, 2004 15:21:43 GMT -5
I am glad things are a litttle better for you.I think you are a very nice compassionate person.
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Post by Amsmom on May 4, 2004 20:12:41 GMT -5
I am glad things are a litttle better for you.I think you are a very nice compassionate person. I second that Laurie. I'm glad Patrick is a bit better. |
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