| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 04 2011 : 06:40:26 AM
A very long Sunday - Ben - a twin baby goat declined the last couple of days and not really sure why.. He started to take a bottle and was having a go of it but I had a feeling that he was not long for this world. His mother had stopped engaging with him on Wednesday so I watched him closely. I brought him into the house, in the front of the space heater and warmed bottles. However, at 2:45 I knew the worst was upon us.
Wrapping him in warm towels we sat and spoke softely to each other. With snuggs, rubs and tons of kisses I comforted him till the end. It was peacefull and without pain but still the tears ran for hours. After all these years more then 14 years under my belt this is never easy but when I started this farm I promised to all my four legged family charges that if I could I would do all for them but if it was not enough they would never pass alone. A bitter sweet promise but that is the part of this life that comes with the joys..
I hope you might send a prayer out to the shy for my sweet kind Ben.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| coaloha |
Posted - May 05 2011 : 07:23:02 AM
Grace, It has been good to catch up with you. It sounds like the boys are doing great. I bet that you enjoy that grandbaby! I look forward to hearing what you do about the farm...it sounds like you may be on the brink of an adventure.
I agree with you foundational experiences the kid's lives. We too have had conversations in our home about this...learning to plan, meeting deadlines, interviewing...and I can trace a direct line from Roni's vet science project to where she is today (as a result of that project she was offered a job in a vet's office and that helped her to get the hours of experience she needed for her vet school application). Such a wonderful opportunity for kids and for us as adults to help kids build thier lives.
Anyway, I did take this thread off topic (sorry) but I have enjoyed chatting with you, Take care, Grace.
Aloha, Pam
Pam Barnes-Palty
Phoenix, AZ
Be distracted by joy |
| grace gerber |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 7:46:58 PM
Thanks for the wonderful and kind words - I know that Ben is living the good life and I will see him again.
Pam I no longer work so hard in 4 H but always willing to help teach. Nick is married and has a wonderful son that just turned a year old. He is a rep for some incredible outdoor industry products and travels more then he would like. They have a house in one of our old neighborhoods that he loved as a child. Conrad is going to DU and Metro for college in international studies and also works at the Denver Art M. I have been considering selling the farm and moving aboard - still in the planning stages and the boys are not too happy to have me too far away...
I too remember those day fondly and all the kids that came into our lives. Both Nick and Conrad credit a lot of those experiences as the foundation to who they are today. Give my love to all and wonderful to hear from you.
Blessings and Be Well
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| BoPeep214 |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 6:48:53 PM
I know it doesn't make you feel any better really, but I too made the promise that I'd always make sure the animals in our care would always pass with someone there. But I will tell you exactly what I tell my kids (because they are old enough to understand that this is another part of a farm life, yet they are thankfully still sensitive to it). The most important thing is that the animals have been cared for. They recognize that. Your care for them is a comfort because they rely on it and you give it. They don't ask or want anything more. They know they are loved when they pass on then. I can't think of a better way to go as a human or a goat or lamb or any other creature. You did all you could. I'll say a prayer for your broken heart. I know little Ben won't need one, he's already kicking his heels up in the greatest Shepherd's greenest pastures, I'm positive about that.
Stephanie
Farmgirl Sister #2920
"Happy to share with you such as we've got: the leaks in the roof and the soup in the pot." `Unknown` |
| BalancingAct |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 6:22:57 PM
Grace, my heartfelt sentiments. I know what it's like to lose a "furry baby".
Hugs to you.
Farmgirl Sister #2851 -"To be yourself in a world that is constantly trying to make you something else is the greatest accomplishment." ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson |
| coaloha |
Posted - May 04 2011 : 6:17:24 PM
Hello Again Grace,
You asked about our family...5 years ago we left Parker and moved to Phoenix for my husband's job. Roni stayed behind at Colorado State. She is now a junior in vet med there. Alyssa finised high school in Phoenix and is graduating this month from CSU. Our son, David, is a senior in high school and will be attending college this fall at Stevens Institute of Technology in NJ and playing NCAA basketball. It's been such a joy to watch the kids grow into themselves. I am back in school, working on a doctorate; I will be too busy to have empty nest syndrome! What have you and the boys been doing as of late?
We have not been active in 4H since leaving CO, although I did spend a few hours last summer judging record books for gardening projects. We still have one bunny left from CO, a little jersey wooly that I bred years ago. Are you still involved in 4H? I will never, ever forget the year you judged Round Robin and Roni was competing...the kids were all so cute when they took turns with animals that they wer unfamiliar with. I hope that you are well and having a good spring with all of the criters.
Warmly,
Pam
Pam Barnes-Palty
Phoenix, AZ
Be distracted by joy |
| eskimobirdlady |
Posted - Apr 22 2011 : 8:26:57 PM
(((hugs))) Grace I am so sorry that had to happen to you. I know how you love your critters! We had to put our goat Racheal down and i cried for days so truly understand. Peace Connie in Alaska |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 16 2011 : 06:36:31 AM
How great to hear from you and thank you so much for your kind words. It is all part of this life of loving and rasing animals and the joys far out weight the bad most times. My two unexpected babies are doing wonderful in fact they just turned a week old. Thriving and growing - You can see a picture on my blog of Goldie who is in the house but Max is just too fast in the pen out in the barn to get a clear picture of him yet. I am going to try again today...
So how are you liking Arizona??? What has been going on in your world if I am not being to pushy?? Again, great to hear from you.. Blessings and Be Well
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| coaloha |
Posted - Apr 15 2011 : 8:30:55 PM
Grace,
I am sorry about Ben and know that he was comforted by your love and care during his last days.
Despite the sad situation, I was excited to see your name on your post. We met years ago at the Douglas County Fair. It's good to see that you are still living the Colorado good life. We moved to Arizona but the girls are in CO in college.
Warm regards to you and your two-legged and four-legged family.
Pam
Be distracted by joy |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 11 2011 : 4:02:44 PM
Thank you Mary Jo for the kind words.. It was rough but it is part of what happens when we give our heart and soul to raising our animals. I was blessed with two surprise goat babies friday - although the mothers are newbies and just would not care for them I now get the pleasure to do so. So with three bottle kids I have plenty to keep me busy and remembering all my blessings to bring these three safely along into the world. Such is the life of a Farmgirl...
I thank everyone for your prayers, kind words and support - it keeps me going when I want to pull the covers over my head.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| gypsy goat |
Posted - Apr 11 2011 : 1:59:16 PM
oh my goodness grace!please know i am thinking of you-you are such a sweet person. what a rough week for you i hope things start looking up soon!
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 8:30:49 PM
Ladies you have been so sweet and loving. It has truly helped. Today it was really needed because this afternoon my Grand Dame of the farm - Ebony passed in her sleep. She was 19 years yound this year and she spent 15 years with me - so we had such a bond... I only hope that when it is my time I go the same way.. I knew this would be my last year with her because she never pushed a baby away (Wynonna) so I had been preparing myself. So as I said goodbye to her tonight I knew that she understood how much I had loved her and that I would take great care of her little one...
It has been a long week and after the 10 pm bottle to Wynonna I think I will make me a stiff drink. Again, thank you all for your wonderful words, prayers and kindness.
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| amomfly |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 4:08:45 PM
I am so incredibly sorry! I am sending my prayers.
Come visit my blog
http://angieruralliving.blogspot.com/
God Bless
Angie-amomfly
#1038 |
| katalind |
Posted - Apr 06 2011 : 12:44:00 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, things like this is never easy.
Sending a prayer your way. |
| Blessed in Colorado |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 1:07:53 PM
Hi Grace, thank you for your kind words, I keep you in my prayers. Yes, the wind was terrible here in Florissant, but I think yours was worse.
Hang in there and give extra love to all your other farm animals.
Farm girl Hugs,
Debbie |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 10:43:44 AM
Megan I welcome you to MJF and I thank you for taking the time for such kindness. I must say last night was a low point - between not sleeping for so long, the wind coming back (wind - more like tornado strength) and walking into the barn and not seeing Ben's sweet face as I peel back the barn door - made me crumble again. You would think after 15 years I would have shaken this off but I think I need to learn how to be kinder to my heart and head. I did go thru your lovely postings after the 3 am bottle feeding and found strength in all your words.
Again, I can not tell you how much it means to me that you take the time to share and pray with me... I include you all in my daily blessings and saying thank you just does not seem like enough...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| alpacamama |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 09:43:16 AM
am new to the farmgirl sisterhood but old to the sisterhood of critter mommas. It's so hard to lose a little one. I don't know if you ever get used to it. Prayers and hugs to you, Ben and the rest of your herd. |
| gypsy goat |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 07:43:10 AM
oh i am so sorry-but how sweet of you to stay with him and give him the tender affection that he needed. i hope that you are doing ok,i know i would have a hard time with that as well.sening you a big farmgirl((( hug)))
farmgirl#1362 whatever you are be a good one-abe lincoln |
| walkinwalkoutcattle |
Posted - Apr 05 2011 : 02:35:45 AM
Grace, that was so wonderful for you to be there for little Ben. Prayers sent!
Farmgirl #2879 :)
Starbucks and sushi to green fried tomatoes and corn pudding-I wouldn't change it for the world.
www.cattleandcupcakes.blogspot.com
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| ZenGoddess |
Posted - Apr 04 2011 : 9:21:00 PM
Grace its people like you that animals really need. we are only care takers, heart-soul- mind and body he came into your life and left an impression that you wont forget .... that makes his life count for alot. Saying prayers for you all, we are in kidding season too and its hard when we feel that we have lost. He touched you and your family and took your love with him on the rest of his journey.
To all things there is a reason even though it may be unclear to us.
Please don't give up .. When you get up in the morning and go out to do your chores, you'll see the reasons to keep going : ))
Hugs,
ZenGoddess/Southernplum
My life goal is to Simply - Simplify my life.
http://herbalcottage.blogspot.com
http://herbalcottage.etsy.com
http://southernplum.etsy.com |
| Joey |
Posted - Apr 04 2011 : 9:08:07 PM
Oh Grace,
I am so sorry to hear about your loss of little Ben. It just tears at your heart. So glad that he had you there to love him "home." Sending you warm hugs. Joey
Well behaved women rarely make history. |
| prariehawk |
Posted - Apr 04 2011 : 8:29:24 PM
So sorry about your loss. Your kindness and compassion will be rewarded someday.
Cindy
"Vast floods can't quench love, no matter what love did/ Rivers can't drown love, no matter where love's hid"--Sinead O'Connor
"In many ways, you don't just live in the country, it lives inside you"--Ellen Eilers
Visit my blog at http://www.farmerinthebelle.blogspot.com/ |
| laurentany |
Posted - Apr 04 2011 : 7:38:34 PM
Grace, SO sorry for the loss of Ben. I am glad that you were there for him all the way through his short stay here on earth.
{{HUGS}}
Laurie
Farmgirl Sister#1403
Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.. |
| grace gerber |
Posted - Apr 04 2011 : 7:01:19 PM
Oh Debbie I am so sorry for your loss - your sweet dog had such a special place in you life and heart I know that pain. I have my sweet Kasha (12 year old Great Pry) who has lived longer then expected so each day I see her up and standing I feel I have won the lottery... My heart is with you and your loss.
To all the other wonderful ladies who have taken the time to share their prayers, kind words and love with me I want you to know that your sharing has made me get thru the day with breaking down and wanting to throw in the towel. I have so few family left in this world and most of my friends can not even begin to understand my life on this farm that I feel a drift at times like this. I can never put into words how much your connection means to me and for that I THANK YOU with all my heart. You really make a difference...
Grace Gerber
Larkspur Funny Farm and Fiber Art Studio
Where the spirits are high and the fiber is deep
http://www.larkspurfunnyfarm.etsy.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.blogspot.com
http://larkspurfunnyfarm.artfire.com
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| HealingTouch |
Posted - Apr 04 2011 : 3:01:34 PM
Crying like a baby too! Prayers for your comfort. It never gets easier because we love! That's what breaks our hearts.
Be Blessed,
Darlene
Sister 1922
God first, everything else after!
When Satan's knocking at your door, just say "Jesus will you get that for me?"
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| texdane |
Posted - Apr 04 2011 : 2:28:33 PM
Grace, Bless your heart. Poor little Ben, I know he was happy you were with him.
Nicole
Farmgirl Sister #1155
KNITTER, JAM-MAKER AND MOM EXTRAORDINAIRE
Suburban Farmgirl Blogger
http://sfgblog.maryjanesfarm.org/ |
