Saying goodbye
In March Q's Sunday school teachers gave her a goldfish. Everyone got one. Everyone else's died soon after taking them home. Not ours. Crystal died on Monday. She sat in our kitchen and we saw her everyday, and I think the novelty of having her wore off soon after we got her. I didn't even think my kids realized she was there anymore. It may be mean to say, but I was quite relieved when I saw her floating at the top of her jar! Yea! I can remove the clutter from my counter top! I didn't think twice about disposing of her and cleaning out my vase.
It wasn't until later that day that Q mentioned something about the fish and I said with no feeling that she was dead and I flushed her....
I broke my daughter's heart. I have never seen her cry genuine tears of loss and sadness and that broke my heart.
It was a good, tender moment, loving her while she grieved and comforting her with truth. It was a good teaching opportunity. We talked about Heavenly Father's love for us and how he provided a plan for each of us so we don't have to be sad when we love someone we love. Death is a part of His plan for us, we don't have to be afraid of it. Our bodies, and fish bodies can only live so long, but our spirits, and fish spirits will live for eternity. Because He loves us he provided a way for us to be together forever.
And because I love this little one so much I am eternally grateful .
Funny part of this story... she was mid-s0b and told me "No, Crystal is our baby's name, the fish was Princess..." then resumed sobbing. Well, I don't remember changing the fish's name, but the funny part is this obsession she has with the name Crystal. No offense to anyone with the name, but I will not be name any of my kids Crystal! Hopefully she'll loose this obsession before we actually get pregnant again!
It wasn't until later that day that Q mentioned something about the fish and I said with no feeling that she was dead and I flushed her....
I broke my daughter's heart. I have never seen her cry genuine tears of loss and sadness and that broke my heart.
It was a good, tender moment, loving her while she grieved and comforting her with truth. It was a good teaching opportunity. We talked about Heavenly Father's love for us and how he provided a plan for each of us so we don't have to be sad when we love someone we love. Death is a part of His plan for us, we don't have to be afraid of it. Our bodies, and fish bodies can only live so long, but our spirits, and fish spirits will live for eternity. Because He loves us he provided a way for us to be together forever.
And because I love this little one so much I am eternally grateful .
Funny part of this story... she was mid-s0b and told me "No, Crystal is our baby's name, the fish was Princess..." then resumed sobbing. Well, I don't remember changing the fish's name, but the funny part is this obsession she has with the name Crystal. No offense to anyone with the name, but I will not be name any of my kids Crystal! Hopefully she'll loose this obsession before we actually get pregnant again!