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Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Was it enough, to know that you were loved?

You were small, but you were strong.  You had a delicate ear, attuned to the slightest sound.  Things that I would never hear, even with an amplifier, were everyday noises to you.  Maybe you had become too acclimated to some of those noises we have pushed upon you as we invade your world.

You had a sensitive nose.  You could smell things that no human nose could detect.  Constant twitching, constant sensing, another way for you to avoid danger.

You had bright eyes, watching for the dangers overhead....the dangers around you, and the dangers behind you.
Your little legs could carry you with such grace, small silent runner.  They could lift you into the air for joyful leaps and bounds, whenever you wished.  They could carry you away from danger that threatened your life.

But it was not enough.

It was not enough when the vehicle two cars ahead of me hit you and sent you flying across the road, shearing your delicate skin and fur, crushing your back legs, spilling your blood and organs, and putting terror into your heart.  You tried, so hard, as I drove forward, pulling yourself forward on little front paws, one in front of the other...just to...reach....the.....grass.

I was not enough to save you.  For that, I weep.  For each and every one of you who dies at the hand of man, I weep.

But perhaps the Goddess chose that time for you, because she knew I was there.  Perhaps, she knew that I carried the "emergency towel" in the trunk for moments like this.

She knew that I would pull over immediately, and run to pull you aside so that no more carnage would occur.  She knew I would hold you until the terror passed, and your spirit rose to meet her.  She knew I would take you home, and give you a resting place far from the madding crowd, where you would lay beneath the playground of so many of your kind who visit daily and share the bounty of my home.
She knew that in the growing darkness of the evening you would be laid to rest with flowers, and that a blessing would be said for you, and that I would tell the world that you were here.

Perhaps then, it was enough, just to know that you were loved.

23 comments:

Wandering Rivers said...

By the Gods, that was beautiful and broke my heart at the same time.

Michelle said...

Oh Claire, bless you for your care and love; I cannot see my computer screen now for the tears....

Nancy K. said...

What an incredibly poignant testament to a life most would not even notice.

Your eloquence and compassion are truly a gift.

May God bless you for your kindness.

Foothills Poultry said...

May you be blessed for the love you show.

~~Matt~~

Millie said...

What a very wonderful, compassionate action you have performed for this little soul. This is a very touching and beautiful tribute.

Anonymous said...

I weep with you.

IsobelleGoLightly said...

Sleep well, beautiful bunny.

Louise said...

It's easy to say, oh I cried when I read that, but, Claire, I really did. I'm so glad that you were there for the poor little things last moments. And, if he didn't know about the love while he was dying, he does, now that he is at the Bridge.

Paige Madison said...

Cliare, that was incredibly moving and beautiful. I love how you care for all animals no matter what state they are in. You are truly in tune with what the Goddess intends. It is a blessing to know you.

Mom L said...

I can't think of anything new to say; the others said it all.

Bless you, Claire

Nancy

sunset pines farm said...

Claire, you are a soul sister. I can't tell you of all the times I have stopped to help a turtle cross the road, or to remove a departed soul from "more carnage"...As a fellow towel/supply/food carrier I know how you felt and I am thankful it was you who saw it happen, a person with a heart to take care of the little buddy. May he run and leap over the clouds this morning.

thecrazysheeplady said...

Amen. If we could just explain it to them. Thanks for being there.

Cherie said...

How heartbreaking. What a good heart you have. We lost our house rabbit to old age this year. He was fortunate to have a safe place to live and die, and he was loved. Unlike so many unfortunate woodland creatures. It does make a difference that you loved a "stranger."

Texan said...

I echo what the others have posted... how kind,

Cat said...

Bless you. And maybe the bunny will have a happy run in the next life, knowing you were there in its last one.

Cat

Candy said...

I didn't think I had any tears left. Now I know that I do. Thank you for reminding me I'm not the only one that hurts.

Gail V said...

Amazingly kind tribute, Claire. Thank you for posting the photo documentary with your words.

denise f said...

Years ago, there was a nasty, mean ol' feral tomcat in our neighborhood. He was unfriendly to us and bullied our domestic kitties. One day I saw a car hit him, but he ran off. About a week later, he showed up on my porch meowing -- his jaw was shattered and he was skin and bones. He came over to me and I fed him soft canned food and gave him water. Then I held him while he was put down. I am still humbled by his faith in me.

Mare said...

Oh Claire...what a sweet kindness you showed to that little one..i send my love...

Ebonwald Cardigans said...

wow. this was unexpected of me. I do care for animals tremendously and I thank you for your part in helping the creature find peace before it passed. You could do nothing more.

Many blessings to you.

angie said...

Claire, you are a very kind and special person.

Jenny Holden said...

Sometimes it is enough to be there and care. To give that warm energy in an animal's final few moments. The little rabbit knew that it was loved and there is nothing more you could do than that. It takes great skill to write about that experience with such compassion but without sounding over sentimental. Thank you for sharing x

Mimi Foxmorton said...

Sweet goddess......that is the most beautiful thing I have e'er read............

The Circle wreath broke my heart......

You are truly a wonderful and beautiful person. I am so very glad to count you as my Goat Sister........

xo