Beginning and an Ending

Sometimes a beginning is an ending…

I was supposed to wake up at 9 am on Monday to prepare for my meeting with Aunt Becky from MGPR to adopt the two new guinea pigs.  My nerves had different plans and I was up at 6 am sharp.  Unable to return to sleep, I walked around the cleaning things and checking on the new boys’ cage.  As I cleaned, I dusted Fred and Lamont’s ash holders that still sat on the bedside table.

“You know,” I told the boxes, “I’ll never be able to thank you two for what you did for me during your lives.  You weren’t just pets; you were my family.”  I took the boxes and held them to my heart and began to cry. “I really miss you both…” I sobbed, “but it’s time for a new adventure…”  I sat down on the bed and cradled the boxes for a long time remembering my two sweet boys. 

When I was ready, I stood up, cradling both boxes in my arms as if they were still with me, and took them to my office.  In there, I have a small memorial for all of my pets that have passed away.  Nibbles, the rat; Petey, the guinea pig; and infamous Alfalfa, the guinea pig all sit in a place of honor on my book shelf.  I knew it was time for Fred and Lamont to join their siblings.  As I put their boxes down and rearranged them, I said, “My loves, these are Fred and Lamont” and broke off with a sob.  After several moments I continued, “They are your brothers.  I loved them, like I loved you, with all of my heart.” 

I kissed my hand and touched each of the boxes, once three counted now five counted.  Before I left the room, I added, “Do not wait for me; be free and joyous… If there is an afterlife, I promise I will find you and we will be together again…” 

I returned to my bedroom with a heavy heart and went to the bedside.  There were two rectangular outlines in the dust where the boxes had sat just moments before.  I started to cry again as I sprayed and wiped the dusk marks away.  At about 7:30 am, I went downstairs and fitfully fell asleep on the couch.

I was rudely awakened by my alarm at 9 am, went though my morning routine, made breakfast, and was at the door at 10:30 am ready to go.  As I shut and locked the front door, I took a moment to pause and reflect.  ‘This is it,’ I thought, ‘both an end and a new beginning. Funny how that works…’  I got in the car and as I started it, I said to the universe, “Turtle Fitzgerald and Clapton, your mom is on the way…” and pulled out of my parking spot to go and meet my new loves.  I was on my way to a new adventure.  Much love. – KA

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