Saying Goodbye to "Whoopie Pie"

Today was a sad, sad day in critter corner. Throughout our household, for that matter. We knew for a while now that we had a sick little guinea pig on our hands, but we were unsure what the outcome would be. While walking past the guinea pig haven this afternoon, I noticed that Whoopie Pie was laying on her side, which is quite uncommon as far as guineas go. Upon further inspection, I realized that it was just a matter of time. Her breathing was labored and she was unresponsive to the touch. So, I thought for a moment and then gathered my girlies around to prepare them. As expected, many a tear was shed, and then little Lexy asked if she could hold her. I could think of no better way for Whoopie to go out. Lexy purchased these pair of guinea pig sisters for her fifth birthday, and with her own money. So, we thought it appropriate for her to have a chance to say farewell. Kaytlin was too upset to want to hold her, but Jillian took a turn as well. They all kissed her, and told her they loved her. And after quite some time, while Lexy was holding her, she passed away.

The girls of course went through the whole grieving process. Several times, in fact. And throughout the day. We made funeral arrangements and just before dinner, the family trompsed out back to the spot that Hubs prepared. I have to pause and exclaim what a great daddy these girls have. Hubs has an incredible built in sensitivity meter that is perfectly suited to raising girls. (Hence the reason why God chose to bless us with a house of estrogen in the first place...) When it comes to matters of the heart he is so good. Ever patient. Ever so tender. Gentle. The loss of the guinea pig matters little to him. However, the broken hearts of his young daughters matters greatly. And so, he carefully plotted a place to bury their precious guinea pig. He chose a place special to them, nearby their clubhouse in the woods. He found a box in which to lay Whoopie in. And he dug the hole.

When all was ready, the girls marched with the home made casket. Completely unrehearsed, they made a small processional out to the woods.

We shared a few words, a few memories, and many tears. Then we thanked God for the time that we were able to have with her as our pet, and finally placed her in the ground.

It is so gut wrenching painful to watch your kiddos go through sad things. We understand, though, that it is a part of life, and of growing up. After we answered many questions and put our girls to bed, we knew that in one day they had just grown up a bit more.