Friday, December 21, 2007

A Strange Week

This has been one strange week.

First off, my beloved little "guy" Starlight, guinea pig extraordinaire, had a heart attack and died Monday morning while getting a wound cleaning at the vet. He deserves a full tribute, but I'm not ready to write about him yet. He was by my side from his birth to his death, and he was my greeter in the morning and my snuggler in the evening. He was a good pig, and I miss him terribly.

This event came on the heels of friends staying with us from Saturday evening through Monday morning, as we were snowed in, and they lived over an hour away. It was lovely to have them and gave me an excuse to avoid all of my Christmas tasks. But, strangely enough, those tasks were still there when they left, and since Starlight died within two hours, I felt overwhelmed at the prospect of catching up.

But then I learned about two of my blogger friends who are having hard times with health issues affecting their children, and much as I loved my little piggy, it's nothing compared to a crisis with a child. And that gave me some great perspective. And my thoughts and prayers are with them.

Then my 83-year-old mother decided that she couldn't join us for Christmas. We're all going to a big family celebration and there are to be lots and lots of people who want to see her there. So that was very sad and disappointing. On the other hand, I understand her need to feel secure. She's made the decision that she feels comfortable with, and we all just need to love and support her. And she's selfless enough that she wants C to be with his cousins, aunts and uncles, so we're sticking with the original plan. So, again, I felt a great deal of sorrow.

But then there was this amazing news report of the father and children of the Dominguez family, who were rescued after being missing for two days in frigid weather. And the report showed the mother getting the call that the family was okay. And I burst into tears for joy.

And I guess when all is said and done, this is a season when the cycles of life are brought to mind. We miss our loved ones who are gone, and we feel thankful for those whom we still have.

It's easy to get caught up in shopping and baking and decorating, but we all need to remember that it's only about the people. Really, that's all that matters.

15 comments:

Marianne Arkins said...

I'm still so sorry about Starlight... as you know, we're mourning our own loss here as well, so I completely understand. The loss of a family member (regardless of number of legs) is never easy, and leaves a hole.

It's easy to lose focus on what's important, but it sounds like you're keeping your head on just fine.

Hang in there.

(((hugs)))

anno said...

It is all about people, isn't it? And you're one of my favorites! Take care, and we'll get together soon...

Anonymous said...

Sorry to hear about Starlight. I agree, some pets are members of the family, no matter what anyone says. Hang in there.

By the way, should you chance by my little ranting blog about the "Bloggers for Peace" - that was written before I saw you had one here. whoops. Sorry about that, no offense intended. That was triggered by something on another blog that really got my irish up - not by you or your blog, which I love to read! So keep on keepin' on and just ignore me! :^>

Barrie said...

Sorry about your guinea pig. :(

And I agree with you--I have to be careful to not get too, too caught up in all the buying and baking and wrapping and going crazy!

Luisa Perkins said...

Jen, you are so right--well said, as always. But it's okay to grieve over your sweet pet! I'm so sorry for your loss.

Flower Child said...

Amen. it's that time of year that stresses you out and also reminds you not to stress out.

and I'm sorry about Starlight - never easy no matter what.

Jan said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your fur baby. It's never easy no matter what time of year, but it is especially hard during this holiday season. Think of the good memories now. (((HUGS)))

Jan

Michelle | Bleeding Espresso said...

So true so true.

Hope you and yours have a wonderful holiday season :)

Wholly Burble said...

Loss at the holidays just seems to augment the sorrow. My prayers are with you over all these events you're dealing with this holiday.

We've had a local family lose their home to fire this past week--as you say, it certainly puts things in your own life in perspective.

Hope you're coming through it all and will be able to have mind and heart peace, and enjoy your family gathering this coming week.

Unknown said...

May all beings be at peace.

Goofball said...

yes, it's all about people! couldn't agree more.

I hope you have a better less stressful week next week and I hope you have a fantastic time seeing your relatives for Christmas!

Grimm said...

December has always been a mixture of heartbreak and happiness for me. My mother passed away 9 years ago in early December and it seems like the most trivial sad stories have more of a toll on me in the weeks prior to Christmas.

The last week is almost always filled with joy, however.

Fourier Analyst said...

Stopping by to say Hi! and to add my sympathy and well wishes. It is hard to lose something or someone you love, especially at the holidays. Hope that you are able to take some quiet time for yourself and reflect during this period. Thanks so much for your lovely comments. We are surviving and all-in-all not doing too bad. Looking forward however to some down time so not really blogging much, but will be back soon. Hope you have a lovely holiday, however you celebrate and a very great start into 2008!

Leslie said...

What a week of ups and downs! I'm thinking of you, Jen. Be well.

painted maypole said...

a good reminder, indeed.

Merry Christmas!