Catching you up on the Funny Farm

Where to start - Well, my mother came out to the farm on Friday the 12th. She had not been here since last year so I had hoped for good weather but of no such luck. We finally exchanged Christmas gifts and some face to face time. We talk on the phone a lot but it is different when you are face to face. Then Nick and Brooke came out on Sunday to get the baby sewing done and catching up before the baby arrives.

All was going well Sunday morning - I went out at 5 am to get the chores done before everyone arrived. As I came around the corner of the goat girls barn I knew something was wrong. All the girls where outside and Cheif was standing guard in the doorway. As I pushed him aside there was Oliver with half his body on one side of the pen and the other half of his body in the other pen. He was crying and in pain. I ran and jumped the pen to get to him. I picked his limp body up and ran him into the house. I started the hot water, made a bottle, wrapped him in blankets and started to work on him. His tongue was cold and he could not get sucking - so I tubed him some warm milk. Then checking him from top to bottom it was clear that he had broken ribs, internal bleeding and was not going to make it. WHAT A MORNING!.. Now with a house full of folks this was going to be even worse. Once Nick arrived all I could do was say "I'm sorry" for this is not what my sweet son needed. He has had to deal with death too many times and this was to be a good day not a sad one but there was nothing I could do but keep saying " I'M SORRY". We all took turns holding the sweet little Oliver because here at this farm we never let an animal die alone if possible. Even during this horrible time we managed to get sewing done, share stories, ate a wonderful dinner of corn beef and cabbage and once the snow started flying again it was time to send Nick and Brooke home before the roads got too bad.

It was not till 9:15 that evening did Oliver pass away but during that whole time he was held, loved, stroked and talked to - what a way to go. We should all be that lucky. I took him back to the barn for everyone to say goodbye. I also took him to Kasha to say her goodbyes because she was very concerned because she heard his cries and she knew what was happening but I could not have her in the house while there where people in the house. She does not like a bunch of people and why add to the drama that was already going on in the house. Kasha did say her goodbyes and gave him a lick on the face - even Olivers dad came over to say goodbye. Sherlock is the dad and he too gave him a kind rub on his head with his lips and then gave a soft talking too - such a kind big billy...

So - a well planned day around here can slide off into the ditch quickly but as I find myself saying a lot lately "IT IS WHAT IT IS" Enjoy each minute with those you love because you never know what the next day will bring....

I must admit I was glad that by Monday afternoon I had my house back to myself - not that I do not like company but I do love the routine of my farm. It gets me back to center. I also can then deal with the loss of my two sweet goats without having to do that in front of people. Much love, hugs and silent conversations are what will be the order of the day around here - Oh and a bit of my Rocky Road along with a very hot bath. Breathe and Release...