A few days before Valentine's Day we discovered our sweet kitty, Teddy had gotten caught under the garage door and died. Eve discovered him when we went out to take her to school. Teddy has been extra special to all the kids. He was extra loving and extra comforting to the kids on stressful days. He was also very patient with Christian. He always loved to be with the kids. I think he was also special to them because of his beautiful long hair. He was even magnificent looking at times with his fur like a mane around his head.
Needless to say, the kids were heartbroken, and I was heartbroken for them. Even the other cats seemed to miss him as they stood by him until we buried him a few days later. The ground was too frozen for a while to dig his grave. Each of the kids went to school that day, but each met with a guidance counselor, which I think is good. We spent the next few weeks discussing our feelings, our happy memories, and sharing gospel truths. This was a time that gave us all a greater appreciation for the Resurrection and for our relationships with each other. I was pretty surprised by my own sadness at his loss. I think that animals are able to connect with our spirits in a special way. I was touched by the kids' expressions of love toward Teddy. Sterling and Sheri wrapped him in their shirts and carefully prepared him for burial in Sterling's Valentine box created in honor of Teddy. Here are two pictures of our Teddy waiting for burial and a few of our favorite pictures of him.
Here is Sterling's Valentines's/burial box. We will surely miss him until we see him again in heaven!
Teddy's death was consistent with the cold winter near the beginning of February.
Gratefully, the sun started to break through a bit and melt the ice and snow. Here are a few of the highlights of our month.
Matthew and Sheri attended the Daddy daughter dance.
We went to Cosi Children's Museum with the Fackrells.
Sterling wrapped up his basketball season which began in November/December. We enjoyed watching all his games.
The kids continue to get stronger in dance and gymnastics.
Christian and I went to visit Sheri and Sterling at school for lunch and recess.
The weather warmed up a bit.
I took Christian to see Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood with Nassim and her son Darius. It was a cute show.
The best thing about February is that we all remembered how grateful we are for each other, and that life is precious. I guess that is why we have hard times to balance the good. We are so blessed to have each other!
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