For Marsha

 

You were just barely 4 years old, small, white, fluff covered with light brown spots. We called you a wild rabbit because you resisted capture anytime we came to collect you from your outside running area. You were known officially as Marshmallow however, you were commonly called Marsha, Fluffbutt, fatty, and Mallow Mallow. We loved petting your soft fur far more than you seemed to enjoy it, though you did love nose and head pets in the morning. You often got treats of strawberry tops, apple, spinach, broccoli, and your favorite, bananas.

                You were the first time I saw my children really grieve. They all loved you, and I loved you. A small, innocent, often scared creature that was ours to love and care for. We loved you in spite of your less than stellar personality, because you were part of our family. We found you on a Saturday morning, and buried you in between two fichus trees in our backyard in a spot you would have liked. We put carrots and rose leaves which you were also very fond of in your box with you. All the children took care to make your resting place beautiful. Deacon made a cross with your name on it. Quinn and Cora painted some rocks and placed some leaves on your grave. Cora who loved you the most cried all day, you were as she often said “her child”.

                Thank you for being part of our family, the time is always too short, regardless if it is 4 years or 40. It is a testament to the spirit God placed inside of us that we have such capacity to love all creatures, even tiny ferocious, occasionally sweet ones. Thank you for teaching my children about their responsibility to care for and love living things, for teaching them that death is an unfortunate and inevitable part of life, and that we cannot take our tomorrows for granted. My favorite was when I would let you run in the front yard until your heart was content. You would do your sprint runs, happy wild hops, chew on leaves, and then run in circles around me until you came close wanting some love. You made me think of the rabbit I had growing up, named Buster. We loved you, we will miss you, and remember you.