Dear FML:   Over the last several weeks a few people have e-mailed me and
asked if I would write an eulogy for ferrets that have left us.  There have
been so many it seems over these spring and summer months.  I am not that
good a writer and never re-read anything I write.  I just write it, and hope
for the best..  So I will try.  This is for all of our sweet fuzzies who have
had to leave us and especially for those who have had more than one loss -
and especially for you Jeanne.
-------------
I come suddenly to conciousness in cold and wet.  A tongue licks me.  I open
my mouth and cry, but cannot hear my cries for there is no hearing or sight
yet.  I move, mouth open and crying, toward the warmth and clutch
instinctively my mother's nipple and suck.  My belly fills with warmth and
comfort, and I sleep.
 
There are other small warm bodies like mine and I struggle and vie with them
as the days go by,  to reach my mother's warm, sweet belly.  Time slides and
brightness comes to my world with many shapes and shades.  I hear my voice
and others.  I grow and day by day become more aware of the world around me.
Large hands hold me and I nip at this big animal in my continuous quest for
food.  Soon I view these hands as play as I do my brothers and sisters.  Fun
comes to me as naturally as seeking sustenance.
 
Secure in my world and all too soon, large hands pick me up and take me from
my mother and siblings.  At first all is strange and bewildering as I see new
faces and places.  Sometimes there are others like me in my new home and
sometimes it is just me and the large animals, with hands..  I like those
like me, and when I am large enough, we wrestle for dominence and play and
play and play.  If my playmate is a not as I am, I endeavor to teach my human
games. I run and jump at big feet and legs.  I wrestle with hands.  I cuddle
close to a face and lick chin and ears.  I feel warmth, and comfort and
affection.
 
I have toys and food and water and warm bedding.  I have friends and
adventures and explore my world.  I get into trouble, but know not that I am.
For everything in my world is interesting to explore and  life is one big
happy adventure.  I am loved and I too love  with all my heart and soul.  I
trust and love my human friends so much that soon my waking hours revolve
around their schedule so I can be with them. I endure that which I hate, like
nail clipping, and ear cleaning and baths, and visits to the vet and shots.
I do not understand this but quickly forget being upset with a treat and a
hug and kiss.  Oh, how I love.
 
Time slides by so quickly it seems but a moment.  And comes the day I must
leave all that I love.  Whether I am old and tired, or whether I am too ill
to stay, or whether I am accidentally hurt, comes a time to go over the
Rainbow Bridge.  And this is the time I am with all my great soul at the
finest grace, for if I can, I wait before leaving for my loved ones to hold
me close.  If I cannot, I linger close by to make sure they will be be all
right.
 
When I cross the Rainbow Bridge, cry for me because you must.  But suffer not
that I have gone from you for I never will.  As long as you live I will be a
part of you, and as you carry me in my heart you are forever connected to my
soul.
 
Remember with joy the days we had.  Remember the spring sunshine and days we
played.  Remember all those special games that only you and I could share.
 Remember my dancing with wild abandon at just the sight of you.  Remember
how we cuddled.  And I will know you remember me best when you laugh again
without tears.
 
And remember that time is but a moment and we will meet again when our souls
are at final peace.
 
Meg
[Posted in FML issue 1280]