Saying Goodbye and Exciting Times

You guys, I have missed posting quite a bit, but life has definitely not allowed for a bunch of opportunity to do so.  But, I am back at it today with a long one.  I'll try to summarize and possibly break it up into two or three posts that I'll send out a few days apart.  

Goodbyes are never easy for us.  None of the seven of us like to say goodbye.  Whether it is for the day, week, month, indefinite or permanent, each of us struggle saying goodbye.  On June 8th, 2021, we said goodbye to our sweet Otis.  Saying it was difficult is an understatement.  Otis brought us so many laughs, so much joy and an abundance of pleasure over his 13.5 years on earth.  Eric and I bought Otis from a breeder in Folsom, CA. only a month after we began dating.  He lived a nice long life full of ALL the love, playing ball, playing water, dog beaches galore, killing all the vacuums, camping, kids, critters, several moves, new dog siblings, swimming and running free on our 15 acres in Tennessee.  Otis was special and is missed greatly by our family.  There will forever be a void in our life that Otis filled.  

Our vet, Dr. Russell, came to us the morning of the 8th at our request. Otis had declined greatly over the past several months and we knew it was time.  He was having frequent "fainting episodes" and they appeared quite painful and his cough was nearly constant.  Even knowing it was time, it broke my heart as Dr. Russell drove up to the house and Otis ran out to greet her.  Of course, I was my completely awkward self and started to "explain" why we were asking her out to end his suffering even though he could still run to her.  She handled it really well, though and eased my discomfort by telling me she knew his case (of course she did, she is our vet) and felt like we were providing him the service of passing with dignity.  

Lily insisted on walking him to the barn where we decided he could pass comfortably without a lot of other animal interference.  She did not want to stay for the "act", however.  We called the kids in to say goodbye, told stories about Otis and finally Eric and I said our goodbyes.  Dr. Russell and her assistant asked if they could help us with anything, if they could stay to offer comfort or if we needed anything.  We did not so they left.  

Eric and the boys used the tractor to dig a massive grave to serve as Otis' final resting place and we had his funeral a few hours later.  We have a tradition of giving each of our pets a funeral when they pass.  We all go around and share our favorite memory, fun stories, talk to our pet (Otis, in this case) and each of us scoops a shovel full of dirt on the grave.  We also throw flowers in with them.  So, we did the same for Otis.  After we mostly covered him, Eric used the tractor to complete the process.  He will carve him a headstone out of wood.  He is buried near the forest under the protection of the large trees.  Tristan, Lily, Nico, Harlan and I all went up two days later and planted wildflower seeds all over the top of his grave and in the next two days I will plant a few ferns beside him then fence them in from the horses.  Missy struggled quite a bit the first two weeks but is slowly getting into a new groove.  Lily still will cry at dinner occasionally.  Nico couldn't really wrap his head around how heartbreaking it was and was pretty emotional.  The twins really didn't understand at all and Tristan struggled a little more the following day when he went to feed the dogs.  

I could post about 5,385 pictures of Otis but I selected a few from an album that was handy.  Otis will be missed and holds a special place in our hearts.  

Lily wrote Otis a letter 

The Flannery Family sent us a beautiful bouquet and it really made our day brighter

The Fanning Family sent us this adorable patriotic dog in memory of Otis

Speaking of goodbyes, today, June 30th, we said "goodbye for now/until next time" to one of our favorite families in the world, the Flannery Family.  Lily and I flew to New Mexico on the 22nd to help them out a little while Jess recovered from an operation.  Tristan is in a masters program with Booth University and they have two toddlers, Declan and Callan and I cannot neglect to mention the biggest baby, their German Shepherd, Axel.  It was such a pleasure to be able to help them out and they are so kind, generous, giving, loving and such amazing people.  Jess has already started recovering amazingly well and  that allowed us the opportunity to see a little bit while we were there.  It was a fun trip and we love them dearly.  We are thrilled to be going home today, though as our flight was cancelled on Monday as we were leaving for the El Paso airport.  Luckily, they just rolled with it and we remade the beds and settled right back in.  We had multiple park days, a visit to Elephant Butte State Park Area, a visit to Hatch, NM., tie-die, eating, haircuts for all the boys, furniture building, water games, sun and RAIN (which they rarely get), and all the chatting and love anyone could ask for.  We were completely spoiled during our visit and I am sure it will be quite an adjustment to go back to farm chores, co-managing a household and "real life".  We already can't wait until our next Flannery/Tilford adventure.  

Fathers Day....  I feel really bad about my late post but Fathers Day was so much fun and so simple and quiet this year.  It was a great day and Eric was beyond spoiled.  He got a new smoker (that he picked out), gift certificates for massages, a breakfast casserole, smoked chicken enchiladas for dinner, a 45 minute slideshow of his Daddy adventuring over the past three years and relaxed most of the day.  Happy Fathers Day to all of the daddies out there, especially my own and my father-in-law, Don.  We love you both so much!  

"Only the best dads let their children fly.  Only the most loved children will soar.  Thank you for giving me wings".  -Unknown. 

My dad and brother, Jeremy.  I love this one.  

My Uncle and my Grandpa...  LOVE them so much.  

Only Harlan and Nolans videos were short enough to post....  

Well, that's it for today...  Our flight was delayed here in El Paso but is finally here and we are about to board.  I will have another post this week (hopefully) and we have some exciting things happening for the 4th of July!  My cousin, Sierra and her girls fly in for a week on Saturday and it's a surprise for the kids.  I am giddy!  So glad I am making it home in time!!  LOL.  

I hope you all are well and living the dream!  Stay in touch and take care!!