Pressing Matters of a Sound Mind

You are loved, you are missed, you are remembered. Thank you for filling the shoes that made all the difference in our lives. Peachy, it's painfully wrenching watching my little girl die ever so slowly, suspecting the end is near.

Peachy, though your time with us was short, you taught me several life lessons. I hope never to forget. Some would say that I'm too '"soft", but I can't stand to see any living thing suffer. Any animal of ours are our children, NOT just a pet.

Thank you for teaching me humility. I had never prayed over a sick animal before; and I initially felt silly praying for a sick hamster. A hamster?! Come on, seriously?! Suddenly, a flood of scriptures entered my mind, " Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? " And "one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father." And "cry unto him ... over all your flocks." and the story when Mary Fielding Smith asked her brother Joseph and James Lawson to administer to her fallen ox on the plains. And like a child, I yielded to my knees because that was the only thing left I knew how to do. Like a son, submitting his will to that of the Father, you taught me "before honour is humility ".

Thank you for teaching me how to be happy in the midst of our grievous trials and afflictions. You were the happiest hamster for us, running in your ball and playing with us, munching on your sunflower seeds, always coming to the sound of my voice, even up until the end when you didn't have much left. You did in fact teach me something vitally important- in the gall of bitterness and the dregs of misery, we find the greatest strength and support by drawing close those we love. When we become occupied in our misery and suffering, may we never forget that in serving others and putting their happiness above our own we can overcome the sorest afflictions. Thank you for living for me through those last painful hours.

Peachy, even though we had you for only a short time, we love you a great deal. Thank you for being part of our " happy little family".
Love,

"Daddy"