day 33 - guinea's burial

lilly named her christmas present from two years ago guinea checkers diller.  we have affectionately called him "guinea" since then.  if you know me then you know i am not a fan of animals.  however, as i walked in the house today and saw the empty space in our kitchen where guinea's home once was and missed his chirp i began to cry.  it is amazing how death (even of a pet) allows you to see a different perspective of life.

we walked our kids through the grieving process of the only pet they have ever known by having them decorate a box to bury guinea in as well as place loving items and write a note.  we did not do this for the animal but for our kids.  some, or even many, may think we are corny or silly - but i don't care.  i love and adore my children and want them to know there is a place for things that may seem silly.  a place to cry over the death of guinea pig. a place to not fear death but celebrate life. and most importantly that their mom and dad love them more than they could ever imagine.

lilly asked that guinea be buried by the garden.  she felt that he would love to be by the parsley he loved to eat.  precious.

caleb has had the most difficult time with his emotions - there have been quite a few tears.  so, in the back of my head i keep thinking, are you allowed to bury a pet in your backyard? - ok, back to being sad with my kids.....

we did stand around the burial site and pray.  again, not for guinea but for our family.  i am oh so thankful for my sweet family and for the little pig who came into our lives for a moment.