Good Morning, Friend. This is a tale that I knew I would have to tell... eventually. I originally thought I would tell it last summer, but we had a reprieve. It's a tale I've told so very many times before and it's one that I will repeat in the future... because, well... that's life on the farm.
We lost a dear friend this weekend. MaryAnn left us on Saturday morning. She was unable to get up from her sleeping position - something that we had feared might happen. You might remember me writing last summer that she had stopped eating. We were pretty sure she had some form of cancer at that time. She eventually rallied and we've had an extra year with her. A gift, for sure.
(MaryAnn, some time ago) |
Most recently, she had lost an incredible amount of weight and most of her musculature. She was literally dwindling away in front of our eyes. Yet, she seemed in no obvious distress these last few weeks. Every morning, like clockwork, she would trot to the treat corner for her graham crackers. She took trips to the pasture and was her usual friendly self.
(last summer) |
We kept a close eye on her... watching her get thinner and thinner and knowing that her time to leave us was nearing. Saturday morning, very suddenly, she was in great distress... trying and trying to get on her feet, but unable. She was frantic. I sat with her, talking to her and stroking her to calm her. Luckily, my presence helped, until the vet could come and give her a sedative. It was obvious that her time had come. Not wanting to prolong her suffering, we made the difficult decision - feeling that we had no other choice.
She was then given a larger sedative dose, falling asleep and passing in peace.
I am filled with sadness at the loss of this wonderful friend who has been by my side for the past 12 years. But, at the same time, my heart is full of joy for all of the wonderful moments we shared during that time. MaryAnn was truly "my" pig. She had a language that she used only with me and was so enthusiastic in expressing her pleasure when seeing me. If pigs feel love (and I believe that they do), then, I know that she loved me as I loved her.
It is my feeling that these two girls we be fine with just each other. Ginger was the less social of the piggy girls - so I believe she will take this loss in her stride.
(Ginger after MaryAnn's passing) |
And though I grieve the loss of my friend, I am also aware that as difficult as grief is... it is a beautiful thing. Loss is a part of the human condition. None of us escapes it. Grief stands as evidence that we have known love. There is no greater gift than to love and to be loved. Without love, there is no grief. How blessed are we to experience the joy that love brings. And so, we are blessed, as well, to know grief.
Loss serves as a reminder to hold on to those we love. To embrace. To encourage. To forgive. To hold on to every moment. To squeeze every last drop of joy from all of our relationships. To love with every fiber of our being... all the while knowing that grief awaits us at some point.
There is no life without loss... at least not one worth living.
Sending love, from the farm, my friend.
September 2011...infancy
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November 2022... her barnyard pals |
Comments
Sending blessings to you and all who loved her.
Ramona from MS
Tracy from MT
Marcy in Atlanta
❤️
SOME PIG.
So sorry about your special lovely pig.
I always enjoyed seeing her here on your blog.
I'm so sorry to hear of sweet MaryAnn's passing. Though I only knew her through your blog, tears are falling. I know you will grieve this sweet friend who has been a blessing. I am glad she is no longer suffering. It is still so hard to lose any of our furbabies. They are family. She had a great life with you there that not many do. I am grateful for all the wonderful times you shared of MaryAnn with us. Sending love and prayers.
But like the words Charlotte wove into her web about Wilbur, “Some Pig,” “Terrific,” “Radiant” and “Humble”...they all applied to MaryAnn as well.
We are all going to miss you so much MaryAnn.