R.I.P. Selma Sanders (2007-2014)

Our rabbit Selma passed away last night. She was doing fine on Tuesday, but yesterday she wasn't eating, and then started having some digestion problems in the afternoon. We took her to the vet, who gave her some fluids. We went home with a few different medications, but they weren't enough to keep her from slipping away.

Claire and I are both very sad, but especially for Patty, who now has to hop around all by herself. :(

Earlier this year I read the Jim Henson biography by Brian Jay Jones. I was very moved by the book, but especially by the letter that Jim Henson wrote to his children a few years before his untimely death. In it, he reassures them that he is not scared of death, and he reminds them that it is a very natural part of life. Just as everyone is born, everyone will die.

It seems like death is being openly discussed more and more these days, as the Baby Boomers start heading into their twilight years. I think it's a good thing. My parents sat down with my siblings and me about a year ago to discuss their end-of-life wishes. It was not an easy discussion, but I'm glad that we had it. I'd much rather prepare for the inevitable than pretend it will never happen, only to be blindsided when it does.

It's a strange thought that a few days ago Selma was a happy little bunny, hopping around munching her hay, and somehow overnight she was transformed into a cold, lifeless body. But I guess that's death. Anyway, I think she lived a good life. She was a bit of a grump, but that only made it that much more sweet when she would occasionally deign to be pet, or would nudge you with her chin, or snuggle up contentedly with Patty. She will be missed!