Recovery Weekend

It's been an awesome weekend to cheer us all up after the dreaded week last week. I still think I'm a bundle of nerves and quite a bit of disbelief, but I'm slowly getting there. Those first few days were horrible. I didn't think I'd ever stop crying or get some of the final images erased from my mind, but here we are 4 days later and I've laughed, smiled and am at peace. I will miss Zoe, and I know that the boys will, but we will move on with her in our hearts and minds.

At first I didn't really want to address the situation with the boys, but after them telling people that we gave Zoe to the vet I knew I had to do something. I wasn't sure exactly what to tell them, or what age I should even begin to explain death to them. So what's a girl to do? Google...of course, Silly! I was truly at a lost, so, yes, I googled it. Pet websites recommended being honest with them. So that's what I did. LP doesn't really seem to be to bothered by it, but BP sure has been voicing his opinion so I knew I needed to have a heart to heart with him. Here's my do's and don'ts of explaining pet loss to a child:

Do's:

• be honest...use words like death and died
• explain age appropriately
• express your sadness so they know it's okay to be sad themselves
• offer solutions to relieve their grief  ie:making picture books of the pet, drawing pictures of the pet, making poems to read at a celebration of life/memorial service

Don'ts:

• don't use the words "put to sleep" as this could cause them to be fearful of falling asleep themselves.
• don't say things like "the vet gave him/her a shot to...." as this could cause them to become fearful of doctors
• don't hide your emotions
• don't replace your pet quickly as that could make them feel your pet was replaceable.

Ahh...the joys of parenting. This was definitely uncharted waters for me, but I give myself an A! BP was sad for all of 3 seconds when he was told, but was just as quickly asking if he could play Wii.

We've had our sad moments off and on. The other day, M said that he looked in the hall, and swore he saw her sitting there. I've seen blankets in a corner and thought it was her at quick glance. I think I hear her paws on the kitchen floor. J has said "Bye Zooooie" while walking out the door. I've woken up expecting to walk in the laundry room to feed her. I haven't opened my back door...well...since Wed, and that's just sad to me. I don't really feel like going out there, and it's probably a good thing that it's been a bit chilly out! I know that my sweet girl is watching me from above, and that she's in peace now. Sleep well, sweet baby girl!

So our good weekend! M's dad was in town this weekend for the Ne/Mn football game. M took the big boys, and sent me off to the spa. A wonderful massage and facial was all I needed for some rejuvenation and relaxation. My mom watched J, and then we were off for sushi. We finished off the night with some shopping, where my wonderful J refused EVERY Build-A-Bear I tried convincing him to make!! After a wonderful church service this morning, we randomly decided to visit the state park for brunch with my family. Then we stopped by the drive-through zoo with M's dad, and had a blast there. BP said it was the best day of his life...funny...he just said that last week too! :)