The Real LJ Idol // Mini Season // Week 12: Jerome

[ellison]

I walked in step behind Anne as we made a beeline for the Red Barn. We had just locked up the gates after ushering guests from the main yard, and double checked locks for the turkeys and donkeys on the way back to lock up the doors for the goats, rams, and geese for the night. We headed through the large double doors and gave a quick head count

Comments

[ellison]

I am, too! I love them all so much.

Jerome very sadly had to be euthanized a week later. I am now feeling like I should have included that part in the story, too. It just felt like I'd found a lovely stopping point, but that is part of the story too... It was completely heartbreaking for me when we lost Jerome, especially being part of such a visceral and intense experience of trying to save him. He was also the first of the animals I helped care for that passed away the year of my internship, which was back in 2007.

There were unfortunately many more losses that year. I cried a LOT that year, possibly more than any other year of my life. And the hardest part was that even as sensitive as I am, and as huge an animal lover as I am, the rest of the staff had a habit of minimizing my grief since I was new and hadn't known the animals as long as they had. But the animals were all close to my heart, and it was really hard. Especially an African Grey parrot named Tanzy that we lost toward the end of my internship. That was the hardest loss for me, as she had become my little friend, and a daily respite from the stress of life, the one who made me laugh when things were hard.

Anyway, I could go on and on! ;)

Thank you for commenting, and for being an animal lover, too! Those are the best kinds of people, I've found. :) <3

[kathrynrose]

Some people bond quickly and feel deeply. Never let anyone minimize your grief.

(I've found the same. I honestly don't understand people who aren't.)

[ellison]

Thank you!

&

(I don't understand them either!)