Way back in elementary school I remember we had pet day every year. Everyone brought in their pets to exhibit and share with the rest of the school. Only I didn’t have a pet. For no other reason but that I have never been big on pets and cannot find it in me to give so much of myself. That’s what this relationship requires. I am not sure this is something to say proudly but it’s just the way I was and have been. That by no means says I didn’t participate in pet day or stayed aloof on the day. In fact, I remember one year my science teacher lent me his pet rabbit to be my pet for pet day and so I could participate and feel what everyone else was feeling showing off their animals. It was the cutest, fluffiest white rabbit and who could not help but love this adorable creature that hopped around munching away greens a hundred miles an hour. I do remember that I didn’t like being responsible to clean up the smelly cage which in hindsight actually wasn’t all that bad. Suffice to say, I enjoyed saying I had a pet rabbit for a day.
Fast forward so many years and my niece got herself a rabbit for a pet. They may be oceans away but the world is small and her pet rabbit, affectionately named Rumi, became very much a part of the family. Her devotion to her pet and the adorable rabbit made its way into the hearts of all the family members. He wasn’t perfect and tested the household and its members time and again but what he was, was adorable, loving and cuddly. He always took the limelight and entertained everyone and featured in countless conversations and memories. His insta page was enjoyed by those of us who took pleasure in seeing what Rumi was up to and looked forward to new posts whenever they came.
Rumi became a part of the family’s identity growing them from a family of four to five. He forged a unique relationship with each member of the family making memories that each one would individually remember. Suddenly, the pet that belonged to one now belonged to everyone.
Life, however, we all know is impermanent. Rumi, sadly, has moved on. Leaving behind a family that is feeling lost in the void. Despite all the issues that pets bring with them, and there were some serious ones, the family learned to live, love and forgive those issues in exchange for the fun, loving, and often hilarious memories that were created in the time he was with them.
Having a pet means you have to open up your heart and risk being vulnerable. That vulnerability teaches you a lot about yourself. I can only imagine how hard it must be for my niece. She fought with conviction to bring this pet into the lives of everyone else. While she enjoyed her time with her pet, she now not only grieves her loss but will witness every member grieve the loss of Rumi. The beauty of this scenario is that along with the shared sadness, she gets to witness what she created. She enabled so many others to create their own special bonds with Rumi.
In the end though, when life finds you and the entire family on the path of transition, you can only be grateful. Grateful for time spent together and love shared.
RIP Rumi❤️
It is hard to love and lose a pet, but grief has much to teach us and that love will live on in your heart.
As Rumi (the poet) wrote: "Goodbyes are only for those who love with their eyes. Because for those who love with heart and soul there is no such thing as separation."