The Vineyards

I did not write before because I would be forced to wish a Merry Christmas to everyone, which I did not wish to do, because the next post should bring unfortunate news that did not at all match a wish of Merry Christmas.

I do not remember the day, which I believe is fortunate (but I think it was on December 16th). After a very stressful week, full of nights spent awake, driving all over the city to get medicine, many exams, many attempts at finding out what was wrong, Charlotte, my Maltese dog, died. She was not put down; we tried until the last minute. When the veterinarians agreed there was no chance of recovery at all they did not need to do it. She suffered more during that week, that morning, than I did in my whole life.

I was at school when it happened, only heard it in the afternoon when I called home to ask if they would need the car to take her to any more exams. I was not warned before because I had a final test to do - and indeed, I would not have been able to do it if I had known.

ruby was with me when I heard, a fact for which I was tremendously grateful. I got her shirt a bit wet, but she did not mind.

I wish I could write this in a completely different way, as Flines, my sister did. She wrote a Christmas post, and midway in it mentioned she wished everyone to be happy. "My mother, my father, my brother, Sumi, Milu, and Char (who is somewhere in heaven wagging her tail for me)." Simple, adorable, makes one smile when reading even if it breaks such sad news. Flines is very good at writing. I should watch out.

Two weeks passed already, everything is fine again, the holidays (for other people; I barely have a week off, blasted be those unionists) kept everyone occupied and with their minds full. So no worried comments, all four of you. As Flines said, Char just went to wag her tail at us somewhere else. I hope she is getting along fine with Misha.

December 30th now. I can barely wait to switch the calendar. The new one is themed "Polar Animals", it should be a delight to look at for the next pack of months.

Posted by Etienne at December 30, 2004 08:54 PM