For those of you who know Spencer well, you will be very aware that he is an animal lover. He takes after his dear friend Jonah and is usually the kid to find the dragonfly, bugs, worms, hermit crab, minnow or other such critter in nature. When people ask what to get him for his birthday the answer is usually "get him something to do with animals". He isn't scared to pick up random creatures and is usually the kid that is called to catch or identify, and often he has an answer, (sometimes he's even right!).Three years ago we went on a family vacation to the maritimes in Canada just before Lauren was born. At that time, Spencer had a keen (and to this day, lasting) interest in all things whale. While at St. Andrews By the Sea we went on a four hour whale watching tour. We got to see a few humpbacks, porpoises, and other sea life. During the tour, the guide spent the time educating the passengers on whales. Jim and I had a good laugh as, thanks to Spencer, we already knew most of what we were taught.
Just after that trip, some good friends gave our kids a fish tank as they were moving and didn't have the space. The kids were so excited to have their very own fish. Spencer has a real talent for naming things, stuffed animals, toys etc. He quickly came up with a unique name for his fish and did his best to help the other sibs with theirs. With the new day came an unwelcome surprise, his fish was dead. I was so sad for him and wanted to cry as I held my sobbing boyfriend in my arms as he experienced his first death - even though it was a fish. Over the next few days unfortunately the other three fish died as well. With the next round of fish came a firmer resolve and understanding that the little guys might not survive. Over the many following months we ended up with one fish who has been with us for over a year - yes, a miracle!
I have been a slacker mom over the last many months and have neglected that little fish and he/she has survived despite me not changing the water much, feeding it daily or providing it with other fishy company. This week I finally got around to changing the water, cleaning the tank and getting it ready for new inhabitants.
Just after that trip, some good friends gave our kids a fish tank as they were moving and didn't have the space. The kids were so excited to have their very own fish. Spencer has a real talent for naming things, stuffed animals, toys etc. He quickly came up with a unique name for his fish and did his best to help the other sibs with theirs. With the new day came an unwelcome surprise, his fish was dead. I was so sad for him and wanted to cry as I held my sobbing boyfriend in my arms as he experienced his first death - even though it was a fish. Over the next few days unfortunately the other three fish died as well. With the next round of fish came a firmer resolve and understanding that the little guys might not survive. Over the many following months we ended up with one fish who has been with us for over a year - yes, a miracle!
I have been a slacker mom over the last many months and have neglected that little fish and he/she has survived despite me not changing the water much, feeding it daily or providing it with other fishy company. This week I finally got around to changing the water, cleaning the tank and getting it ready for new inhabitants. Today we went to the pet store and bought four new fish. Dallin and the girls each chose a goldfish. Spencer was more interested in a mini shark. This wasn't in the plan since we still had a goldfish so he decided that the playco (that I was already going to buy - great for cleaning the algae) would be his. We brought them home, and introduced them to their new home.
Just before bed tonight we were looking at the fish. Spencer's fish was swimming around kind of crazy like, usually those fish are stuck to the side of the tank and don't move around much. He/she wasn't looking very well. I tried to prepare Spencer that it might die but we were all hopeful. About an hour ago I went in to check on them only to discover Spencer's fish belly up stuck in the plants. WHY??? Not to be mean or anything, but why did it have to be Spencer's fish first??? Why not Buddha's, where she would be sad, but not as crushed. His little critter spirit has softened up in the last year, not prepared for this at all. I guess we'll make another trip to the pet store tomorrow for another fish...
