Thursday, April 3, 2008

Mufasa Said It Best

For Christmas, Mason got a little terrarium and a coupon for a tadpole. Feeling a little generous, I ordered two tadpoles (basically to ensure that we'd get one frog out of the deal). They arrived in the mail in late February.

Mason was thrilled that he didn't have to watch the mailbox anymore and that he could actually see his long-awaited pets. Of course, not five minutes after seeing them for the first time one of the tadpoles met his end (with the help of an over-zealous two year-old observer who sloshed him out of his water in an effort to "just see da widdle tadpole better"--man are those things fragile!). There were tears. My boy is of a sensitive lot and truly heart-broken that his beloved pet (of five minutes) had kicked the bucket before they could become better acquainted. I secretly patted myself on the back at my genius in ordering two tadpoles.

We all watched Bob/Fred (the debate over the name is another tale...) grow and mature. I confess I found it quite fascinating to watch that little speck grow longer, lighter in color and eventually sprout back and then front feet. How we all rejoiced on the day he hopped out of the water! It was a miracle to behold. Here's a picture of the little guy on his second day on land. He was still utterly tiny at this point and, clearly, still had much of his tail.

The next day, when his tail was finally all gone, so was his little froggy spirit. It was awful to have to tell Mason that his frog was dead. He was so very heart-broken. I was grateful, as a mother, to have the knowledge of the resurrection to share with my son.

I know it seems like a silly thing with a tiny frog, but it was huge to Buddy. I know Heavenly Father loves Mason and that He loves that little frog. I know that death is just a part of the circle of life, but that Jesus Christ overcame death in all its ugliness and sadness. He was resurrected and took away the permanent sting which would otherwise accompany death. I am grateful for that knowledge and the comfort it gave Mason on a sad, sad day.

In the meantime, I am pushing the idea of a Webkinz...





7 comments:

Tracy said...

Oh, how sad to lose a pet. I can't imagine Sensitive Sophia's reaction if she ever lost a pet, that's why she doesn't have one. Time for you to go to the pet store and buy some more tadpoles. You already have a home for them, might as well use it.

Meg said...

That is rough! We've lost two fish so far but Jaide didn't seem to care too much. She kept checking the tank afterwards and saying "nope, no dead fish." Watching a little creature grow and change though probably gets you more attached.

Cami said...

Yes, I am not good at pets. Oh, but at least he saw him to adulthood!

whitney allison said...

Stupid frogs, they always die. We give out tadpoles to kids in July at work. Most of the time people tell us they die right away but we've had a few bring their frogs back at the end of the summer and let them go in the pond because they didn't want them anymore. I wonder what their secret is.

Jenni said...

How sad... I'm glad that you were able to share your testimony with him though. I have to tell you that the "just see da widdle tadpole better" part really made me laugh even though I'm very sad for both of Mason's losses.

Christie said...

Oh, I am so sad for Mason. It would be hard to see him grow into a frog and then loose him. Webkins are great. Keep pushing for that

Amber said...

The Circle of Life. If you'd like I would be happy to sing to your Buddy (the same way I did when you were in denial about being in labor with him).

Quotation of the Month

There is no way to be a perfect mother, and a million ways to be a good one.

-Jill Churchill