...and pray fervently.
~Amish Proverb
The days have been mixed with the pleasant, joyful things of life...but also the not-so-joyful things too. The positive thing about the times of discomfort and sadness is that it is through those times we can truly grow the most in our faith. Just another way the Potter, Who holds His children in His hands, molds us and matures us.
This past Friday, I had mentioned
HERE that Polly was acting quite out of sorts. We wormed her, thinking maybe that
may be the issue and after a day or two...although not completely back to herself, she *was* eating and walking around more. This encouraged me greatly...I figured within the week she would be back to her old, playful self...off jumping around with her sister, Pearl.
Unfortunately, she took a turn for the worse. My mama-heart sunk. The children went out Monday morning to feed the goats and came in with terrible news, Polly was standing, staring off into space, almost falling over. I went out to check on her and she was walking around, drunk-like...falling into things and just completely strange. I immediately called my friend (who we bought the goats from and who is very knowledgeable in the goat-department). Luckily, I caught her before she went to work. She tried to help me guess a few different things it could be and what possible remedies there were.
To make a long story short...nothing I bought and gave to her worked. She couldn't stand any longer, so I laid her down and propped her up on an old, unused helmet (as it isn't good for goats to lay on their sides because fluid can gather in their lungs). We brought her out into the fresh air and sat with her and using a baby animal bottle, squirted water and electrolytes into her which she swallowed. I didn't want her to dehydrate.
I called the mobile vet but he had emergencies to go on. He mentioned something about brain damage and I am guessing she has this. She cranks her neck back and can't lift her own head. The one eye (that you can see in the photo) seems to have gone blind and all she does is lay. We try to keep her hydrated...hoping she will recover...but I am coming to terms with the fact that she needs to be put to sleep.
I am told by anyone who has goats (and the vet) that goats can get sick all of a sudden and when it happens, it happens *fast*. It could have been from something in the air or something in grass she ate. It's completely unknown. I am so bummed and wish there was more I could do...but as she lays in her pen, propped up on hay, she just seems miserable. Other than giving her water occasionally, there is nothing else I can really do for her. I think she will be grateful to be put to sleep...I just dread it, completely. I am going to call the vet soon and see if he can come by.
Penny and Pearl are still doing well though...which is a blessing. I just feel so bummed about Polly.
The children kept me company while I sat outside with her...
Ruthie and Jack-Jack were there too...
In other news, so as not to dwell on the depressing inevitable, the chickens are laying quite nicely for us, keeping us well supplied with nourishing eggs, daily...
Although blurry, I wanted to show a photo of the skirt we found for Madelyn when we went to Goodwill over the weekend...
The pleasant times that have been had 'round here are numerous as well. Madelyn and Jaxson (Xavier was spending time with his Grammie for the day) had fun painting...
...and playing a game with Daddy...
Xavier and Madelyn loved watching the popcorn come flying out of the air-popper this morning...
In my organizing journey...here is my new mail center I set up (to deal with all those *paper* piles...you can see how I set up my filing system
HERE)...
Here is a closer look to see how I have divided up each file...
It is a wonderful blessing, truly. I love everything in it's place and now, important papers have a place to go...in the file cabinet or the mail center!
The best way to escape from a problem is to solve it.
~Amish Proverb
And before I go...I must share the kindness of a friend of mine.
Joann, from
way out west, always remembers my family and me. She sends cards often, and thoughtful gifts for birthdays and such. Today, after arriving home from bible study, there was a box on the back steps. Inside, I found yarn (which Madelyn saw and tried to take!), mechanical pencils (my favorite), a journal and other fun goodies! My birthday is in a couple of days and I was
so surprised to receive this wonderful package in the mail! Thank you, Joann. Your thoughtful generosity is
very much appreciated!
Thank you, to each of you, for stopping by today. I know I shared a bazillion different things all in one post (short and sweet is probably best...but these are memories that I will make into blog books too...so it is what it is. It isn't always convenient for me to make short posts separately!). :o) I hope your week is going well.
Warmly,
Katy