Imagine an unwanted child, and a woman who will give him a loving home. But the child is gravely ill. The state will take him back, but it’s clear they hold out no hope for his recovery. They will not fight for this tiny life.
So the woman takes him home. She sends her husband and other children away so they do not become infected, and she begins to care for the child. She nurses him around the clock, setting aside her own needs, sacrificing her own health.
Days pass. At times, it appears the little one is getting better and the woman offers up thanks for this small miracle. But the miracle is short-lived. One infection follows another. Days turn into weeks. Though exhausted and emotionally drained, the woman does not give up.
And then it's over. The tiny flame flickers, and is gone.
The woman grieves.
Imagine.
Would you have given as much?
Would you have done it for him?
Dedicated to Maria Zannini, in memory of Murray.
(No groaner today. See you next week.)
31 comments:
As an animal lover - yes.
Diane, I'd like to think I would, too. Maria put her love into action. Gotta admire that.
I would hope so as I love animals but am a real sucker for dogs.
When I heard that Murray was gone, it broke my heart. I could only imagine how Maria felt/is still feeling. I have wanted to email her a few times to express my sympathy but I wanted to give her some time to heal before I do that.
Maria went above and beyond what most people would do. I know a few people who would care for a sick animal and nurse him/her back to health, and I also know a few people who would give the animal away. It's heartbreaking that there are people like that out there in the first place. I think all people should at least attempt to save an animal's life. An animal is as much of a living thing as a human.
Thanks for sharing LD. Sorry to hear about Maria's loss.
i was so sad when i'd heard about Murray. I just cried. I truly thought he had made it through.
Mary - you and me both.
Angelina - I know, my heart breaks for Maria. Think what a difference it would make if the world had more like her.
Slamdunk - Thanks for the kind thought.
Sarah - There was a point when he seemed to have turned the corner. I think that made it harder in the end.
Linda, this is a wonderful tribute to Maria's dedication and Murray's struggle. Our thoughts and prayers are with her. And yes, I'd give all I could.
Mason
Thoughts in Progress
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My heart goes out to Maria. I know how much she fought for little Murray. He was a cutie!
And yes, I could see me doing the same thing. I've done it. It's how I ended up with Barney (who passed away in 2001). I was lucky though. We got to keep him 10 years!
Beautiful tribute to the love and care Maria gave Murray.
Stacy - Those of us who have been through it understand.
Dru - Thank you. It was all I could offer her.
I would have done the same. That's just me. I have a lot of love and hope to give, even till the end.
It's an act of love and compassion.
Lee
Oh I'm so heartbroken for Maria. She's such a wonderful woman and didn't deserve to lose the battle over Murray's life.
I was so sorry to hear of his loss. I would have done what you did. I remember when I got my dog, because she came from such bad conditions--puppy mill(down here in Mexico, it's common)--she was so full of problems. Even to this day she suffers from one problem or another. But, we can't give up on them. You had so much courage and so much heart. Thank you for not giving up.
Stephen - It's good to know there are people who would give of themselves for a little guy like this. There are so many out there like him.
Arlee - Absolutely. Even if she couldn't save him, Maria filled his short life with love.
Misha - So true.
Clarissa - In this case, it wasn't me but my friend Maria who gave so much for little Murray. But like you, I try to find dogs who need help and give them whatever they need. They give so much back.
What a beautiful tribute! I have also tried to nurse a fatally ill puppy back to health..that situation also did not work out in the puppy's favour..my heart goes out to your friend.
Yes. Look at those eyes.
Sarah Allen
(my creative writing blog)
Eve - If you filled that puppy's too short life with love and caring then your efforts were very much in his favor.
Sarah - How does anyone look into a puppy's eyes and turn away?
I'm so sorry to read that Murray didn't make it. When we rescued our baby, he was recovering from Parvo and assorted other ailments. I had such hope that Murray would make it too.
Thank you so much for this tribute to Murray.
I cannot express how much this touched me. Even now I can't write this without tearing up. He was such a sweet little boy, and I miss him.
Thank you, Linda. You are a wonderful friend.
Maria - I consider this a tribute to you both. His life may have been far too short but he was well and truly loved.
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