Amy’s Life in Brief

So, for the G’s 5th birthday he got a fish tank and two fancy goldfish. The fish have done surprisingly well. We are starting to have problem with “Orange Fish.” (I know “Orange Fish” and “White Fish” aren’t the most original names, but that’s what the G wanted to name them) Anyway, Orange Fish has been having some trouble with his swim bladder. So far, I’ve been able to get him almost back to normal every time by feeding him extra sea weed or worms, but I think he’s getting ready to hit the end of his rope. We’re on a bit of a death watch right now.

So, I’ve explained to the G that I think that Orange Fish is sick and that we may get up one morning or come back some day and he might be dead. He asked why and I explained that Orange Fish seems to be getting a bit sick. He hasn’t had anymore questions, but maybe we’ll have to have a discussion about death soon. I don’t know.

Of course I thought that was going to be the case last spring. One of his classmates couldn’t be at the school picnic because her grandmother had died and the family had to travel to New York to attend the funeral. I explained why she wasn’t going to be there. I sat on pins and needles for a few minutes waiting for a question like, “What is dead?” or something similar. I could see the little wheels turning in his head. Then, he asked, “Mommy? If Grandma Wanda or Grandma Sandy dies, am I going to have to go to New York?” I told him that no he wouldn’t have to go to New York…and laughed inwardly that I had gotten myself all anxious over nothing.