When I got home from work tonight around midnight, my husband said that William didn't look like he was feeling good. I looked and noticed he was moving very slowly, and his ears were down. He didn't want anything to eat or drink, which was very unlike him. (Last night he was eating, drinking, and playing-that would be Monday night). He also usually poops and pees when you get him up, and he did neither. I put him in his pouch and immediately went down to the vet-something was very wrong. By the time I got to the vet with him, he was even more lethargic, and bit me when we weighed him (he doesn't normally bite). He was also breathing a little fast. Now, I was panicked. The vet gently felt around his tummy, and said there was some kind of mass-could she take an X-ray? Go ahead, I said. A couple minutes later, she came back and said, we have him in a box with oxygen, and he doesn't look good-come in back. They got an Xray before he crashed, but it came out too light and there was no time to try again. He was laying on his pouch in a clear plastic box, doing what the vet called agonal breathing. And the time between breaths was increasing. I said, he's dying, isn't he? She said yes. I could see he was in pain. I asked if they could do a necropsy if we put him to sleep. She said yes again. I said, I don't want him dying in agony. I signed the form, and they gave him a shot to put him in forever sleep and send him to the bridge. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> William died at 2:30 a.m., Wednesday August 25, 2004. Because he bit me, the laws in the state of Utah are that the body has to be sent to the State for testing. We are going to try and get what's left back for burial. Because of this, the vet performed the post-mortem on the spot for me. I know what killed our Baby Boy (his nickname), but probably never why it happened. William had an obstruction in his bowel. His entire abdominal cavity was filled with fecal matter from a perforation that formed above the obstruction. (We know he pooped yesterday). A small amount of the bowel above and below the obstruction was becoming necrotic. He hadn't had acess to anything non-food that I am aware of that could have gotten in there. We are very careful with toys, and the gliders never run loose. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" />William, I am SO sorry this happened and that you were in pain. Troi and your babies will miss you terribly, and so do I. Now you are out of pain at the Rainbow Bridge, and I will think of you there, happy and pain free. The sorrow of those left behind will fade with time, and we are joyful we had you for the year you were with us. You were a handsome guy, full of life and fun. You left us three beautiful babies, and Hush has your face. I knew you since you were two weeks OOP, and hand fed you when your parents went to the bridge, and they were waiting when you got there. We'll always love you, Baby Boy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/needhug.gif" alt="" />
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
Re: William is at the Rainbow Bridge
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#25629 08/25/0408:17 AM08/25/0408:17 AM
I'm soooo sorry. I will cry for you if it will help you feel better. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> If not how about some hugs <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: William is at the Rainbow Bridge
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#25630 08/25/0408:21 AM08/25/0408:21 AM
I am very sorry to hear about your sweet little William. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> Sending lots and lots of <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> and <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> in your direction.
Re: William is at the Rainbow Bridge
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#25631 08/25/0409:59 AM08/25/0409:59 AM
O Jen, <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />. My heart just broke reading this, I cannot begin to tell you how sorry I am. Memories last forever, time will heal your pain.
Karin
Miss Lily and Bud Prada and Armani Tessa, Deuce and Cami
I am sooo sorry for your loss. My prayers and thoughts are with you. And my tears are falling along with yours. I hope you find comfort knowing that he is no longer in pain and that one day you will get to be with him once more.
Jen I am so very sorry to hear about William. What a shock it must have been. It was very brave of you to stop his pain, a sign of absolute love. You know my prayers and thoughts are with you <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: William is at the Rainbow Bridge
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#25636 08/25/0412:08 PM08/25/0412:08 PM
I'm sorry to hear about your loss <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" />
Re: William is at the Rainbow Bridge
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#25637 08/25/0412:23 PM08/25/0412:23 PM
I'm so very sorry you lost your precious baby boy!!! How tragic to lose him so unexpectedly! I dearly hope that you will be able to get his little body back so you can give him a proper buriel. He is now free from all pain and loves you so very much! I'm certain he accepts and understands the sacrifice you made for him. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: William is at the Rainbow Bridge
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#25638 08/25/0401:22 PM08/25/0401:22 PM
I'm so sorry for your loss, Jen. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> I cried the whole time I read your post and still have tears flowing. It was so selfless of you to help him to the Rainbow Bridge so that he wouldn't be in pain. My heart goes out to you and William's little family. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
May time heal your broken heart. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> Your little one is now resting in peace. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/gliderangel.gif" alt="" />
William has left a part of himself in the offspring he has given you....so you have been blessed in more ways than one. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/heartpump.gif" alt="" />
Sending a Big <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> to you.
Jen, I am so sorry for your loss. William will always be dear to your heart and he will carry on through his children. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Danielle owned by 4 dogs and 2 gliders really soon Formerly known as K & D Exotics
Re: William is at the Rainbow Bridge
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#25643 08/25/0409:50 PM08/25/0409:50 PM
I think that what you did took an incredible amount of courage. Willing to have your heart be in pain so he wouldn't have to be anymore that took a great deal of courage. I have no sage advice other than the pain will slowly lessen as the days go on.
1 Corinthians 13:1-8 If I speak with tongues of men and angels but have not love I am only a resounding gong or clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have faith that can move mountains but have not love then I am nothing. If I give everything I have to the poor and surrender my body to the flames but have not love I gain nothing. Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude it is not self seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices in truth. It always protects, it always trusts, it always hopes, it always perserveres. Love never fails. But where there are prophecies they will cease; where there are tongues they will be stilled; where there is knowledge it will pass away.
Re: William is at the Rainbow Bridge
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#25646 08/26/0412:02 AM08/26/0412:02 AM
Jen, i am so sorry. it is terrible to lose a friend that way, my prayers are with you. <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/upset.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: William is at the Rainbow Bridge
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#25647 08/26/0401:32 AM08/26/0401:32 AM
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> [:"magenta"] i am so sorry for your loss.[/] <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" />
Re: William's Moonlight Rainbow
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#25648 08/26/0402:49 AM08/26/0402:49 AM
Thanks so much everyone! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> This one really came as a shock. We called the vet's office back today, and managed to convince them that there was no way Baby Boy could have either been carrying rabies or managed to give it to me when he bit me. They are relenting, and going to look the other way on this one, and I get to go pick up his body tomorrow! We'll bury him in the wooded glade up in the Uintas where our other four are buried amongst the trees and wildflowers, next to his parents-Fox and Dana, and Troi 1, and Gumpy. **And I have something to share. Have any of you ever seen a RAINBOW made by MOONLIGHT?? I didn't think it existed! Tonight on my way home, it was pouring rain, and right on the edge of the stormfront. Off to the right, the moon was shining brightly. And when I looked left, there was a very pale colored, but very distinct, Moonlight rainbow. I tried to get a pic with my digital camera, but it wouldn't catch it. I'd like to think a nocturnal rainbow is letting me know William's happy and okay now! As much as it might hurt, how comforting it is that the day he died I see something so incredible!?? <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cloud9.gif" alt="" /> I hear you, Baby Boy! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/muchlove.gif" alt="" />
Last edited by Xfilefan; 08/26/0403:54 AM.
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
Re: William's Moonlight Rainbow
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#25649 08/26/0404:00 AM08/26/0404:00 AM
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/offtopic.gif" alt="" /> Okay, I found ONE site that had something on what I saw tonight. Apparently it is called a Lunar Rainbow and they are extremely rare. Here is the Link:
Finding this out makes the experience SO special. What a way to remember our little Daddy glider! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
Jen/Colin Commander Riker 12 16 02-10 04 12 you will be FOREVER missed Sinbad, Gabby, Baby, and Alley
Re: William's Moonlight Rainbow
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#25650 08/26/0404:30 AM08/26/0404:30 AM
<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/crying.gif" alt="" /> [:"magenta"]now i am sitting here on the verge of tears. yes, that must have been a sign to let you know little william is happy and at peace now, and waiting for you at the "lunar rainbow bridge." <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/hug2.gif" alt="" /> [/]
Re: William's Moonlight Rainbow
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#25651 08/26/0410:39 AM08/26/0410:39 AM
Jen...your story is so sad and happy at the same time. Little William let you know that he is ok and happy now!! Your a great glider mommy!!! <img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/cloud9.gif" alt="" />