Thank you, glider community for your well wishes & loving support for Greg , me [Dana] & Flymouse. It really does help. As you probably know, Greg passed peacefully in my arms [with Flymouse between us] in August. it took me til now to be able to write, altho several of you wrote me.
When Greg slipped into a coma in his last 2 days, Flymouse stationed herself at his side & refused to leave. I was there most of that time too. The only time she moved from her spot was to ATTACK a large dog that well meaning "friends" brought in to "heal" Greg. When they tried to get the dog to get on the bed [yes, i was trying to stop this, and yes, the dog knew better] Flymouse flew at the dog, attached herself to his nose & made
sounds I have heard only from a wolverine. I am proud to say she drew no blood from the reluctant dog but did from the owners & had them cowering in fear & shame. He was a good dog.....they were shameful petowners.
There were a couple close friends & my son around the bedside when he died. Not only did we feel his spirit leave his body about 20 minues later....at the same time Flymouse emerged from the blankets & did a glorious swooping arial ballet over the bed, lighting on one shoulder then the next. Then she disappeared. An hour later, as i waited in another room attendants prepared to remove his body. One came out finally to ask ,discretely, if we had a pet rodent of some kind.
She was guarding from under the bed. We reasurred her.....put her in her box for a well deserved nap & they completed the task.
She slept for almost 2 days.
I was staying with friends.
Staying in the apartment was Eric, a 21 year old friend of ours , student/intern of Greg's & a member of our/my film crew. He loved Greg like a father & often took refuge in our home. He was as deep in grief as my own sons and he has never had a loss before. It brought him comfort to sty among Greg's things...working on editing an unfinished film project and caring for Flymouse till I found a new home.
I was really worried about Eric despite my own grief [and of course worried Flymouse might not survive her loss.....her
vet didnt give great odds]
When she emerged she went to work on Eric, who had been a bit nervous around her before....the crabbing always got him. She flew..she chitered....she played with his shoelaces....she climbed up on his shoulder & whispered in his ear.
After a couple weeks Eric had a new constant companion & living reminder of my beloved Greg.
After a month I had a new place, Eric did too & I had a hard choice to make.
I did the right thing, I believe. Flymouse is happily living in a batchelor pad with Eric. Eric has learned [and I'm still teaching] glider care. They are healing together.
I'm still posting on the update blog on gogregster.com......tho I had to take a break, i'm back at it. There's not lot out there for surviving spouses & caregivers & people I've never met have implored me to keep sharing. So I'm trying
love to all
dana
reddiva@gmail.com