GliderCENTRAL

Promises Kept

Posted By: Anonymous

Promises Kept - 10/11/08 08:15 PM

On February 27, 2005 my husband and I went to the flea market. While looking around at everyone's treasures, I happened upon someone with a furry spot on her shirt. I asked Scott what it was and he said, "Oh, those are cool. Go check them out." I walked closer to the lady and a mass of people ended up between me and her. I listened as closely as I could and decided that I would go home and do some research on the internet. I surfed for hours each day for a week. I knew that I barely knew how to care for a sugar glider, but there was an add in the "Country Trader" for a female glider in my small home town. On March 5, 2005 I went to meet this lucky person that owned a glider with cash in my pocket and a pouch that I had sewn, a cage, BML made and the right fruits and vegetables, etc at home. My husband wanted me to talk her down a few dollars, I thought I was prepared. When I first saw Abbie, she was in a plexiglass front, top and back "cage". The frame was untreated wood, the sides were not coated mesh wire. Abbie slept on a bed of pine shavings inside a wooden hamster hut on the floor of her "cage". The "cage" was about 5' wide, 2' tall and 2' deep. Abbie's food and water bowls sat on the floor of her "cage" with pine shavings floating in her water and all in her food bowl. I asked very few questions, how old she was, how long she had lived with her, what diet she was on, how much she was held each day and what her name was. The answers that I received were, not sure how old she is, 1-2 years she has lived there, anything we are eating, she gets some of, she has not been held since she came here, we call her Ms. Piggy because she loves to eat. I knew so little about gliders, but I knew everything was wrong. I asked the lady to get her out of her cage and put her in my pouch. The lady said that she was going to make this racket that they loved to hear her make. She started crabbing. The lady put her in my pouch, I gave her the entire asking price and I ran out the door. As I was driving down the driveway, I started talking to the pouch, I told her that her name was going to be changed, that I have battled my weight all of my life too and Ms. Piggy was just plain hurtful. She crabbed the whole time I was talking to her. When we got home, I opened the pouch to peek inside. She crabbed at me. I looked into those scared eyes and made a few promises to her. I promised that I would find her someone to cuddle with, talk to and play with. I promised that I would do everything as right as I knew how to for her, cage, diet, play time, bonding time, and anything else I learned about in the future. I also promised that I would not allow her to suffer any more than she had to. I started calling her "Crabby Abbie". Alot better than the other name. After a few months her name was shortened to Abbie. Magic came to live with Abbie on March 09, 2005 and I first met Minkasmom then.

On September 09, 2008 I went in to check on all 6 of my fuzzy babies and feed them their morning mealies. When I got to Magic and Abbie's cage and they both peeked out, Abbie's right eye looked like it had been way over groomed. I took her out of the cage and put her in an e-collar, found that her left patagium was abscessed about an inch long, her right patagium had an abscess about the size of a pea, called the vet, made an appointment and drove the 45 minute trip. Along the way, I made numerous phone calls. Antibiotics, an ointmtnt for inside her eye and an ointment for the affected areas of her skin were prescribed. A few weeks later, Abbie was worse and the vet wanted to do a biopsy of the area above her eye and her patagium. About a week later, the preliminary results were that Abbie had lymphoma. My vet faxed the information to the University of Tennessee's oncology department. Two more weeks past, Abbie was worse. I could not avoid the promise that I had made to my beautiful Abbie any longer. Today I said my goodbyes to Abbie. I watched as the vet did the necropsy and took the tissue samples. Abbie's liver, left lung, both kidneys and adrenal gland and part of her intestine and mesentary all were not normal. Tissue from each of these was taken and sent in for more testing. My vet offered to do the necropsy and tissue testing for free because Abbie's case is so rare, she is going to write a paper on Abbie and dedicate it to me. The information gathered will be passed along to everyone that wants it.

Abbie, my heart is breaking. I miss you so. You are the reason that I have Magic, Merridoc and Berti, Maisie and Monte. You are the reason I have so many friends in the glider community, way to many to begin to mention, I know I would leave so many that mean so much to me off of the list. You will forever be in my heart. Thank you for finally trusting me enough to curl up and fall asleep in my hands while we were waiting for the vet to come in today. I love you more than I ever thought possible. I pray you understand why I kept the promises that I made. GODSPEED my beautiful Abbie. Where you are now, you have no e-collar, no pain, no abscesses, no worn out body. You have so many gliders that were loved to play with and so many glider owners to love on and be loved by. I will see you in HEAVEN one day. Till then, be free.
Posted By: vagraphix

Re: Promises Kept - 10/11/08 08:21 PM

so sorry for your loss cry
Posted By: BCChins

Re: Promises Kept - 10/11/08 08:22 PM

I am sorry for your loss and know you did all you could for Abby. I am proud that you kept your promise to her. She will always be in your heart.

Many Hugs and now I must go get some tissue's.
hug2
Posted By: pappy1264

Re: Promises Kept - 10/11/08 08:24 PM

God bless and Godspeed Abbie. Leigh, I am so terribly sorry. Abbie knew how very much she was and is loved and we all know from reading your words, the love you feel for her comes right off the page.
Posted By: LSardou

Re: Promises Kept - 10/11/08 10:20 PM

cry cry cry cry Leigh, your in my thoughts and prayers. Call me if you need to sweetie. I am so so sorry and I know how much you loved and cared for her.
Godspeed Abbie, and always know that your mommy will hold you dear in her heart forever. heart
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 10/11/08 10:52 PM

Oh Leigh - I'm so sorry, I wish there was something I could do for you, I know the pain of having to put an animal to rest in order to stop their suffering. I'm sitting here in tears for you.... hug2 hug2
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 10/11/08 11:28 PM

cry cry Leigh, your words and tribute to Abbie have really touched me!!! I know you are a great suggiemom and do only the best for your babies1

Its always hard no matter who what when where or how.
Just think of the good times and have peace knowing she isnot suffering anymore.
God bless you and yours!!!!

As you know im here for you ANYTIME!
Posted By: Izzyandrileysmom

Re: Promises Kept - 10/11/08 11:33 PM

Leigh, my sister, you know how much my heart hurts for you right now. I am reslly sorry I am not there to be with you though this time. You did the very best for Abbie and she knew unconditional love from you. She was in my home for a short week, but won my heart no less. I will miss her too. I love you sis!!!
Godspeed Abbie, go and tell Izzy that mommy loves her and keep her company as I will keep your mommy company until we all meet again one day! cry cry hug2 hug2

S
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 10/11/08 11:44 PM

So sorry for your loss.
Posted By: Srlb

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 12:27 AM

Quote:
Today I said my goodbyes to Abbie. I watched as the vet did the necropsy and took the tissue samples. Abbie's liver, left lung, both kidneys and adrenal gland and part of her intestine and mesentary all were not normal. Tissue from each of these was taken and sent in for more testing. My vet offered to do the necropsy and tissue testing for free because Abbie's case is so rare, she is going to write a paper on Abbie and dedicate it to me. The information gathered will be passed along to everyone that wants it.


It's hard enough to have a necropsy done on your baby, and even harder yet to stand there and watch it done. I know the lumps that were in your throat, the pit that was in your stomach and the pain that was in your heart while going through that.

I am SOOO sorry for your loss Leigh hug2

Thank you for loving your little girl so much. And thank you for allowing her to teach us even in her passing.
Posted By: Feather

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 12:33 AM

Leigh,

Abby new she was loved by you. You came into her life when she needed you. Let your memories of her comfort you in the days to come.

She is now gliding free over the Rainbow Bridge.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 02:14 AM

Thank you for all of the kind and generous thoughts, words and prayers for me and Abbie.

Earlier, I was so emotional I forgot to mention that Magic will be truly sleeping alone tonight. Abbie's hospital cage was against Magic's cage this whole time. He called for her every night to wake up, some nights for hours. Magic has handled it all so well so far, eating everything I put in his kitchen for him and drinking normally. Magic decided to not go to the vet with Abbie this morning. I reminded him that she will not be coming home, he looked into the sissy pouch at her, they briefly touched noses and he headed back to their cage. There are so many options that I see for him, and no doubt many more that I have not thought of thus far. I know what is meant to be will be, when it is time, just pray that I am patient enough and my eyes are open, when it is right.

Thank you to everyone that answered the phone when I called these last few weeks. Thank you for every thougt and prayer for Abbie. Thank you GOD for the many great friends that I have.
Posted By: kthiessen

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 03:05 AM

Leigh, I'm so very sorry. hug2
Posted By: Sherri

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 03:19 AM

Leigh, I am so sorry hun! I'm sitting here crying over the love, pain and sorrow you and Abbie must have went through. I'm crying for Magic also. This just saddens me to no end. I know you did everything that you could and showed Abbie more love than she could ever have. If you need anything sweetie, just let me know. Godspeed sweet, sweet Abbie.
Posted By: glidrz5

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 02:33 PM

I'm so sorry Leigh. I know your heart is breaking. Know that your choice was the best gift that you could give her. Now your Abbie is free of pain. Many Hugs.

THE RAINBOW BECKONS

In loving memory of my angels who have crossed over the rainbow bridge


The rainbow has beckoned
It's calling you home
To meadows and forest
In which you may roam

My heart it grows heavy
To think you might leave
I'd be all alone then
Alone then to grieve

I know deep inside me
That you cannot stay
The pain that you're feeling
Grows more night and day

You look at me asking
In your silent way
To let you go home now
"Please let me" you say

You say there's no pain there
No fear and no hate
Just peace and well being
Once you're through the gate

You tell me you'll always
Hold me in your heart
That time and that distance
Can't keep us apart

And if I should need you
At my side you'll be
Tho I cannot see you
You'll be there with me

You promise to wait at
the rainbow for me
To wait `til I join you
Together to be

I just want to hold you
And beg you to stay
To ask please don't leave me
Alone on this day

Yet deep in my heart know
I must let you go
You must make the journey
now to the rainbow

I bow down my head then
The tears fill my eyes
I give you my blessing
My love now to fly

So fly to the rainbow
And wait there for me
Some day I will join you
Together to be


by:
Chris Hamann
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 02:46 PM

Here is my list of friends, growing longer and longer.

I am so very blessed.

Thank you each and every one.

Thank you Chris for sharing that beautiful poem, it's like you wrote it just for Abbie and me.
Posted By: ozzi

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 02:53 PM

Rest in Peace Abbie gangel

I looked to the heavens through so many tears after reading this and asked Lucy and Fivel to look for you and play with you, and love you. I could tell how much you were loved.

I am so sorry for your loss Leigh....

Pat
Posted By: minkasmom

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 06:54 PM

Leigh:

I didn't think it possible to cry anymore...I've shed so MANY tears for you, Abbie & Magic this week...but here I sit, leaking yet again! cry

In my heart, I know you've done the right thing. Promises made are promises to be kept, hard as they are sometimes to do. Abbie has come so very very far in your loving care; a better glider mommy I could not ask you to be. It's just so UNFAIR that your time with her was so limited...but that's not a decision for any of us here on earth to make.

Give Magic and all the other babies an extra kiss & hug from me. While Abbie is no longer of this world, her spirit will watch over you & all of them. I love you, my dear friend, for all that you do and all that you are. hug2
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 08:42 PM

Leigh, I am so very sorry for you, Abbie, and Magic. Thank you SO much for the necropsy, I know how hard it is. With these losses, hopefully we are gaining enough knowledge to someday save another baby. hug2

When you are ready, I would love to talk to you...
Posted By: Lynsie

Re: Promises Kept - 10/12/08 10:05 PM

I'm so sorry Leigh hug2
Posted By: tngliderlover

Re: Promises Kept - 10/13/08 01:55 AM

Leigh, I'm so sorry. cry hug2
Posted By: dranger1108

Re: Promises Kept - 10/13/08 03:08 AM

I'm so sorry
Posted By: sugarlope

Re: Promises Kept - 10/13/08 03:38 AM

hug2 I'm so sorry, Leigh. hug2
Posted By: Adri

Re: Promises Kept - 10/13/08 03:57 AM

Your story with Abbie has truly touched me. I'm sitting here typing through my tears...I can only imagine your pain. I am so very sorry for your loss. She was blessed to have been loved so very much.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 10/13/08 04:03 AM

Leigh,

I am sorry to hear of your Loss May God Bless the both of you. You fulfilled your promises and Abbie knows this.
Posted By: sugarglidersuz

Re: Promises Kept - 10/13/08 11:11 AM

Leigh,
As I sit here with tears rolling from my eyes, my heart is breaking for you cry I'm so very sorry that Abbie's time came so soon. I believe that you made the best possible decision for her and by putting her needs above your own desires you definitely kept your promises to her heart Your love for her and for the rest of your gliders will be rewarded when you join Abbie in Heaven some day.
Please do know that when you are ready to talk and need a shoulder, I am here for you my wonderful friend, sister of my heart hug2 hug2 hug2
Posted By: KimeyDiann

Re: Promises Kept - 10/13/08 11:45 AM

cry hug2
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 10/13/08 03:20 PM

Souls come into our lives for moments and in many different forms, human and pets are those that touch me most deeply. Some moments are brief encounters, some moments last a lifetime. I thank GOD every time that I pray for the moment Abbie blessed me by being in my life. I also thank GOD for connecting me and Abbie, if I had not adopted/rescued Abbie, I would not have reached out for a mate for Abbie and first met Denise and Magic and all of the other friends and gliders that I have now. Because of Abbie, I have many glider friends and now I see many new friends I am going to cherish. Thank you each and every one for the kind words and prayers. Abbie is continuing to enrich my life. Thank you Abbie.
Posted By: MNrarepets

Re: Promises Kept - 10/13/08 04:05 PM

cry cry cry
leigh, i don't know you, i don't know magic, and i will never know abbie, but i'm still sobbing hysterically. my heart has truly broken. especially for magic. when you wrote about his saying goodbye, oh god... i can't imagine your pain, when i'm a wreck without even knowing her. oh poor abbie. i'm so so so sorry. hug2 hug2 hug2
i had to go grab my babies and give them lots of hugs and kisses. everyone, make sure your sugars know they're loved, as leigh has unconditionally loved her precious abbie.

b
Posted By: cyndiekb

Re: Promises Kept - 10/14/08 10:18 PM

You were there to hug me when I lost Sprite not long ago and I wish I were there to return the favor. Here is a ((HUG)) Not the same I know. Know there are others who understand your pain. We are here if you need us.
Posted By: MatchMakerMagic

Re: Promises Kept - 10/14/08 10:43 PM

God speed little Abbie. And Leigh, thank you for being such a wonderful loving home for her. hug2
Posted By: BeckiT

Re: Promises Kept - 10/14/08 11:57 PM

cry I'm so very sorry Leigh hug2
Posted By: nancy1202

Re: Promises Kept - 11/09/08 06:17 PM

Oh Leigh, what an amazing story and a heartfelt tribute to your little Abbie. I had to compose myself before replying. I am so very sorry for your loss. You changed her life, as she changed yours, and you obviously loved Abbie enough to let her go. As we get older, there are more and more of our loved ones waiting for us on the other side of the bridge. I have many loved ones, the human kind and the furry/scaly/feathery kind keeping your Abbie company as she glides 'free' hug2
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 11/10/08 12:15 AM

I am finally starting to catch up on all of my threads. I know this was hard for you and there were days when I knew this pain with Apollo. I am so sorry for you and still am. She is up there crabbing with Apollo now waiting for the day that we join them. God speed little crabby Abbie.
Posted By: Anonymous

Re: Promises Kept - 11/10/08 04:10 AM

Oh Leigh, things are just starting to slow down around here, and this is the first time I've stopped to actually READ the memorials page... Leigh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Your beautiful baby... I can't believe you've lost her. hug2 I'm just so sorry...
Posted By: SweetGliders

Re: Promises Kept - 03/06/09 08:37 PM

Oh Leigh, I am sitting her crying as I read your post. I am so sorry for your loss of your dear sweet Abbie. Seading healing prayers and hugs your way. hug2 hug2 hug2 hug2 hug2 hug2 hug2 hug2 hug2 hug2

Anita heart
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