16 Comments
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Casey B. Head's avatar

As much as we wish to guard their innocence as fathers, their carefree joy of living, we know that knowledge of our own mortality is an important part of the human experience. But one that can wait a little longer in your daughter's case.

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Fairbairn's avatar

My wife and I are expecting a daughter very soon, God willing. This was important for me to hear, thank you for this.

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Not a Glitch's avatar

With two daughters, I feel little pieces of this every day, in the smallest things. Tales of friends who decided to snub my beautiful sunshine girl for unknown reasons. My tender-hearted littlest not understanding why she can't always talk to a stranger.

Thank you for reminding me that we can hold back the dark sometimes. And thank you for the unintentional comfort of remembering I will one day be a part of the forest, my spirit gone home but my fingers in the soil.

You transcend the words, and we all become something else together.

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Gina Moore's avatar

Very sweet! Chickens are a great way to learn about the cycle of life. We lost our favorite hen a couple of weeks ago on my birthday. Just disappeared without a trace. We have lost 4 of our original 7 chickens in 3 years, but have gained 6 from one that got broody (and thanks to a chick that unexpectedly was a rooster). And now we have 3 beautiful, mild-mannered roosters, which presents a whole different problem.

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AD's avatar

I unfortunately had to teach my oldest about death when he was old enough to ask me where my own mama is. It is such a hard thing to explain to such a young and innocent mind.

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Benjamin Bravo's avatar

I was not quite ready for this one. It hurt.

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Ryan B. Anderson's avatar

We never are.

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Its Not Complicated's avatar

Touched my heart in so many places. ✨

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Ryan B. Anderson's avatar

I am so glad. Thank you for reading it.

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the witch in the glen's avatar

This is so beautiful. ❤️

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Ryan B. Anderson's avatar

Thank you. It was a hard one to get out.

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KMB's avatar

Corey TenBoom has a story in her book The Hiding Place where she asks her Father a question and he tells her, “See this suitcase? Can you carry it yet? No?…can you trust me to carry that knowledge for you a bit longer; it’s too heavy for you now.”

It’s a father’s job to protect and teach. God will give you wisdom to know when. James 1:5

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Ryan B. Anderson's avatar

Beautiful.

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George's avatar

Every death is a little cut I've found. After the war I thought I was immune to it but it's not true, especially with the little lights. When one of my chickens dies, I lose a hive, or even with hunting I've found I grieve just a little bit. My only solace is that when I can I make it quick because I hate prolonged suffering. This is the difference between man and raw nature. Nature doesn't care.

There's nothing wrong with sheltering them a little bit, especially before they can process death. My oldest understands but my youngest isn't there yet. For now he gets sheltered.

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OldMajor's avatar

*clears throat*

Well done,Sir.

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Saint Peter's Apprentice's avatar

So true.

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