Monday, April 18, 2011

The Final Adventure

Freckles
July 25, 2004 - April 13, 2011


Freckles: Deb, will you tell me the story?

Deb: Of course, I will, my lovely little Freckles. Climb up into my lap. Are you sure you want to hear it?

Freckles: Yes. I think it’s time. This is nice - just the two of us and the story.

Deb: You’re right. It is nice. Where should I start?

Freckles: Tell about the bridge first.

Deb: Well, there’s this beautiful bridge that holds up a rainbow. The story about the bridge is based on a Norse Legend. Here’s how it goes:

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to the Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.


All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.


They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.


You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.


Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....


Author unknown...



Freckles: I think that’s a very good story.

Deb:  It is a good story, isn't it?

Freckles:  Now tell a story about me.

Deb: I love to tell stories about you. There once was a wonderfully brave bunny.

Freckles: You think I’m brave?

Deb: Yes, I do. This brave little bunny explored new worlds, stared down a tornado, confronted a bear, and fought off robbers. She was a strong bunny who always saved the day.

Freckles: Wow! I am brave!

Deb:  The bravest.

Freckles:  Uh, Deb, sorry about the carpet.

Deb: That’s okay, Freckles. Bunnies gotta chew. What are a few little holes in the carpet between friends?

Freckles: I think it’s time now. I’m so tired. Is it okay to go to sleep?

Deb: Yes, my dear Freckles. Lay down and sleep. I will stay here with you.

Freckles: I love you, Deb, and I’ll be waiting for you.

Deb: I love you too. Rest, sweet Freckles. It’s been an amazing adventure.


Dear Friends,
I am sorry to tell you that my beautiful Freckles passed away at 11:00 a.m on Wednesday, April 13. Her brave little heart needed a rest. It has taken me almost a week to be able to share our last adventure. The Year of Freckles didn’t exactly turn out as we had planned. But I know she’s waiting for me at the Rainbow Bridge with all of her bunny buddies who have gone before.

We want to thank our wonderful friends who have followed our adventures here. We have enjoyed sharing our adventures with you and hope you got a chuckle, widened your eyes in surprise, or at least enjoyed a story or two. Until we meet again…
Love,
Deb

A special note from Nice Guy
"Binky Free, Freckles."
Freckles, you will be missed. We will miss your hopping around our feet when we opened a plastic sack or plastic bag in your earshot. We will miss your poking your head around the corner into the kitchen when we opened a drawer. We will miss your nudging your head into our hands to get a head rub when we tied our shoes. We will miss telling you all our problems, and your making them go away by eating.

Freckles, you helped me through a very rough patch in my life, and for that you will never be forgotten. I love you!!

Brinky free with your rabbit friends at the Rainbow Bridge.
Love,
Nice Guy

59 comments:

Christina said...

Ah Freckles. I hate to hear that you had to leave us. What a wonderful life you had. I think you and Deb were very lucky to have each other and being there at the end makes all the difference for the both of you. Godspeed on your journey to the Summerlands dear Freckles. You will be missed.

Hugs to Deb from the whole bunny clan here.

d. moll, l.ac. said...

Freckles will be so missed all over the world...I hardly know what to say...binky free and often Queen of the Spots.

Rachel Hamby said...

You will be missed, Freckles. You brought a lot of smiles to Deb's face, which inspired her to share stories that made others smile. You can't ask for much more from a loving pet!

Anonymous said...

NO! Deb I am so sorry. My heart is broken for you. Diana (theqipapers) just posted on facebook and I saw it and immediately came to read. I stopped blogging some time ago. My heart is broken for you. Thank you for sharing your adventures. I always loved reading them. You are an amazing writer. I am so so sorry you do not have Freckles with you any more. Your final story is just beautiful and I pray you will see her again one day in Glory. My heart and my prayers go with you. And hugs. Love, carri ann (aka fidget's mum)

Lisa Schroeder said...

I'm so very sorry, Deb. I know you must be heartbroken. What a lucky little bunny Freckles was to share a home with you!!

RG said...

Oh dear - thanks for letting us know. So hard. So sad. Good luck.

If the future holds another bunny sometime, get back to blogging!

Best of luck with writing - a hard but rewarding endeavor I bet!

Glenna said...

Ohhhhhh, I am so sorry to hear about Freckles. So hard to lose such a dear family member. The Bunnyman will be waiting for Freckles at the Bridge to show her the ropes, the best places to binky in the clover and the tastiest treats. All our best, Glenna, Peaches, Pink and Elvis.

PJ said...

I started blogging because I wanted to know more about house rabbits and your blog was one of the first I came to know. Your relationship with Freckles was such an inspiration and now that I have a bun of my own I can honestly say that without you and Freckles to set an example I don't know that I would have become a bun mum. We love you and will miss our girl, Miss Freckles.

Kisses and nose bumpies,
Paula & Keating

The Fab Furs said...

"The World According to Freckles" showcased an indomitable spirit. Now she waits at the bridge with a plentiful supply of dandylions. Our condolences on your loss. Bertie and Mercedes Bun.

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh we are crying very hard - we are so sorry MissDeb and MrNiceGuy. We loved Freckles and we thought she was very brave and very beautiful. Our the mom's face is leaking hard too.

Freckles, we don't like saying goodbye to you dear little bunny friend, so we will just say "Until we meet at the Bridge"

Binkie free Freckles. We will miss you very much

Jans Funny Farm said...

Oh, Deb, I am so sorry about Freckles. I had no idea Freckles wasn't doing well. I just thought you were too busy to post.

This is a beautiful tribute post to the adorable Freckles. Hugs to you.

Deb Shucka said...

My heart breaks for you. I'm so sorry. Freckles was one of a kind, and had the most amazing power of bringing laughter into the world of everyone who knew her.

Ann (bunnygirl) said...

I'm so sorry, Deb. Freckles was a good friend in the bunny blogosphere and will be missed.

Binky free with Tidbit and all our departed bunny friends at the Bridge, dear Freckles! You are not forgotten.

Kimbra Kasch said...

So sorry Deb. I know how hard it is to lose a loved one :(

Asta said...

Oh Fweckles
I had missed you but had no idea you wewe tiwed and weady to sleep and wait fow Deb at the bwidge.I know you will be bwinging joy to all ow fwiends thew and munching youw favowite nummies and hopping happily wif new enewgy ovew those gween gween fields.
I will miss you, but keep you in my heawt, and I'm suwe I will meet you someday ovew the bwidge and be able to give you my smoochie kisses , gently on youw soft bunny head.

You wewe so lucky to shawe youw life wif Deb and thwoo hew wif us and be wapped in love always.
Sweet dweams till we meet againsweet fwiend
smoochie kisses
ASTA

pee ess, Deb, I hope we heaw fwom you again..we love you

Jade said...

Oh, Deb--when I got your message about Freckles' Final Adventure, it broke my heart. She was a lovely bun and I always enjoyed reading about her adventures through your blog. Mickey and I wish her godspeed as she makes her way across the bridge to new adventures (and knowing Freckles, there will be many). You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers. *hugs*

Raymond and Busby said...

Aw, we didn't know Freckles but we feel like we did after just reading her last post. Fly free Freckles and we will see you on the other side. xoxo

DKM said...

We know that Freckles is hopping fields of endless kale and parsley with all our other bunny friends. Sending love.

RoadBunner said...

I am so so sorry to hear about Freckles. You and her were one of our very first bunny blogger friends and I hope you will find a way to keep in touch if you aren't blogging.

I have no doubt that Freckles is somewhere beautiful with all of our departed friends and there are endless treats and binkies for everyone.

((hugs))

The Royals and Gentleman Beau said...

We hear the fresh Spring grass at The bridge this time of year is especially lovely.

The loving way you wrote of Freckles' last storytime made Our eyes leak.

Rest for at The Bridge, sweet Freckles, and We will all see you one day soon.

Our Deepest Condolences,

Rose and the Royals

Lorna said...

I'm sorry Freckles has hopped off to the bridge leaving a big bunny shaped hole in your heart. They can never stay long enough.

I'm sure Scout is trying to show Freckles her bacon tree while Sage says "Ignore her, she's crazy."

Crafty Green Poet said...

Oh I'm so sorry Freckles has gone! I always enjoyed reading her adventures! Anya will be waiting for her at the bridge...

tfangel said...

Sorry we will no longer have Freckles with us, but much love was given and received.

The Cat Realm said...

tears streaming - thank you for leaving a comment at our blog and letting us know - we will always remember you.
deb gave you the loveliest good bye - we know you are at peace - one day we all will be....
lots of purrs
the cat realm

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Tears....I'm so sorry. She was such a beautiful girl and I truly enjoyed her adventures. She is among good friends on the other side of the bridge. Sending hugs for your heart Deb.
Friends always,
Shell, Sugie and Harrington

Lisa Alto said...

So sorry to hear the news Deb. Big hugs to you from our side of the pond.
Your blog was one of the first bunny blogs we signed up to, and we've really enjoyed reading all your stories.

Take care,
Lisa, Buttons and Bella xxx

Keithius said...

We will all miss you over here, Freckles.

You were much loved.

Hef's Mom said...

Oh Deb, I'm so sorry to hear about Freckles. Your post was lovely. We will all miss her exciting adventures.

Jans Funny Farm said...

PS - Condolences to Nice Guy too, as he is also missing Freckles.

Karen M said...

So sorry to hear about sweet Freckles crossing the bridge. Our time with our beautiful bunnies always seems to be too short. Hugs to you.

Anonymous said...

Binky Free, Freckles. We will miss our adventure.

- The Fluffies -

Deb, I'm so sorry about ur loss :((
My heart is broken for you. Freckles will miss u too. But u know it is just for temporary. We will meet our love one again when the time comes.

- nerq -

The Island Cats said...

We heard about Freckles going to the Rainbow Bridge. Even though we really didn't know her, we can tell she was a special bunny. We send you comforting purrs and headbutts to help during this sad time.

Wally, Ernie & Zoey

Lisa said...

I can't tell you how sorry I am for your loss. Your final tribute was absolutely beautiful. You had such a wonderful, unique relationship, and I so enjoyed reading it. Best of luck to you in life, Deb. You and Freckles will both be sorely missed. Binky free at the bridge, Freck.

Anonymous said...

Dear Deb: My Mom just shared the last adventure with me and I am sad. I will miss my friend Freckles and all the great smells Freckles provided when I visited your house. Just like a good smell, the memories of our best friends linger long after their walk over the rainbow bridge. When you are sad, eat a carrot. That's what I am going to do today. Your friend, Figs

Robyn Waters said...

Bye Freckles. You will always be in the space next to Deb's heart so I guess I won't have to miss you too much since that's one of my favorite places to visit. Please find Hermes and say hi for me. I don't know if you like Hamsters or not but he's one of the best.

Bon Voyage, dear bunny.

Anonymous said...

Frank and I shared a long cuddle after I finished reading this post... I'm so sorry to hear that Freckles is gone. Thank you for sharing his story with the world. Best wishes to you.

Anonymous said...

my heart is broken for you.

Friend of the Animals said...

Dang. I hate hearing such sad news, it always makes me cry. Freckles had a good life with you. Thanks for sharing your stories.

Hilda said...

Thank you for sharing Freckle's adventures. I am sad to hear she's going to the Bridge, but I know she'll have lots of friends there!

Kat's Kats said...

May the memories of love outweigh the grief of loss.

Much love,
The Teenage Mutant Ninja Kitty Horde & their Feeders

Mel said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. I loved reading about Freckles. Binky free sweet bunny.

SixBunnies said...

Freckles, you sure are a brave, wonderful bunny! I can't wait to meet you someday! Rest up in that clover and soft grass, Freckles, you sweet baby! You have lots and lots of binkying to do when you wake up! Thank you, Deb, for all you've shared. Bless you both!

LauraHinNJ said...

Awww... I love a bunny named Freckles, too.

Sorry for your loss.

Anonymous said...

How is it that a special bunny that we have never met can leave such an empty spot in our heart? I've been blubbering as if she were one of my own for well over an hour.
Freckles we can only imagine what great adventures you will be up to across the bridge.
Deb and Nice Guy my heart goes out to you, these are the hardest losses as they come too soon.
Hugs from my bunnies to you and know that Freckles couldn't have been loved any more then she was.

Erin said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.

Anonymous said...

Oh, Deb, I'm so sorry! Freckles was such a joy to read about. Such attitude from such a little bun! Peace be with you. This is the first and only time I've commented. But, I had to let you know you are thought of and loved.
Sarah

Clovie Boy said...

I'm sorry for your loss too. Your post makes me cry each time I read it. Such a touching way to say good bye.

I like to think that one day I will be reunited with all my lost loved ones. What a joyful moment that will be.

Pepper said...

What a wonderful post that brought me to tears. I'm so sorry to hear about Freckles, what a terrible loss. Thank you for sharing Freckles adventures. x

Natascha said...

So sad and ao sorry brought tears to my eyes. So sad when one of our babies leaves us. I always pray my dear departed pet is so happy in their new place that they dont miss me at all. I image them full of joy and it comforts me. God bless.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We came by to thank you for so many smiles. Even a last one as we smiled through our tears at Freckles' final brave adventure.

We hope your heart has begun the healing process. It sure is painful when we lose one of our furries. And then we hurt again when someone else loses a furry.

We could read the love in this story.

Anonymous said...

so sorry for your loss. currently having 19 and many in the past who have come and gone, i feel your grief. take comfort in the fact you loved and gave to one who loved and gave back. take care

BipolarBunny said...

I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say. I'm just so sorry.

Anonymous said...

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Take care and have a nice day :-)

EFT Tapping Technique said...

What's important is that freckles gave precious joy to most of us. That is, valuable.

bunnythreads said...

Deb I just found out. I can't bear it. My heart breakk for you. I am the worst at this, I could not get thru your wonderful story...My goodness, I guess I have endured too many losses I feel like I am in the room next to you...sharing your loss. I sobbed at your story and had to stop as tears made me unable to see. It will play thry my mind forever-your words-your Freckles.I am so so sorry Deb.
Thank you for sharing so much

Anonymous said...

Hello Deb.I am visiting via Catbird Scout.
If you have the time please visit my blog at Textilosophy Oz, and look at the posting for Monday June 8th, 2009. I had not heard of the Raibow Ridge or the term 'Summerlands' at that point. The experience I had was very vivid and I'm sure your dear Freckles is now with the many rabbits featured on that post. Sorry for your recent loss of dear Freckles. I had such a dear rabbit once - they are such characters!

Teena in Toronto said...

I'm sorry about Freckles.

Our dog, KC, when to the Rainbow Bridge in May.

BinkiesandFlops said...

I am sooo sorry to hear of your loss...our animals are the best of us, our hearts. Bless you and your wee Freckles...xo

Christine said...

Gasp! I'm blogging with Sammy again after an extended leave, you can't imagine my sadness upon hearing of Freckles's final adventure. I started reading of her adventures from the furry beginning with a tear in my eyes, and I really hope the blog remains up for all to read and re-read. Hugs to you and thanks for the sweetest of storytellings!