We took our son's in-laws to see the new wing of my husband's museum on Saturday. It really is an impressive building. He also gave them a behind the scenes tour of his department, explaining how the ichthyologists do their work. We saw two of the special exhibits, the one about elephants, and one called Invisible Worlds, which is about life at the microscopic level. I especially loved being immersed in the visual narrative of the second exhibit, losing myself in the swirling images and color. After, we all went out to dinner, and as always when we spend time with my son's wife and her family, it was easy, warm, and good. Here are some pictures (including rare full body snaps of me).
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In the evening, after our son's in-laws were back on the train on their way home to New Jersey, our daughter's soon-to-be in-laws arrived. They were sleeping over with us after spending the day with our daughter and their son/brother, having driven from upstate to offer support in our children's time of grief. My daughter and her love are just so sad. It is excruciating for me to just stand back and allow them to manage what they are going through, I want to jump in and fix it all, as if I could possibly take away their pain. I can't. I just have to watch and know that they are struggling, that they are reliving again and again waking up and finding that Munch had died. My daughter had set her alarm to check on him every two hours through the night, and when the 3AM alarm woke her, he was gone. "We wailed for hours," she told me. I cannot even imagine it. They were so connected to that dog. He made my daughter so happy. No matter what kind of day she had had, he was there to cuddle and coo with. And now they are in the apartment with his toys everywhere, but he's never coming back home. I think he chose his time. My daughter described how, the night before, he came to her bedside and nuzzled her hand, and she petted him peacefully. I think he was saying goodbye.
I’m so very sorry to hear that Munch is gone. I’m so happy he had the very best home with so much love. Hugs
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Barbara
That looks like it was a great outing. It's good that you all get along so well. I would love to go visit your husband at work to see what an ichthyologist does. Here's a question for him- does he like seafood?
ReplyDeleteI know that your daughter is deeply grieving. I am so very, very sorry for her and her man. I hope that she can come to peace with the knowledge that Munch's life was not long, but it was so good. I'm sure he got more love than most dogs get in a long life-time.
that looks like a great outing and a fabulous museum and how great to get the behind the scenes tour.
ReplyDeletethey know and they do wait and say goodbye. my daughter and son-in-law's old dog was failing and they knew it. my daughter sat up with him until her husband got home and she went to bed. not long after my sil arrived and sat with him, Ford let himself go. it is always so sad whether it is expected or sudden.
Your museum tour sounds wonderful. Your husband's personal expertise must have made the tour perfect and informative. Munch has left a big hole in everyone's life. He was much-loved and always present. I remember your photos of Munch in Cambridge, MA. These losses are very hard. I agree, the night before, Munch was saying goodbye. His life was much to short.
ReplyDeleteLove the photos. I think Much was saying goodbye too and he wanted to die alone. When my best friend was dying, her husband and I stepped out of the room for a moment to talk about their dog and while he was out of the room, Shirley slipped away. I imagine he blames me for missing it, but I think she was grateful that I distracted him so that she could slip away. At least I hope so.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're all together to support each other.
ReplyDeleteSwimming in color all swirly and bright! WOW, that is like eating an entire bowl of all of the colors with prism sauce. That experience probably enhanced your dreams!
ReplyDeleteSo so sorry about Munchie pup. That is a sadness that will be for as long as one lives. Pups do that, probably on purpose- as long as he is remembered with heart and soul, he is still here. Always. Love pup. I miss my Dexter so much, I will not get another.
The photo of you framed by the architecture of the museum is really a class act. Lovely.
ReplyDeleteMy daughter lost her dog/child of twelve years while she was all alone in Pakistand during the pandemic. It was agony for me not to be able to go to her. We can't take their pain, alas, but we can share it.
Wow, what a fun exhibit. You all look lovely too.
ReplyDeleteThe museum looks fabulous (and so do you!) I like the video showing your husband - he looks so proud of his workplace as he should be.
ReplyDeleteGlad that your daughter and her fiance have such wonderful support.
Wonderful photos of you and the family gathering. You all look so happy and delighted to be together... especially posing with that elephant!
ReplyDeleteLosing our furry companions is a true heartbreak. They do live in our hearts forever. (NewRobin13)
I love the photos of the museum and all the swirling colors, and of course it's great to see you and your family too. I'm sure your daughter is incredibly sad about Munch. It was such a shock and it will take time. That's a very sweet and sad image, of him nuzzling her hand on his last night.
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