A Sad Postscript

P.S. After several months of declining health, some of which I have chronicled here in earlier posts, our beloved cow Betsy decided to stop fighting back on Thursday.

She was only with us for a little more than four years but we loved her as if we had raised her from a calf. And even though we knew she was quite elderly when we took her in, we still always hoped we would get even more time with her.

I honestly expected yesterday's post would be my last for this cycle of StronglyWordedLetter.com but so many of you expressed well wishes for Betsy this summer that I felt I owed you this update. I'm sorry it is not better news.

When our dear friend Christine was visiting us over the 4th of July weekend she took this photograph down by the barn. I was not aware that she was even taking the picture but I vividly remember the conversation I was having with Betsy at the time. It was one Donna and I had often with her in recent months. We always told her that we loved her very much. We also told her that it was up to her when she wanted to go but we would do everything we could to keep her alive and comfortable until she was ready. Thursday she was ready. We will miss her so much.

Comments

[Sandy Weaver Carman]

Godspeed, Betsy, and Bean and Donna...may time speed its passage to heal your hearts sooner.

[Geo]

I send my condolence to you and your family.

[Maria]

Oh, Bean. I'm so sorry to hear about Betsy. Not sure why I even checked your blog today after your sign off yesterday, but now I know it was to offer a bit of sympathy to you and Donna. I'm sure you made those last years her best.
xo
Maria

[Ana]

I'm truly sorry, Bean and Donna (and everyone else in your family). You, both, have had a rough summer and wish you all much love and peace for the rest of the year.
Best Wishes,
Ana

[DanGarion]

Very sorry to hear that Bean. Thoughts from my wife and I to you and your family.

[Diane]

Your loving tributes to your animals always make me cry.

R.I.P. Betsy.

[Raul]

I had a funny urge to check the site out one more time and now I know why. Sorry to hear about your's and Donna's loss. Betsy is in cow heaven now running around with all the other cows and eating all the hay she wants.

[Nicole]

Oh Bean! I'm so sorry.

[EditThis]

Aww...sorry Bean. At least Betsy died while in the care of a family who loved her.

[Nicole]

That is the sweetest photo; you can see how much you loved her...

I am so sorry about Betsy. She sure had the best possible parents and the best home, though. You know she was happy.

[HeatherMichelle]

I am so sorry for your loss but you and Donna are wonderful people to take such great care and give so much love to your pets. You are both in my thoughts.

[Dave w]

Sorry for your loss. Losses in life are always tough whether bovine or other.

-Dave

[Cindy]

Here I was checking the blog just to see if there were any new comments from yesterday and what do I find....more sad news! So sorry Bean. At least one more blog when you get home about your adventure.....pleeease! Be safe and happy and thanks for the laughs!!

[LA]

Betsy's twilight years couldn't have been in more loving hands than yours and Donna's. RIP, Betsy.

[kate]

I am sorry for your loss, but I know that you gave her four wonderful years.

Your earlier posts on Betsy led me to become a vegetarian and I am so grateful for that.

You and Donna are truly an inspiration. Thank you.

[Carrie]

What a sweet face. I'm so sorry for you guys. It's been a rough summer. Just know that everyone is in a better place and they're all romping around in heaven now!

[Stacey]

My condolences to you and your family.

[Nina]

I am so sorry for your loss, Bean. It is never easy to sad goodbye, no matter how prepared you think you may be.

[Judy]

Bean:
I know everyone you work with makes fun of your blog, but I have been a big fan since the beginning. I am so sorry for the loss of your family member. It is heart warming to know that you made her last days happy. I will miss reading you blogs. Please reconsider and at least keep up with Tator Tot Fridays.

[Lynne_T]

Bean and Donna,
Know that your cow Betsy appreciated the love and encouragement you gave her. I am sure in her way she showed her your appreciation. I am hoping the memories of the short time you had with her will help you is this sad time.

[Rose]

*hugs*

[Sunny Days]

My condolences, Bean and Donna.

[angie]

My deepest condolences to you, Donna and the rest of the clan. She will be missed but never forgotten. Time heals all wounds, even the ones that shake you to the core. Much love to you all.....

[Cam]

Oh, I am so very sorry to read about Betsy. Again, her forever home could not have been more loving and peaceful. The very best to you Bean and Donna. I will miss reading your blog. It was always a pleasant way to start my day! Ciao....

[TIM]

Bean and family...your love for animals is a example of someone with a big heart, my condolences and prayers.

[Kathryne]

Awh, Bean, I'm sorry to hear about Betsy. Those are beautiful pictures of her.
And I didn't get a chance to comment yesterday, but I hope you have a safe trip. Also that there isn't too long between seasons.
<3 kathryne

[cathy g]

the picture of you and betsy just made my heart ache. i am so very sorry. you're love of betsy touched my soul.

[Roland C]

Bean,

I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Please extend my condolences to Donna.

[leigh]

I am so sad to learn of the passing of your baby Betsy. I am very sorry for your lose. It is so hard to loose a pet, they are such wonderful friends.

[LiLa]

Bean, Donna, & family,

I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Betsy.

[Lillian]

Bean & Donna,
I'm so sorry to hear about Betsy.
Best Wishes,
Lillian

[alisa]

thanks for the update. i had assumed that she was doing better. this is so sad, you and donna have lost too many kids this past year.

be well, and take care

[The Secret]

The amount of sadness you feel over your loss reflects the amount of love you gave.

It does hurt, and it's OK to be sad.

Upon reflection in the coming days, weeks and months, you will smile and he happy of the time you shared.

[Kim Simons]

Bean, I'm sorry to hear about Betsy. Take comfort in the life and happiness you gave her in her twilight years.

[stonermoog]

I am so sorry for your loss. Just know that for the time that Betsy was with you and Donna she had the very best quality of life possible. You gave her the comfort and love of a very good home. Betsy, like all of your animals, won the jackpot when she landed with you. You guys should be proud.

[monica]

i am so sorry. you are a love, bean.

[Casey]

I'm so sorry Bean.

[Christine]

So sorry to hear about your loss, Bean. May Betsy rest in peace.

[Chris G.]

I was bummed that the blog was coming to an end and absolutely saddened about Betsy. I hope you and Donna will be ok.

[Robin]

I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing her with us.

[gina]

Hi Bean,
So sorry about Betsy. When I die I want to come back as a cow on your farm. I so enjoy your blog and look forward to your return.

Best wishes always.

[TandJ]

That's tough.
You both have full hearts.

[Anna]

Bean and Donna,

I am so very sorry for your loss. Just know that she could not have had a better family to spend her last years with!

[Hurricane]

Betsy may have been the luckiest bovine that ever walked this spinning orb...your place sounds pretty amazing, and the animals you have on the Bean-derosa are lucky to have you and your wife as caretakers...we should all be so fortunate.

[Debi]

Betsy was fortunate to live out her live with you and Donna. She went out as a happy cow and she wasn't even in California! My deepest condolences.

[michelle k]

:-( i'm so sorry :-(

[Effrim]

Hey Bean, We moved to Australia about 10 yrs ago. This is the 1st time I've checked out your blog and this is the post that comes up. I am so sorry about this. We live on 10 Ac's with 5 goats, 4 cats and a dog and each one is a part of the family. If we lost any one of them we would be devastated so I can't even imagine. And the photo says it all. We are so sorry for your loss and wish you and the family all the best.

[Melissa. B]

I am so sorry to hear about your loss. Last November we lost our family dog Chocolate. We had him for 15 years, he was such a good dog ( mainly because we never put stupid pet customes on him!!)

Something tells me Betsy had a great life....

-melissa

[Jesus your gardner]

WTF Bean. Give me my SWL! Thanks. Huge fan of the blog

[Bananafish]

When I was a kid I wanted a cow named Betsy for some reason. I'm really sorry about your loss.

http://twowhiteboys.com/2008/