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.
Godspeed, Betsy, and Bean and Donna...may time speed its passage to heal your hearts sooner.
Posted by: Sandy Weaver Carman | August 30, 2008 at 04:35 AM
I send my condolence to you and your family.
Posted by: Geo | August 30, 2008 at 04:57 AM
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
Posted by: Maria | August 30, 2008 at 05:43 AM
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
Posted by: Ana | August 30, 2008 at 07:05 AM
Very sorry to hear that Bean. Thoughts from my wife and I to you and your family.
Posted by: DanGarion | August 30, 2008 at 07:31 AM
Your loving tributes to your animals always make me cry.
R.I.P. Betsy.
Posted by: Diane | August 30, 2008 at 07:33 AM
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.
Posted by: Raul | August 30, 2008 at 07:57 AM
Oh Bean! I'm so sorry.
Posted by: Nicole | August 30, 2008 at 08:14 AM
Aww...sorry Bean. At least Betsy died while in the care of a family who loved her.
Posted by: EditThis | August 30, 2008 at 08:50 AM
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.
Posted by: Nicole | August 30, 2008 at 09:23 AM
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.
Posted by: HeatherMichelle | August 30, 2008 at 09:27 AM
Sorry for your loss. Losses in life are always tough whether bovine or other.
-Dave
Posted by: Dave w | August 30, 2008 at 10:03 AM
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!!
Posted by: Cindy | August 30, 2008 at 10:43 AM
Betsy's twilight years couldn't have been in more loving hands than yours and Donna's. RIP, Betsy.
Posted by: LA | August 30, 2008 at 10:52 AM
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.
Posted by: kate | August 30, 2008 at 11:11 AM
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!
Posted by: Carrie | August 30, 2008 at 11:12 AM
My condolences to you and your family.
Posted by: Stacey | August 30, 2008 at 11:36 AM
I am so sorry for your loss, Bean. It is never easy to sad goodbye, no matter how prepared you think you may be.
Posted by: Nina | August 30, 2008 at 11:54 AM
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.
Posted by: Judy | August 30, 2008 at 01:17 PM
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.
Posted by: Lynne_T | August 30, 2008 at 01:30 PM
*hugs*
Posted by: Rose | August 30, 2008 at 01:35 PM
My condolences, Bean and Donna.
Posted by: Sunny Days | August 30, 2008 at 04:23 PM
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.....
Posted by: angie | August 30, 2008 at 10:44 PM
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....
Posted by: Cam | August 30, 2008 at 10:48 PM
Bean and family...your love for animals is a example of someone with a big heart, my condolences and prayers.
Posted by: TIM | August 31, 2008 at 09:37 AM
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
Posted by: Kathryne | August 31, 2008 at 03:57 PM
the picture of you and betsy just made my heart ache. i am so very sorry. you're love of betsy touched my soul.
Posted by: cathy g | August 31, 2008 at 07:59 PM
Bean,
I'm very sorry to hear about your loss. Please extend my condolences to Donna.
Posted by: Roland C | August 31, 2008 at 09:27 PM
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.
Posted by: leigh | September 01, 2008 at 05:04 AM
Bean, Donna, & family,
I am so sorry for the loss of your beloved Betsy.
Posted by: LiLa | September 01, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Bean & Donna,
I'm so sorry to hear about Betsy.
Best Wishes,
Lillian
Posted by: Lillian | September 02, 2008 at 06:52 AM
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
Posted by: alisa | September 02, 2008 at 07:49 AM
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.
Posted by: The Secret | September 02, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Bean, I'm sorry to hear about Betsy. Take comfort in the life and happiness you gave her in her twilight years.
Posted by: Kim Simons | September 02, 2008 at 11:32 AM
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.
Posted by: stonermoog | September 02, 2008 at 05:13 PM
i am so sorry. you are a love, bean.
Posted by: monica | September 02, 2008 at 09:34 PM
I'm so sorry Bean.
Posted by: Casey | September 03, 2008 at 11:20 AM
So sorry to hear about your loss, Bean. May Betsy rest in peace.
Posted by: Christine | September 03, 2008 at 03:22 PM
I was bummed that the blog was coming to an end and absolutely saddened about Betsy. I hope you and Donna will be ok.
Posted by: Chris G. | September 03, 2008 at 03:33 PM
I'm so sorry. Thank you for sharing her with us.
Posted by: Robin | September 03, 2008 at 09:17 PM
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.
Posted by: gina | September 04, 2008 at 10:17 AM
That's tough.
You both have full hearts.
Posted by: TandJ | September 04, 2008 at 11:31 PM
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!
Posted by: Anna | September 08, 2008 at 10:35 AM
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.
Posted by: Hurricane | September 10, 2008 at 12:35 PM
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.
Posted by: Debi | September 11, 2008 at 10:03 PM
:-( i'm so sorry :-(
Posted by: michelle k | September 12, 2008 at 09:17 AM
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.
Posted by: Effrim | September 24, 2008 at 04:04 AM
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
Posted by: Melissa. B | September 24, 2008 at 09:38 AM
WTF Bean. Give me my SWL! Thanks. Huge fan of the blog
Posted by: Jesus your gardner | September 25, 2008 at 08:17 AM
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/
Posted by: Bananafish | September 25, 2008 at 11:44 PM