On the farm, there are always days that are more difficult than others. Today is one of those days. For just over 14 years, Painted Rock Franklin has been around and, more recently, just kept me company in the barn. He was a quiet, gentle soul and would often just follow me around to see what I was doing. This morning, it became painfully obvious that it would necessary for me make the dreaded 'quality of life decision' for him.
Franklin was always a special fellow....he was chosen by my youngest daughter, Kristin, as her ram lamb to be shown at the local fair back in 2002. Kristin showed Franklin that same August and won Reserve Champion in the Open Class. She was so proud!
And this is one more reason that makes losing Franklin pretty tough...you see, Kristin passed away unexpectedly from complications following an emergency surgery just a couple of months after the fair in 2002. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to endure. My faith has sustained me through this loss all these years. I don't know where I would be today without my relationship with Christ and I cannot fathom walking through such depths without Him.
And this is one more reason that makes losing Franklin pretty tough...you see, Kristin passed away unexpectedly from complications following an emergency surgery just a couple of months after the fair in 2002. Losing a child is something no parent should ever have to endure. My faith has sustained me through this loss all these years. I don't know where I would be today without my relationship with Christ and I cannot fathom walking through such depths without Him.
In 2003, one year after Kristin's death, we took Franklin back to our county fair. A dear family friend, Chelsea, showed him in Kristin's honor and they won the Grand Champion ribbon. It was a bittersweet show season that year, one we will always remember.
When we chose our daughter's headstone, it was only fitting that Franklin join in honoring her short life. There is a small tribute page to her on our website but nothing on this earth can fill the loss. Our hope is in Christ and eternity in Heaven, where we will see her again...some day.
When we chose our daughter's headstone, it was only fitting that Franklin join in honoring her short life. There is a small tribute page to her on our website but nothing on this earth can fill the loss. Our hope is in Christ and eternity in Heaven, where we will see her again...some day.
Grand Champion Painted Rock Franklin 3/14/2002 - 4/07/2016 Today, Franklin crosses the Rainbow Bridge where I am sure Kristin is waiting to greet him.
Rest easy, sweet boy. Snuggle kisses to Kristin!
We'll see you all soon...
Rest easy, sweet boy. Snuggle kisses to Kristin!
We'll see you all soon...
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