Fish Heaven

"Emma, I think that your fish has gone to Fish Heaven."
...Silence...
"Emma, it looks like Goldie went to be with Jesus tonight."

Her little face just dropped and she gave me a hug. I don't think she knew how to process her feelings.  Suddenly the tears began to fall and she told me that Goldie went to be with Jesus and was happier there because Jesus had a bigger fish tank than we had and the tank had more fish so Goldie was making new friends.  She figured Goldie was getting lonely all by herself in our tank. 

I told her that even though Goldie's heart was with Jesus in Heaven that we still had to bury her body that was here.  I told Duane to get the fish out of the tank and prepare for burial.  Thankfully, Emma wasn't able to get a good look at Goldie dead in the tank because the fish had been sucked up against the filter and was attached through suction.  Not how one wants to remember their beloved first fish I assume!  I told Emma that it would be best to do a burial "at sea" or otherwise known as DOWN THE TOILET.  She told Duane that she did not want to watch so she gave Goldie her last goodbye, Duane prayed a beautiful prayer of remembrance, and Goldie was flushed. 

This was Emma's first big loss and she was very sad for the rest of the night but did come to the conclusion that it would be OK to replace Goldie with a different fish in a few days.  She made sure I knew that she will never forget Goldie.  This was a relief to mommy-- not because I want fish-- but because we paid enough money for the starter tank that something needs to live in it!

Emma is resting now but I am sure tomorrow will bring renewed grief and agony when she remembers what happened tonight when she got home....