Good Night, Diana
Last night, amidst some great news about one of my books, my wife and I came home to some very sad news delivered by my daughter, bless her heart.
Her beloved hamster Diana had suddenly passed away. This was her first hamster ever, whom she fed, cared for, and really loved. Diana was a very busy and playful hamster that loved to run, climb, and rearrange her cage, but she would always let my daughter hold her and snuggle.
Because Diana was so busy running around in her cage, she was too noisy to stay in my daughter’s bedroom over night. So we’d move her cage into my office every night, which worked out nicely. The routine was for everyone to say, “Good night, Diana!” Then in the morning my daughter would greet her with a “Good morning, Diana!” feed her, and bring her back to her room.
We were all sad, and wept with my daughter for Diana. With heavy hearts, we laid her to rest in a nice little box lined with her favorite bedding, and offered some nice words about her before saying a prayer.
As I held my daughter while she wept, I reminded her that we were so blessed to have loved such a wonderful little bundle of love, and that God is good, in the happy times and the sad.
Here are some scriptures that comforted us:
“The Lord giveth and the Lord taketh, blessed be the name of the Lord.”
He will give “Beauty for ashes.”
“Weeping may last through the night, but joy comes with the morning.”
To some, it might seem trivial–“It’s just a hamster.” But I admit that I shed some tears when I was alone last night, not just because I loved that cute critter, but that my daughter loved her. And my heart breaks for my little girl. I know she’ll learn that ’tis better to have loved and lost, than not to have loved at all,” and what C.S. Lewis taught:
“To love at all is to be vulnerable. Love anything, and your heart will certainly be wrung and possibly broken. If you want to make sure of keeping it intact, you must give your heart to no one, not even to an animal.”
At a young age, my kids have experienced the loss of two grandmothers, the family cat, a dear friend of the family, all in the last few years. But as Diana was my daughter’s very own hamster, I’m sure it feels like losing a child to her. I’ll have to be strong for her, and hold her hand through the loss of her first own pet. But we’ll get through this, I’m sure. And we’ll learn how to handle death as well as life, sorrows, as well as joy, and hellos as well as goodbyes.
So, for now, “Good night, Diana. We love you, and will never forget you.”
Do you have kids who’ve lost loved ones or pets? How did you comfort them and strengthen them through the experience? I’d love to hear from you.
PS: If you like, please feel free to leave some words of encouragement for my little girl. I think it’ll mean a lot to her.
Joshua Graham is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author, winner of the International Book Award and Forward National Literature Award. His thrillers include DARKROOM, LATENT IMAGE and BEYOND JUSTICE, and TERMINUS. Graham's works have been characterized as thought-provoking page-turners.
Legal Notice: All information on this website and blog are from Mr. Graham's personal experience and insight and should not be viewed in any way, directly or inferred, as qualified professional advice.
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My heart goes out to your daughter in this time of loss.
Thanks, Doug. That means a lot!
I was devasted when my first pet, a hamster named Hearweum, passed away when I was only 8 years old. I know what you are feeling. I’m 62 now & still remember the pain of losing him. I hope this poem brings you comfort, dear, sweet girl!
The Rainbow Bridge
By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,
Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.
Where the friends of man and woman do run,
When their time on earth is over and done.
For here, between this world and the next,
Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.
On this golden land, they wait and they play,
Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.
No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,
For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.
Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,
Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.
They romp through the grass, without even a care,
Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.
All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,
Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.
For just at that instant, their eyes have met;
Together again, both person and pet.
So they run to each other, these friends from long past,
The time of their parting is over at last.
The sadness they felt while they were apart,
Has turned into joy once more in each heart.
They embrace with a love that will last forever,
And then, side-by-side, they cross over… together.
Thank you so much, Andrea. That brought a tear to my eye. I will share it with my little girl and I know she will be comforted.
I am so sorry to hear that your beloved Diana has passed away. We have lost loved pets, my beloved mom, nephew and brother – in -law but knowing we will see them ALL again. I am praying for your family.
Thank you, Lorrie. Our family appreciates your understanding.
I lost my beloved Jack Russell Terrier after 11 years with us, my husband gave her to me as a wedding gift. Our family was devastated, we had a funeral for her. The veterinarian had placed a tiny bouquet of flowers between her paws and laid her in a sleeping position in her little coffin, we had to have her put to sleep due to illness. Those last moments with her were not sad, it was the first time she had slept peacefully in a long time. I believe in the RAINBOW BRIDGE and it would be beautiful to read to your daughter. My prayers are with you and I know Diana passed knowing how much she is loved. RIP
Thank you for your thoughts and lovely sentiments. Much appreciated.