On Love Moving On

Farming is not for the feint of heart. Once again, death has visited our doorstep. Our dear llama- Nellie- the guardian of our herd and the matriarch of all- passed on to a bigger and better world today. The beauty is her lifelong mate- who passed last year- was waiting at the gates for her with peaches and mounds of hay. I have wanted to be a llama farmer since I was 16 years old and had the great blessing of purchasing the farm in 2014. Out herd consisted of two llamas and 12 alpacas at one time. Today, six years later- we have seven alpacas. The ones we lost were all rescues and they all left their mark on our hearts. Today’s hit hardest- my mmama llama, the answer to all my dreams, and the one female among all my male animals, like my daughter had the good sense to be female. My daughter brightens my world, so, too, did Nellie. I love my boys to bits, but females bring a new perspective. Someone made comment to me that animals feel the changing of the season, and make decisions based on their ability to survive the winter. Nellie knew it was time. The last night I was in the pen, she locked eyes with me and rubbed my nose- a sign of trust and affection. She gave me kisses and she sighed. I believe she was telling me it was time. My heart hurts, but how lucky am I to have been able to live my dream - death and all. Nature is a harsh teacher, and the circle of life a great lesson. Where there is life there is hope. I think I will go llama shopping in mmama’s memory. Rest in peace sweet girl and give Dusk a snuggle from me.