A Miracle In The Woods

Four years and almost two months ago, Colby picked out a goldfish at Walmart that cost $0.28. He actually picked out two fish. One died. He got another. It died (leaving behind some evidence of being eaten by Whitey.) He got another. It died -- and was definitely eaten by Whitey. We decided to let Whitey live alone!

For whatever reason, Whitey has thrived while living in a teeny tank in Colby's room. He barely has room to turn around in it!

Last week I noticed that Whitey was not moving a whole lot. This caused me to get a sick feeling in my stomach because Colby is the most sensitive child around and I knew he was going to be heartbroken when Whitey died. We have always laughed and said this fish is never going to die. What are the odds that a $0.28 Walmart fish would live for four years anyway?!? Sunday night we noticed that the end was definitely near. Colby cried and cried and we talked about what a good fish he has been and how he is just old and tired. We were already planning the next type of fish we could go buy.

Monday morning, Whitey was hunkered down in the corner taking gulps of air. Monday afternoon, Whitey was still hunkered down in the corner taking gulps of air. I even prepared a blog post about Whitey so as soon as he passed I could post it! Monday night, Colby asked us to move Whitey into the kitchen so he wouldn't hear him gulping for air. His tail was bent over and he had to fight to keep his dorsal fin up. It really was a sad sight!

Tuesday morning, Whitey was still hunkered down in the corner taking gulps of air--although he moved himself a tad into the other corner! Colby left for school filled with hope! Tuesday afternoon, Whitey was still hunkered down in the corner taking gulps of air -- unfortunately, there were longer periods between each gulp. Colby decided that when he died, we were going to wrap him up and bury him -- not flush him down the toilet like the burial of "normal" fish.

Colby went to bed and we prayed for Whitey like we had for the past few nights.

When we got up this morning, Whitey was moving a little more. Chris fed him and he swam to the top and ate! Colby was cheering, "Yeah Whitey!!"

Right now, that fish is practically swimming flips all over that tiny tank!

I'm not sure how much longer this fish will be with us but when God decides it is time for Whitey to leave this earth, I have a great blog saved about him that I will post!!