FREEBIE THE GERBIL LIVES (but not anymore)

There is so much that I want to blog about, but as time goes by more bloggable events take place and I just don't know where to start!

Several years ago Joshua had a gerbil. He came to us while Gary and I were out on a date one summer afternoon. We were window shopping in the pet store when the manager offered us a gerbil for free. The catch? The gerbil had been in the pet store for some time and the manager didn't feel he could sell this old gerbil in good conscience, because gerbils only have a life span of two years*. At the time we were told that gerbils usually die within a week of their second birthday.

As the gerbil came to us for free, it was agreed that we would name him Freebie. He was a great pet for the kids, and there was even talk about breeding him, but again his age was of concern, so he remained single.

Three years had past since Freebie came to live with us, and I got the great idea to leave Joshua a card, from Freebie, thanking him for being such a responsible pet owner. I got a little card and wrote:

"Dear Joshua,

Thank you for taking such great care of me.
Do you know that I have lived longer than any gerbil, ever?!?!

Love,
Freebie"

Shortly after the kids all arrived home from school Gary told me that they were all upstairs in tears because Freebie was dead. How ironic that as soon as I write this stupid note the little sucker dies?

I went upstairs to comfort the children. After awhile I asked Joshua how he knew that Freebie was dead. I'm sure you can guess, he showed me the note. He thought Freebie had left him a "so long" letter.

Just now Gary handed me an old journal of Joshua's that he had put out for recycling. Taped inside it I found the note, and Joshua's version of the story.

"I was happy at school because I had a concert but when I got home and
went to my room I saw that there was a note on Frebes cage
(my jurbal) and it said that he had died at age 3
but they only live to 2 years so I was expecting it. I am hoping
that I will get another jurbal soon. :(

I have the greatest news ever Frebe is alive!

Well I can't wait to write more later.

I just noticed that I've been spelling Frebes name wrong.
It's not Frebe, it's Freebie!"

This entry made me laugh out loud. I had no idea that it had been documented as it happened. I miss my kids so much as they keep getting older. Wouldn't it be great if you could actually SEE how adorable your kids were when they are, as opposed to the hindsight awareness?

*We have since learned that gerbils have a lifespan of 2-5 years