A last good day

(or a Death in the Afternoon)

When you have a farm
You get comfortable with death.

I’m not happy to say that

But I’ve gotten very good at the end.

It’s not easy, 
Sometimes death is unexpected.

Going about your day,
you notice someone is not looking good.

Something’s  wrong.

A call to the vet.

We try a few things

Sometimes a turn for the better

Other times, not.

There are other occasions 
when we know ahead of time.

There has been a slow decline.

Over a few days or weeks.

Blood drawn
Tests run
Discussions had

When this happens

I am looking for the last good day.

I want them to have one last good day of life.

A walk down the driveway and out into the field.

On their own, with no assistance.

A good meal, a warm afternoon.

Laying in the grass, napping in the sun.

These are the hardest for me.

I have to chose the day and time.

This week it was Wednesday

At 5:00