I haven’t written a post in all this time because I’ve been stymied, blockaded, unable. I wanted to write posts, lots of different posts, but I couldn’t. Because of Glory Bee. I’m going to try, like really try, but it’s so hard. Because every time I even think about writing it, I burst into tears.
Let’s try all dry and reporter-like.
Dateline: Somewhere in the boonies.
Cow falls down ravine and breaks neck. Farmer could not be reached for comment due to utter despair.
This is freaking ridiculous. A person should not be this distraught over a cow! AND YET.
She was buried at the top of a hay meadow, and thank God I have her last heifer, Belle, who will be bred to the Jersey bull in due time. You know the saying, when you have livestock, you have deadstock. I’ve been through that adage plenty of times over the years, because it’s unfortunately true. And yet Glory Bee’s crazy accident really hit me hard. But maybe now I can at least move on and write other posts. I just couldn’t bring myself to write this one for so long, and couldn’t write anything else until I did. It’s short because– I still can’t write it without bursting into tears. I just needed to get it over with. She deserves a better obituary, but I can’t do it.
Man, I loved that cow.
daria says:
I am very sorry for your loss. Hugs to you.
On July 15, 2018 at 8:29 am
Louise says:
I am so sorry. She was a beautiful cow. I actually got to pet her. I so understand your pain. She was much more than livestock. God bless you. I have missed your posts. I was afraid something was wrong.
On July 15, 2018 at 9:20 am
gaea303 says:
Suzanne, I am so sorry. I know how hard it must be for you and I wish that even though I am a stranger to you that I could give you a hug. It is a gift for us to share our lives with our critters but it is such sadness when they leave before we are ready for that. 😥
Roz
On July 15, 2018 at 9:30 am
lindat says:
I am so sorry ! Yes, she was a lovely cow. I understand your loss. I was raised by an older father-42 years old when I was born…..we lived in SW Kansas- home of the great 1930 s dust bowl. His parents, my grands, gave the farm to my dad and left for California in the mid 1930 , dad was 18 years old….he thought he could hang on long enough to make a go of it. But the crops were destroyed by wind and lack of rain, and his entire cow herd got lost in a dirt storm and wondered miles and fell into a ravine at th base of thfor Arkansas River.- lost the entire herd, heart breaker for certain. Soon after dad went to work for an oil drilling company .,,never raised another farm animal but was able to pay the taxes on the farm…which later had a oil/gas wells drilled on it; keeping the grands, and my parents in fine shape the rest of their lives.
Bless you, I have missed your posted….better times will come!
On July 15, 2018 at 9:36 am
carla anne says:
You made us all feel like we knew Glory Bee. Her obituary is all of the sweet, funny, and interesting stories you have given us over the years. We are grateful you shared her with us. Love to you. :butterfly:
On July 15, 2018 at 10:29 am
morningstar says:
Its so hard to lose such a loved member of your four legs family. Made me cry reading your post and fully understand your pain. Im sending love and hugs. xxxx
On July 15, 2018 at 10:30 am
boulderneigh says:
I TOTALLY get it. We have relationships with our animals, some closer than others, and those relationships are more pure, less fraught with the complicated dynamics of human relationships. When we lose a special one, for me at least it is also more pure, painful grief. Searing.
On July 15, 2018 at 11:39 am
beforethedawn says:
Oh Suzanne, I am so so so sorry. 🙁 Glory Bee was special. I understand being distraught over an animal you are bonded to. It’s a hard loss to take. Hugs to you.
On July 15, 2018 at 11:58 am
Pat says:
I’m so very sorry, Suzanne. We loved Glory Bee and will miss her right along with you. Pat in Eastern NC
On July 15, 2018 at 12:15 pm
Cassie says:
I’m so sorry. Glory Bee was not livestock. She might have looked like but she wasn’t. Glory Bee was family.
On July 15, 2018 at 1:20 pm
pulsk1 says:
I have been reading your blog for a long time. Glory Bee was a wonderful cow and make so many of your posts entertaining and loveable. I will miss her. So sorry for your loss.
On July 15, 2018 at 2:03 pm
brookdale says:
Oh, I am so sorry to hear about dear Glory Bee! I agree with Cassie, she was family to you for a long time. Hugs to you, you have had more than your share of losses, both human and animal, in the past year or two.
This is in memory of Glory Bee :moo:
On July 15, 2018 at 4:27 pm
MrsMac says:
I am so very sorry for the loss of your friend Glory Bee. You and she have gone through so much. I think a lot of your readers grieve with you. So sorry.
On July 15, 2018 at 7:28 pm
luvsclassics says:
Suzanne,I’m so sorry. I understand your most deep loss because she was family. This must have been so hard to write. It is through your posts and stories,and photos that I feel as if I had met Glory Bee; she was a part of all of us readers near and far.
Every so often, I would check in to see if a new post on Chickens in the Road, but I’d see your store postings.
I’m glad that you finally connected with us.
On July 15, 2018 at 10:52 pm
Goatldi says:
I have had dairy goats for 33 years. I have had as many as 85 and as few as 2. I can tell you their names probably several hundred over the years and the sadness I had when one passed. Some were more difficult than others. Safe journey Glory Bee.
On July 16, 2018 at 1:15 am
jazzyjezzy says:
When you have live stock, you have dead stock.
My husband told me that. Its never easy to loose any animal you care about.
Sorry for your loss.
On July 16, 2018 at 3:57 am
Lisa says:
I’m heartbroken, can’t imagine how sad you must be. I was fortunate enough to meet a young Glory Bee at one of the Party on the Farms. She had the most beautiful cow face I’ve ever seen. So very sorry for your loss, she will live on in your wonderful stories and through her beautiful babies.
On July 16, 2018 at 11:45 am
Joell says:
Oh dear Suzanne we are so sorry to hear about Glory Bee. Losing an animal that you love is so very difficult,please know that many of us feel your pain.Thank you for sharing her with us through the years.
On July 16, 2018 at 7:25 pm
joeyfulnoise says:
I am so sorry. She wasn’t livestock, she was part of your family. My heart goes out to you.
On July 16, 2018 at 9:53 pm
California Paintbrush says:
So sorry to hear. She was extra special like Clover. I loved to hear all the stories.
On July 16, 2018 at 10:52 pm
dl30f0dls says:
Oh, Suzanne. No. I’m SO sorry. When I came back here looking for a new post, and almost giving up, this is the last thing I wanted to find. I said a four letter word. 🙁 I know how much you loved her. Rest in peace, sweet Glory Bee. You were so loved.
On July 16, 2018 at 11:09 pm
cherylinwv says:
Oh Suzanne, I’m so sorry. :hug:
On July 17, 2018 at 1:36 pm
maryellen51 says:
Suzanne, I am so sorry for your loss of Glory Bee. She wasn’t just a cow, she was part of your living the dream you had of farming and living in the country. She was with you through some pretty tough times and some pretty good ones. She was a friend. I’ve lost so many friends this summer. I have chickens and a local fox has decided we are a carry out, despite all that we do. Again, so sorry.
On July 17, 2018 at 2:46 pm
ticka1 says:
I am so sorry Suzanne. Hugs. Glory Bee reminded me of the jersery cow my mom had when we were kids. Her name was Lady. She got old and my mom gave her to cousins where she died It was so hard – they are family.
On July 17, 2018 at 7:32 pm
rurification says:
I am soooo sad to hear this. Sending you loads of love. And tissues.
On July 18, 2018 at 12:11 pm
MousE says:
Oh Suzanne. I am so sorry.
I’ve been a faithful reader for years, and whenever you get quiet, it’s because life stuff is happening. I’m sad to say that I’m selfish and wish you would post more, but really, post when you can! I love your words, your recipes, your stories. My deepest sympathy on losing someone you love. Animals are people, too. Actually, I think animals are better than most people, but that’s just my opinion…
Suzanne, you taught me how to bake bread with your blog. Before you, I had no confidence in bread baking. It never turned out. But. Then I found your website, and you expanded my world. Now, my Grandmother bread always turns out, and for that alone I honour thee.
Hang in there, Suzanne. My heart goes out to you. Thank you.
On July 18, 2018 at 7:03 pm
MousE says:
ps I don’t mean you have to write more, I’m commenting on being selfish and I want to try to be a better person. Again, thank you.
On July 18, 2018 at 7:04 pm
MousE says:
(feel free to delete both of those, of course.)
On July 18, 2018 at 7:05 pm
Suzanne McMinn says:
I love your words and would never delete them! Thank you, to everyone.
On July 18, 2018 at 7:19 pm
SJB says:
Suzanne, noooo! I was crying for you already in that first paragraph. You go ahead and grieve, and don’t feel foolish. I lost two especially wonderful and loving cats a few years ago, and I still mourn them. I honestly felt like I could just let go and …die. I think our love for animals (and their love for us) is so pure, and not complicated and complex like our human relationships. I’m crying about Glory Bee now, too. Hugs and Light to you!
On July 19, 2018 at 3:27 pm
Maria GG says:
I’m sorry to hear about Glory Bee. She was spunky, headstrong, inquisitive and had her own ideas – plus good looks! We all get attached to our animals, especially if we have them a long time. Don’t feel any pressure posting here. Take your time getting over this blow.
On July 23, 2018 at 12:07 am
stacylee says:
I am so sorry. I bet you’ll see her again one day. She had beautiful eyes.
On July 25, 2018 at 12:29 pm
Katharina says:
I am saddened by your losing your beautiful Glory Bee, Suzanne. I thought of you when I picked up at the library today, The Secret Life of Cows by Rosamond Young. It is so sweet and I hope you get a chance to read it. It will comfort you.
On August 6, 2018 at 3:56 pm
Jersey Lady says:
Aww…so sorry to read about Glory Bee. Our cow died too. Just heartbreaking. We send our sympathy on her passing and hugs.Gloria
On August 7, 2018 at 3:09 am
Dana says:
Oh dear I am so sorry to hear this and send a big hug.
On September 17, 2018 at 12:03 am
Launi says:
Oh, my goodness…I’m so sorry! She was a beautiful cow and your sweet friend. Animals are our family and of course if we love them deeply–we will grieve them deeply. I’m so glad you have her baby to love. That will help ease the sadness. And you know…you have all of us too. We do love you.
On March 6, 2019 at 2:45 am
Marigene says:
Oh Suzanne, I am so sorry about Glory Bee. She may have been a farm animal, but she was one of your babies. My heart goes out to you.
On July 24, 2019 at 6:49 pm