Zip died tonight. I remember when Nate and Deb brought her home as a puppy. Moses ("Moe") was getting old and they wanted a companion for him, so Zipporah became part of the family. I couldn't tell you how many years ago that was, but she's been a part of the girls' lives as long as they can remember. We knew she didn't have much time left; she's been losing weight and slowing down for the past couple months. Earlier today she was soaking up the sun, lying so motionless that Nate had to check to see if she were still breathing. She couldn't even lift her head.
Nate had asked pastor Joe to check on her while the family was at Alex and Abi's swim meet. She was gone when he got there, so he carried her to the barn and called Matt. I had coincidentally called Matt about something else and learned from Jeanine that Zip had died. Matt was on his way over, and I decided to see what I could do to help. We were both there when Nate, Deb, and the kids arrived. Nate mouthed that the girls didn't yet know, so Matt and I quickly shifted gears and became the welcoming committee congratulating Alex on her having made sectionals in diving. I suspect the pendulum of joy was about to swing the other way.
Life has a way of yanking us from one extreme to another in short order. When that happens, being surrounded by family and friends who care enough to show up no matter what the hour is priceless. The girls losing Zip makes it a tough night. There's nothing we can do to change that. But we stick together, pray for one another, and do what we can. I am grateful tonight to have been able to join Matt and Joe in being there for family we love, even if there was nothing we could do to make things better. Zip is gone, but love lives on.
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