It’s been a chaotic month here at the Ranch. We’ve had a lot of visitors, a lot of changes, a lot of garden and household improvements, lots of ups and downs, and some heartbreak. Not only did I have an unexpected, freak-accident death in the family… which has been hard enough… but our dear, sweet, amazing, meadow-namesake duck love, Amelia, passed away this past Sunday. It was sudden and unexpected, and we are not sure what happened. She had tripped hopping off our front porch Saturday morning (which she did every morning), and didn’t use her leg all day. The next morning I put her out, she still wasn’t moving her leg, but she seemed ok, eating and preening. Just a few hours later she was gone.

Amelia was a member of our family as much as Loki or Arch is. She was loved by everyone who ever met her. She was unique, sweet, curious, and awesome. My heart is totally broken.

My sweet little sugar plum.

Hangin with my friend.

R built her a sweet little box to be buried in, which I filled with straw before placing her in there. I clipped a few of her feathers to keep, and we buried her down in her Meadow, under a big Juniper tree. It’s a nice little spot. I’ve spent days crying and missing her. She brought so much life and joy to our family, and it’s been difficult getting used to her not being here. She always had morning chirps for me and long quacking stories for us when we got home. It’s too quiet now. We miss her so much.

Her place in the Meadow.

The first day I adopted her.

So now here I am resisting the urge to go impulse buy a bunch of ducks. But I have to remind myself that even when I get more ducks, they won’t be like her. She was so one-of-a-kind. Amelia was simply amazing and we were lucky to have her in our family. She will be missed forever… As one of my best friends, and Amelia’s aunty, said, “she was the best duck of all the ducks who have ever ducked.” Yep, she was pretty much the best little creature, ever.

Her younger days.

The last picture of all my kids together.

Rest easy, sweet Mama. We love you.