RIP Beloved Tiny aka "The BunFather"

[LuvaBun]

6 months?

I hate it when you get days when the sadness and pain catches up with you. Thinking of you.

Jan

 

[TinysMom]

For those who don't know it from the main forum- today I contacted the artist who did Tiny & Miss Bea's painting - to commission another one. I'm hoping he'll do the words on it - to say "My Three Sons".

Its going to have Tiny in the middle - with Zeus on one side and Ori on the other.

I'm so excited.....(I'm having New Hope done first).

I still miss Tiny a lot - not a day goes by that I don't look at his painting and think of him. Six months....it seems like its been forever...not just six months.

Anyway - I'll be ok. I will survive.

After all - if nothing else - Miss Bea still needs me and is sorta bonded to me....

 

[LadyBug]

TinysMom wrote:

For those who don't know it from the main forum- today I contacted the artist who did Tiny & Miss Bea's painting - to commission another one. I'm hoping he'll do the words on it - to say "My Three Sons".

Its going to have Tiny in the middle - with Zeus on one side and Ori on the other.

I'm so excited.....(I'm having New Hope done first).

it sounds really cool! i can't wait to see it:biggrin2:

i was just telling some one new who is getting a few flemmies about him.........lemme see if i can find the post.................here it is!it's Blumagic's intro thread
any way, i've been thinking about him(and trying to make sure every new flemmie owner hears about our RO cleb flemmie.....)

 

[TinysMom]

Oh Tiny - I miss you so much today. It's a gorgeous day out - the type of day when you LOVED to go outside and play.

I took Zeus out and thought I'd be ok - but I wound up breaking down and crying when I was done taking pictures.

All I could think was, "it should be Tiny here...Tiny loved it outside..." and "Tiny loved this spot" or "I remember taking photos of Tiny over there...".

It so d*mn unfair that you're gone - you weren't supposed to die - or at least not so soon. We had so little time together.

I need to pull myself together - right now the grief is just so raw and fresh all over again.

I want you back so bad. I know I'll never find another "Tiny"....I may have other bunnies that steal my heart - but they will never be you.

But it hurts so much on days like today - when I have the time that I could spend with you (if you were here) and its so nice outside.

Art said, "At least you can make memories with Zeus and give another bunny a chance to play outside" and I know he was right - and he was trying to comfort me...

But I want YOU....and knowing I'll never have you back again is just tearing me up.

I miss you my big boy.

So to remember you on a beautiful day like today....here's one of my pics that I love of you..

Binky free my buddy....binky free.

 

[pumpkinandwhiskersmom]

Peg...I'm so sorry that today has been especially painful for you. Tiny is a beautiful soul, and though he's not with you in body, he is always with you in spirit. I love that photo....thanks for sharing it! Thinking of you...g

 

[LuvaBun]

:hug:
Jan

 

[JimD]

:hug2:

 

[TinysMom]

This is the first draft of the next chapter....as you may remember - Tiny is unhappy making bunnies cross the bridge and leaving a human soulmate behind...and is about to leave the messenger division - till Buck asks him to escort one more bunny across...his mom's "New Hope".

This next chapter takes place shortly after...

[line] Tiny sat under his favorite tree while he stared into the water. He had a lot of thinking to do and some decisions to make. Earlier, he’d asked GingerSpice to give him some time alone and while he appreciated the silence…it was almost too quiet. He had to decide whether he could bring himself to work as a messenger bunny or whether he had to just live a carefree life that was without purpose. It was a tough decision.

He heard the footsteps before he felt Buck reach down and pet him. He looked up at Buck and saw that the man he’d grown to care about so much had tears in his eyes.

“No. I’m not helping another one of mama’s bunnies cross. You can’t convince me.”

Buck smiled and sat down beside the BunFather. He rubbed Tiny’s ears – just the way mama used to do it to help him relax.

“Tiny, I’m not here to ask you about helping a bunny cross. I just got done talking to a bunny that had crossed recently and I think you and I need to talk.”

Tiny thumped. “Now what did I do wrong? I haven’t been going anywhere - you can’t blame anything on me.”

Buck reached out and rubbed Tiny’s ears again.

“You’re right BunFather. You haven’t done anything wrong . But as I talked to this bunny about how hard it was to leave his soulmate human, I realized that I have the perfect job for you. I think you will like it.”

“A job? One that doesn’t require me making bunnies leave their soulmates before they’re ready?”

“Sort of. Why don’t you hear me out?”

Tiny sat up and listened to Mr. Buck talk for the next few minutes. He started smiling from ear to ear and when GingerSpice and Puck snuck up behind him to nip at him, he turned around and invited them into the conversation.

“Ginger, Puck….you have to hear this. Mr. Buck wants me to start a new division of the messenger service. It’s the “Soulmate” division and I will get to handpick rabbits to work with me on helping certain bunnies cross.”

“Really?” Ginger asked.

Puck binkied for joy. “Tiny…that would be perfect for you. You’re so bored here and almost as uptight as you were back with mama.”

Buck laughed as Tiny charged at Puck and knocked him over. The two were playfully fighting and Buck was so relieved to see that Tiny was happy, he didn’t interrupt them for two whole minutes.

Then he cleared his throat and said, “Tiny…I really do need your attention. We still have plans to discuss.”

Tiny stood up straight and groomed himself for a moment before sitting by Buck. “Can you tell them about the idea?”

Buck looked at Tiny and said, “Why don’t you do it Tiny?”

Tiny couldn’t help himself…he jumped up and then forced himself to settle down.

“I get to start the Soulmate Crossing division. I am going to put together a team of rabbits who have been soulmates with humans and we’re going to work as teams to help certain bunnies cross.”

Before Tiny could continue, Puck said, “You mean bunnies like you that share a soul with a human?”

Ginger thumped, “Of course you dummy. DUH! That’s what the soulmate part is about.”

She snuggled up to Tiny and said, “So how does it work? Will you be gone very much? I miss you when you’re gone but I love seeing you when you’re happy like this.”

Tiny looked at Buck and said, “I don’t understand all of it. But from what I understand – I get to pick the team and team leads and then we will spend time helping both bunnies and their soulmates prepare for their crossing. Is that right Mr. Buck?”

Buck smiled to himself. The BunFather almost always understood him right away and this was no exception. “That is right Tiny. One messenger will work with the sick bunny to help them prepare to leave and to show them how to send signals. The other messenger will help prepare the human. Each bunny that is preparing to cross will have a team of 4 to 6 bunnies assigned to it so that it never has to be alone during its final time on Earth. The team will work together to decide when it is right for the bunny to cross and help the bunny prepare for the crossing. But it will be done with both the human and the bunny in mind so that when their souls are separated by time and space…they won’t suffer as much as they do with our current system.”

Ginger groomed Tiny and said, “That’s wonderful Tiny. You’ll be so much happier that way. And since you’ll have some sort of a shift to take turns with – you can come back here and rest and not be so tired.”

Buck turned to GingerSpice and petted her head to get her attention.

“GingerSpice…you and Puck are an important part of the team.”

Puck gasped. “I don’t wanna help bunnies cross. I don’t wanna see bunnies that struggle. Ijust want to binky now that I don’t have wry neck.”

Buck laughed and said, “Puck…you and Ginger will stay here. But you will work with Tiny and the team to help them explain how a disabled bunny thinks and feels after they’been ill for a time. Sometimes you will be asked to look at case files and give your suggestions for bunnies that have EC or wry neck.”

Tiny’s mouth dropped open. “Really? They can help?”

Buck loved it when he could surprise the BunFather. “Yes Tiny. Samantha is going to help your team when there is a bunny with heart problems and we have some other bunnies in mind to help with other health issues.”

Gingerspice thought for a moment and stared at Tiny. “Mr. Buck…is there a rule book for this program?”

Buck knew what the doe was really trying to ask…would rabbits HAVE to follow certain rules and make other bunnies cross. He knew that when Tiny had suffered from trying to follow this rule, Ginger had suffered too.

“No Sweetpea…there will be guidelines and suggestions and the majority of bunnies on a team must agree on a decision before it is final. But even then, there is the appeals process and Tiny will be on the appeals team to hear all cases.”

Tiny looked at Puck and Ginger. “Well…what do you think? Should I do it?”
Puck pondered for a moment and said, “What about the weekly forum bunnies meeting you started? Will you keep it up? I like getting together will all the forum bunnies and reading the forum together and sending encouraging thoughts to the infirmary bunnies.”

Tiny nodded his head. “Yes, that was one of the first questions I asked Mr. Buck. He said that I could work my schedule around that and that if I was delayed on a message someone else could lead the meeting for me.”

Buck stood up and brushed off his pants. “Tiny, I have to go meet someone at the bench now. I’ll talk to you later.”

Within the blink of an eye, Buck was gone. Tiny looked at GingerSpice and Puck.

“Can you believe it? A job I can like! I even get to help make the decisions and help write the manual. No messenger in my department will ever be forced to make another bunny cross if they have a soulmate connection.”

Ginger started grooming Tiny and Puck said, “Tiny, that sounds fun….but for now…let’s celebrate. Let’s go binky and play.”

Tiny looked at Ginger and she nodded her head. “Yes Tiny…you will have an important job … but you need to play too.”

Tiny nodded his head and both his friends hopped away.

However, Tiny stood for a moment and looked into the water as he watched his mama go about her business. She loved Zeus and he loved being there…but mama didn’t have a soulmate anymore. He sighed as he thought about her being all alone in her heart. Suddenly…an idea for a new division for the Soulmate department was born. He’d talk to Buck about the “Soulmate Replacement” division.

He thought about the white bunny he’d been eyeing for mama….a buck named Ori.

Tiny opened another window in the water – watching Ori on the left and mama on the right. Then he took his paws and pushed the two images together. They looked good - especially when the image of Ori wound up in the image of mama's arms. It was time Tiny let mama have another soulmate. He knew now he would not be forgotten.

“Soon mama….soon. You’ll stop hurting.”

Then he turned and binkied off to follow his friends…with a heart full of joy and new purpose.

 

[LuvaBun]

:in tears:So sweet. Oh man, you write so well, it's almost like painting a picture - I can actually 'see' them. Can't wait for the next episode

Jan

 

[TinysMom]

I'd say I did this today for Tiny - but the truth is - I did it for me.

I've come to realize that one of the reasons I'm struggling so much with losing Tiny - is that he loved me unconditionally. He saw me at my worst - and chose to love me anyway.

Realizing why its so hard - is helping me to feel better.

So...to Tiny...the Giant who loved me..

 

[LuvaBun]

I love it

Jan

 

[pumpkinandwhiskersmom]

What a lovely tribute to a spectacular guy! Unconditional love is so rare....a gift to be cherished and remembered.

Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. This time of year is especially challenging, I think.

 

[TinysMom]

I couldn't do it Tiny- I couldn't post in your thread yesterday even though it would've been your 4th birthday.

I'm sorry - but I could barely see the screen to read - let alone put thoughts together to express my anger and grief.

Anger? Yep - I'm angry that you're gone. Not overly anger - not filled with rage like before. But I'm angry I can't spend this Christmas with you - I have no holiday spirit this year.

Grief...yeah...that's probably always going to be a part of my life.

Last night I dreamt about you though. I think it was partly from Ali saying you probably were surrounded by does - and Flashy asking me if I was having a birthday party for you even though you weren't here.

In my dream - you were surrounded by does...and you were happy and you were healthy again. You didn't see me peeking in at you on the dream...you just were getting groomed and giving grooming and you were preening for the girls.

I do believe I'll see you again someday....when that happens...don't forget to preen for mama....and let me groom you.

I love you big guy. I really do. I don't know that I'll ever be fully over losing you.....

but no matter what - Happy Belated Birthday you big brat. If you were here - I'd have craisins and yogurt chips and cheerios for you....

I love you. I can't say it enough. I love you.

Mama

 

[LuvaBun]

:bigtears:
Happy Birthday, Tiny

Jan

 

[TinysMom]

52 Sundays ago - at this very moment almost - you were in my arms for the last time - gasping for breath.

I've made it 52 weeks....but I don't know how much longer I can hold on big guy...I really miss you so much.

RIP.

 

[wabbitmom12]

:hug2:He'll always be with you, Peg.

 

[Flashy]

Hey Big Guy, we love you and we miss you. I hope you know how special you are.

x

Peg, I'm about if you need a chat, or want to share Tiny stories, or anything, ok?

 

[LuvaBun]

:bigtears:A whole year???

Still miss you, Tiny. Look after all our Rainbow Bunnies!

How are you doing, Peg?

Jan

 

[TinysMom]

I'm cross-posting this in Miss Bea's RB thread ....and I'm seriously trying to think if I should do them as a book. (I wish I had even a hint of artistic talent like Minda or others on here...).

~~~~~~

Miss Bea laid on the bed - trying to be quiet. Mama just fell asleep a few minutes ago after trying to take care of her and watch over her...she needed to be quiet and let mama sleep.

But she heard that voice again, "Cross over Miss Bea....cross the bridge and come to me. Let go and you won't hurt any more...".

Miss Bea couldn't cross yet - mama needed her. She tried to lay still...then she fell out of New Hope's basket and it hurt so bad - even though she was laying on her most favorite place - mama's bed. She started to cry - she couldn't stay silent anymore.

Mama sat up and came near for her - yelling - no - screaming really for Robin to come as quickly as possible.

Miss Bea opened her eyes once more and looked up. In between her cries she said, 'You....you came for me? It was your voice I heard..."

"Yes Miss Bea....come cross the bridge and let's binky together...."

Miss Bea looked at mama one more time and headed for the light - her new life was about to start.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

24 hours earlier

Samantha sat under Tiny's favorite tree while she watched him pace back and forth in the grass. Every few steps, he'd stop and thump. He'd look off in the distance and then thump again. Then he'd start pacing.

She loved this rabbit - she really did. She'd heard all about him during her time on earth - heard how he was called the BunFather....and was privileged to not only meet him - but become one of his inner circle of confidants once he adjusted to crossing the bridge.

She knew she wasn't his favorite - and she knew she'd always have to share him with GingerSpice and that there would be others who would come to join them. She still laughed whenever she heard Ginger nagging him about hanging out those "bimbo bunnies". She knew those binbos weren't Ginger's real threat...and she knew that someday GingerSpice would have to lay aside her role of "first love" and share Tiny once again.

But still yet - Samantha cherished every minute she spent with Tiny. In their talks - she'd learned so much - about love - about life - about people. She'd also taught him a lot - about how there was a season and a place for everything. She shared with him the things her mama had always said - about how people (and bunnies) enter our lives for a season and that there are times when we need to be willing to let go and move on.

Samantha was pleased that the others had let her in on this day - although she knew that the BunFather would be angry with her later on. Still yet, she cared for him and she knew that what must be done...must be done. So her job was to keep him busy ... until the right moment. She was to be near him - to listen to him - and to keep him away from the stream. She also knew - when the time came - she would need to be ready for his wrath...but even then - she knew he could never stay angry for long.

"Tiny...come sit beside me for a bit. You're wearing a path in the grass."

"Samantha...I'm not going to sit - I'm not going to stay here. I've got to figure out what is happening. Why did Buck take me off the team for 2 days? Why did Puck mess up my work area and run off with some sort of pictures and where has GingerSpice taken off to? The last I saw her - she was crying - and then she went to see Buck - and I haven't seen her since. I promised to give up the bimbettes for a week...surely she's not still jealous about the other night?"

 

[LuvaBun]

Waiting anxiously - with tissues at the ready :cry2

Jan