Saying Goodbye To "Hope"...

I posted to my "Backyard Chicken"blog this morning about my concern for my 10 day old Mille Fleur Cochin chick, "Hope".  She seemed to stop thriving yesterday and went rapidly downhill today.  I was pleading for help.  Unfortuantely, there was nothing to be done.    My precious Hope, the first MFC chick born in the Bluff Country, was gone when I went down to clean her pen after posting to my blog.  I had taken photos of her just minutes before ~ you can see them on the Chicken blog.  In less than an hour she was gone.  When I found Hope's still warm body it occurred to me that Star may just have 'helped'  Hope move on.    If she did, I'm sure it was done out of love.  Hope  looked peaceful.

I am so grateful for the short time that I had Hope in my life .  During her brief time on this Earth she gave me strength and hope.  I am very sad that I wasn't able to help her as she had helped me.  She will be missed.

These photos were taken while I was cleaning out Hope's pen and making it fresh for Star and the three newest chicks.  I put the three chicks in a large whicker basket, under a heat lamp while I cleaned out the pen.  I let Star loose so she could keep an eye on 'her little ones'.   The effects of the light, in the dimly lit basement, created some photos that I think are incredible.  I share them with you as my way of saying good bye to my sweet little Hope...

*click on any photo to enlarge*

Now Candy is watching over Hope.

Star is showing me that we must go on.

We have three new chicks that need our care and our love.

God's speed, little one...

"Hope"

11/24 - 12/4/09