A Fish Story

We said goodbye to a plecostomus today. For those of you who aren't sure what that is, it's an algae eating fish. A neighbor gave us a 35 gallon aquarium (lucky :) My two men were thrilled and began filling it with mollies, guppies, catfish and a goldfish. Conner spent a while naming them all and the plecostomas was named Shiblon because that is Conner's favorite son of Alma. (now you know) Unfortunately, Shiblon did not last long. When it became apparent that he had reached a higher sphere, Tony told Conner they needed to flush him. Conner was adamant that Shiblon receive a proper burial. So we dug a very very deep hole in the backyard and had a funeral. Conner said his favorite memory was Shiblon's long fin. Now I am going to make you all a promise here and now. I will not under any circumstance document all the fish the tank will lose over the months-weeks-days, but I do find myself drawn to the tank to check on the others. I love that my boy I adore cares so much about a small swimming creature, every pill bug he sees, butterflies and birds, all the neighbors cats... Truly childhood is magical and I am glad that when we experience it again through our children's eyes, sometimes it rubs off... if even just a little bit. RIP Shiblon.