June 7th

​Hello Everyone.  My message is a bit late today because our pet bunny, Pepper, passed away today.  He was very old and was having a tough time moving around and eating on his own.  He did have a very good life (13 1/2 years is a long time for a bunny.)  We tried to keep him comfortable and did everything we could to prolong his life. Ray would cradle him in his arms and hand feed him several times a day.  We would give him a bath every morning because he was unable to keep himself clean. But there comes a time when we need to let nature take its course.  Just this morning we realized he probably didn't have much life left in him.  We had to leave the house for a bit to go to the grocery store.  When we came back Pepper was kicking his legs so Ray thought he wanted to eat something.  But when Ray picked him up, Pepper was gasping for air.  He took his last few breaths in Ray's arms.  Pepper must have been waiting for us to come home.  I'm grateful that he passed away in the comfort of Ray's arms.  After Pepper's passing, I was very emotional.  Cleaning up his pen and going through his stuff was very sad.  As I was thinking about how sad I was, I realized that Pepper was no longer suffering and that it was his time to say goodbye to this world.  It was a reminder that we live in the realm of IMPERMANENCE.  But just as Reverend Harada wrote in his story about his pet cat, Fluffy, that loved and warmed the hearts of his family for 17 years, she left behind more than she took from life.  Her companionship and friendship gave them more than the home, cat food, and kitty litter that they provided. I feel the same about Pepper.  He gave us (especially Ray) so much love and comfort.  Such simple warm gestures and feeling are so valuable in our lives.  
Thank you Pepper for giving our whole family such joy and warmth.  Namu Amida Butsu.