If you missed Grace’s blog yesterday, you should go read it. It was a beautiful tribute to Jody and how her memory lives on here, through everyone who knew and loved her and continues to share her story. It was also about processing the grief of losing a dear friend. While I never had the honor of meeting Jody, I was fortunate enough to work with and build a friendship with her son, Levi, as well as many other chimpanzees prior to starting my journey here.
Levi
Close up of Levi
Unfortunately, I too have experienced the loss of chimpanzee friends that I have known and loved that have passed away over the years. Some of my friends were very old, having lived long lives since being taken from the wild as infants, but still carrying with them the knowledge their wild families no doubt imparted to them even at such a young age. Lessons like how to climb a tree. Other of my friends did not seem nearly old enough for their time to be up, but yet it was. Despite our best efforts and all the love in the world, time was up. While each of these losses caused immeasurable pain and heartache, I keep coming back, knowing my heart would again break when another friend passes away. Because the heartache and pain and loss is what comes from such a great love. There is nothing more wonderful than seeing chimpanzees thrive in sanctuary. We get to make their lives the best that they can be, and continually strive to improve them. We get to be their friends, their caregivers, to see them get excited to see us when we come back from our weekend or just back to work the next day. We are there with them and for them on the best of days, and on the worst.
One thing I have learned from the losses I have experienced is to always make time to spend with your friends while you can. You don’t want to have regrets for not making time to play a quick game of chase with someone, or being too busy to stop to say hello on your way to your next task. Sanctuary life is busy and there are always more tasks to be done, but make time for your friends too. Because the time is always up too quickly.
Pictured is Juan, a wonderful friend to all he met. Read more about him here.
I am extremely grateful to be a part of this community and to get to share stories with you all every day. I worry sometimes that my old friends will be forgotten one day, that there won’t be anyone left to share stories of them or remember how quirky their greetings were or that they had the best laugh. But we have each other, to share stories and memories and in doing so share the joy and love of our friends, as well as our grief that they are no longer with us. Through each of us, their memory lives on.
How is Rayne doing with getting lotion on her forehead? We haven’t seen anything on that in a while.
Thank you so much, Ellen, for your poignant words. And thank you for sharing your story of your great friend, Juan. At first sight, I was struck by his beautiful face (those ears!), but as I your words about him, I learned what was even more beautiful about him.
As for yesterday’s post, I hope that it’s not cheating to add a few more memories of Jody. I remember the video and photographs of her Easter egg-plant forages (the way she high-steps with a woven cloth basket, 4.21.2019). A video from 9.9.2018 where she reacts after Burrito had a toot during an indoor soiree. And, one rainy Winter morning (12.18.2018), after the Queen Is enticed to vacate her Royal Nest in the Greenhouse loft, Neggie no sooner left that area (so that the humans could presumably clean it), than Jody walked in, executing a well-coordinated practical joke.
Thank you, Ellen.
It was sweet to see Rayne falling asleep as you brushed her, it must have been very soothing, just as a friend’s daughter would always have her scratch her back at bedtime.
Juan had such an interesting face!
The video was so sweet with both Rayne and Burrito. Rayne seemed be in heaven with that toothbrush massage and Burrito looked so cute when he flipped over presenting his rear end.
I so enjoyed your story of Juan, I can understand why he was so loved by you and the others. I have become so sentimental in my old age, it doesn’t take much for the tears to flow. They always start when I think about Jody and it happened again reading about Mr Wonderful, Juan. Thank you for a wonderful blog/video.
Hi Ellen, thanks for today’s video and for sharing your stories about your sanctuary friends. Amazing you know Levi, it is a small world. Jaun is handsome and very distinguished looking. He sounds like pure perfection, the kind of friend we all need. I am sorry to hear he is no longer at Chimp Haven. What a hole he must have left.
You are wise to have already captured the dire importance of stopping to enjoy the special simple moments in life. Like brushing Rayne’s lips. And listening to Dora’s grooming sounds, and giggling over the one and only Burrito. Life is short. Choose joy and laughter over stressful moments and you’ll have few regrets and a happier life. Hummm, I believe this is one of Burrito’s Life’s Rules.
Raynee is a cat in disguise. Mr. Levi inherited his momma’s beauty and innocent look. Thank you, Ellen, for the moving post.
Thank you for the photo of Levi and the story of Juan. indeed he would be an ideal friend to know. i’m glad you have such lovely memories of Juan and his kindness to others.
It’s so hard losing someone you care about. It never seems like we have enough time with those we care about.
I know Jody and Juan are both deeply missed and while they might not physically be with us, their presences are still felt.