Chimpanzee Sanctuary Northwest

Hope. Love. Home. Sanctuary

Tobin

In Memory of Lost Time

by

Tobin, longtime fan and supporter of the chimpanzees, erudite and expressive blog commenter, sponsored today’s day of sanctuary in memory of lost time.

She has her own story about the meaning of today with personal memories and global narratives of time and opportunities that have slipped by.

Speaking about the chimpanzees, she shared this poignant sentiment:

“…I grieve for lost time, and for squandered opportunities. I mourn for a planet where people like Lucky and Honey, Willy B and Burrito, should be able to not merely survive as passengers on a proverbial lifeboat, but, moreover should be able to live, and to live their lives in abundance.”

Thank you, Tobin.

in memory of Jody Chimpanzee on her birthday

by

Tobin sponsored today in honor of Jody’s birthday celebration prior to us losing Jody just two weeks ago. Ever thoughtful, Tobin sent in a new message to share on this celebratory but also somber day,

Dear Friends of our beloved Jody:

As was the tradition at the CSNW, Jody’s birthday was celebrated every year on Mother’s Day. Those of us who loved her and rejoiced in her very being will continue to do so, in our hearts, minds, and souls. As we grieve, let us remember the look of joy on her beautifully expressive face, whether ascending the towers on Young’s Hill or in foraging the bounty of her land. Let us remember her maternal devotion to Negra, Annie, Missy, Foxie, Jamie, and Burrito. Taken from her mother in infancy, and deprived of nurturing the children she conceived, Jody became the den mother to her troop of orphans.

In my original statement for Jody’s birthday, I had written an open letter addressed to her. I told her that I hoped that the lilacs would be in bloom for her birthday, and I told her that I was so pleased when, somehow, she would appear in my dreams.

As I have read the many messages in the comments section of the Sanctuary website, I have been moved by the many words of condolence to Jody’s survivors and caregivers. One message especially holds meaning to me: “May her memory be blessed.”

Surely our memories of Jody are blessed, as we who love her were blessed by her presence in our lives.

And when I read of that Hebrew blessing, I thought of Jody and the words of a poem, also written in Hebrew:

For Thou, the Giver of Life,
created me in my inmost being;
Thou created me together
in my mother’s womb

Where can I go from Thy Spirit?

Our beloved Jody, your memory is blessed.

– Tobin Kerry –