Drama . . . Keller style

Christmas of 2006 - Megan became the proud owner of two fish

She just stared at me when I asked her what she wanted to name them

so I took the liberty . . . Othello and Desdemona.

Othello perished soon after Christmas, leaving us with Desdemona (Mona for short)

We grew very attached to Mona. She was part of our family for almost 2 years! Giving her food became part of our nap and bed time ritual every day.

When John and I returned home from our trip to Mexico, we learned that sweet Mona was belly up in the tank. (She lived a pretty long life for a goldfish!)

Mom and Dad Keller weren't sure how we wanted to handle this situation with Megan, so they left it up to us.

How did we explain the concept of death to . . .

Simple. We didn't. We did what any rational parent would do.

We lied.

We told Megan the fish was sleeping. She bought it, hook-line-and-sinker. (Am I sick or what??)

John went to Walmart to buy another Mona. He was gone about an hour and a half, searching stores for a fish that looked like Mona. Multiple stores. SERIOUSLY folks.

He had a picture of Mona . . . "Sir, do you happen to have a fish that looks exactly like this?" ha, ha, ha

He didn't really do this but I'm cracking myself up thinking about it. He'll probably read that and think, "Wow, that was a good idea. Why didn't I think of that?"

The funniest thing - he came home with a fish that looked nothing like Mona. Nothing.

Mona #1 was orange and black. Mona #2 was JUST orange and a completely different kind of fish.

Would she notice???

Nope!

A few days later, Mona #2 got "ick" and John had to run out and get medicine. (no joke)

Despite our best efforts, Mona #2 did not make it.

Again John shopped and managed to find a fish that looked nothing like Mona #1 or Mona #2.

Did it matter? Not a chance, AGAIN.

Fins + Gills + Weird fish mouth = Mona (no matter the color or size)

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The question:

Should we explain the concept of death to Maggie Moo???

No way . . . seeing the look on John's face when he walks in the door with his latest "catch," the thrill of replacing the fish without Megan seeing, and the excitement of waiting to see if she notices the difference has livened things up quite a bit around here.

Drama . . . Keller style.