March 20, 2006 brought sadness to the Animal Messenger Sanctuary. The first of the founding members died that day. Queenmere, the beloved mother of us all, passed away unexpectedly in the night. At 13 (or maybe 14), she was quite old for a sheep, and she had six wonderful years on the sanctuary. We only wish she could have been with us longer. Gaia Circle sisters held a memorial service at her grave in the far pasture near her favorite apple tree. We sang circle songs to her, especially:
We all come from the goddess
and to her we shall return
like a drop of rain
flowing to the ocean
Hoof and horn
Hoof and horn
All that dies shall be reborn
Corn and grain
Corn and grain
All that falls shall rise again
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Queenmere was the embodiment of love with wisdom. She received her name when she arrived on the sanctuary; a combination of English and French, it means Queen Mother, for she was a superlative mother, the matriarch of the flock, always watching out for all the other sheep. Her daughter Chloe and her granddaughter Charlotte especially adored her, as they were both brought up by her and relied on her guidance. Wonder, too, followed her willingly. She was a sheep’s sheep, meaning she had eyes only for the flock. Unlike Charlotte, she wasn’t particularly interested in interacting with humans; she was all about sheep. And she was so good at tending them. None of them argued with her leadership and were happy to have her be the mother of them all. We all miss her, though we know she is still with us. A Messenger is forever. |
| Queenmere (right) with Charlotte (left) and little Chloe. |  |
Thank you, Queenmere, for the gift of your presence.
