The Slowest Member of the Family

A fictional remembrance story set in England.

Thomas was eight years old when Bramble, a small Hermann’s tortoise, arrived at his family home in the Cotswolds.

Each spring, Thomas waited eagerly for Bramble to wake from hibernation. He would carry him into the garden, where Bramble slowly wandered between the lavender and strawberry plants.

Years passed. Thomas grew up, moved away and eventually returned with a daughter of his own. Little Elsie soon began feeding Bramble dandelion leaves, just as her father had done as a child.

Bramble had quietly become part of three generations.

One spring, Bramble did not wake. The garden continued to bloom, but without him, it felt strangely unfinished.

Thomas chose a FurLunea Custom Acrylic Memorial Stake and placed it beside Bramble’s favourite patch of lavender. It featured his photograph and the words:

Bramble

You taught us that love never needs to hurry.

Now, when Thomas and Elsie tend the garden together, they stop beside the memorial and share another story about Bramble.

He moved slowly through life, yet somehow became part of every important moment.