Ode to the ficus

Very sad news. McRob, the ficus has passed.

We are truly surprised because it seemed like it would never die. Every time we moved, went on vacation, and gave it to friends because we thought we were moving to Japan, it lived. It wilted and looked like it was on its last leg many many times, but it always came back to its original vigor. I think it must have only had nine lives because our trip to Atlanta killed it. I’ve been trying to nurse it back to health ever since we came back in January, but it looks the same. Very sad.

In honor of the ficus, I offer this ode. Dear ficus, we loved you very much. You were with us at the very beginning, as a decoration at our wedding reception. You have lived through sunny days and rotten days. You gave the room oxygen and often stood as an important decorative element in our many different dwellings. You wore twinkly lights and paper cranes with style and finesse.  Thank you for your service, dear ficus. You will be missed.