Oh my gosh — what a morning. And all of it before coffee.

So, recently our goldfish tank has come down with ich. For those of you who, like me, were blissfully unaware of fish diseases a few months ago, ich (also known as white spot disease) is a pesky little parasite that invades the tank and burrows into the poor fish’s skin. Sounds lovely, right?

Up until this morning, we had three fish: Chicken Nugget — our fancy black-and-gold tail goldfish, Fish Stick II — an orange and white common goldfish (yes, there was a Fish Stick I, we’ll get to that), and Gary — our hardworking algae eater and tank janitor extraordinaire.

Well, this morning we found that Chicken Nugget didn’t make it. 😭 Cue the tears. My sweet nine-year-old (the one who wears his heart on his sleeve) and I both bawled like babies. Yes, over a goldfish. And honestly? I’d do it again.

My poor husband, he is our rock.❤️😂

We’ve done everything we can to treat the tank. Fish Stick II is still swimming strong — though he’s definitely showing signs of infection. He’s a trooper, though, hanging in there the best he can. Poor Nugget tried so hard to beat it, but in the end his little body just couldn’t keep up. Meanwhile Gary, our tough little sucker, is showing no signs of infection so far (knock on wood — or, in this case, knock on tank but softly). Fingers crossed he stays healthy and algae-hungry.

I know some people will say, “They’re just fish,” but in our house, every creature counts. Dogs, cats, bearded dragon, goldfish — if they share our roof, they’re part of the family. We put so much research into setting up that tank: the right filter, the right food, the right mix of fish that could (hopefully) live long and drama-free together. Did you know goldfish can live up to ten years or more? Yeah. Unlike certain hamsters that shall not be named.

So, Fish Stick II is our second attempt at a Fish Stick (rest in peace, original Fish Stick — he and Chicken Nugget were the best of buds). Gary came along a bit later, probably bringing the ich with him as an uninvited plus-one. Not that we blame Gary — he came from a pet store, he didn’t get to choose his water. Still, we’ve done everything right (or at least tried to). I’m getting a little tired of these “learning experiences” though😮‍💨 — can we please have a break?

Seeing my son cry makes me cry, too. And Chicken Nugget was kind of my guy — I picked him out myself. So this morning, there we were: two humans in pajamas, crying over a fancy-tail goldfish while giving him a proper flush to fishy heaven.

I’m laughing as I type this — partly because I’m still teary, partly because life is just like that. One minute you’re feeding your fish breakfast flakes, the next you’re explaining the circle of life to a nine-year-old while you both ugly cry in the bathroom.

So here’s to Chicken Nugget — black and gold, fancy tail, forever loved. May your next tank be sparkling clean, parasite-free, and full of endless flakes. And may we always care this much — even about the littlest swimmers.

—

A Short Ode to Chicken Nugget

 

Black and gold, you’d flash and gleam,

A tiny fish, a golden dream.

Barrel guard and flake-time king,

Among your friends you’d glide and sing.

 

Now your bowl is calm and clear,

Your buddies swim, they know you’re near.

Swim in peace, sweet little friend —

Chicken Nugget, without end.

So while we cry over our lost friends and companions — no matter how big or small — know that we feel you. Here’s to the little ones who swim through our hearts and make this wild life just a little more special.