Copyright © 2021-2026 ~ All rights reserved ~ Robert Goguen
Limpy the mule and Stimpy the donkey were best friends who had worked hard on a farm for many years. They had helped the farmer plow the fields, carry the crops, and pull the carts. They had endured the heat, the cold, and the rain. They had shared their joys and sorrows, their hopes and fears.
But as they grew older, their bodies began to wear out. Limpy developed a limp in his left leg, which made him slow and clumsy. Stimpy developed a gimp in his right ear, which made him deaf and grumpy. They could no longer do their tasks as well as they used to. They felt useless and sad.
The farmer noticed their decline and felt sorry for them. He decided to retire them from work and let them live out their lives in peace and comfort. He moved them to a big beautiful pasture, where they had plenty of grass to eat, water to drink, and shade to rest. He visited them every day and brought them treats and hugs.
Limpy and Stimpy were grateful for the farmer's kindness and generosity. They enjoyed their new home and felt happy and relaxed. They spent their days grazing, napping, and playing. They made friends with other animals who lived in the pasture, such as cows, sheep, and horses. They told stories of their past adventures and listened to the stories of others.
They also grew closer to each other than ever before. They realized that they had been through a lot together and that they had a special bond that no one else could understand. They comforted each other when they felt pain or loneliness. They cheered each other up when they felt bored or depressed. They laughed at each other's jokes and quirks.
They were inseparable.
They lived in the pasture for many more years, until they were very old and weak. One day, they decided to take a walk around the fence that surrounded their home. They wanted to see the world one last time and say goodbye to their friends.
They walked slowly and carefully, leaning on each other for support. They saw the sun shining brightly in the sky, the birds singing sweetly in the trees, the flowers blooming brightly in the fields. They saw their friends grazing peacefully in the pasture, who waved at them and wished them well.
They reached the end of the fence and stopped. They looked at each other with love and gratitude. They nuzzled each other gently and sighed.
They closed their eyes and fell asleep.
They never woke up.
The farmer found them the next day, lying side by side under a big oak tree. He was sad but not surprised. He knew they had lived a long and happy life together. He buried them under the tree and planted a sign that read:
"Here lie Limpy the mule and Stimpy the donkey,
Best friends forever,
Rest in peace."