Ding, Dong, the Witch is Dead

So, 2009 is commencing with some sad news - my mother's frog, described in detail here (http://leahgia.blogspot.com/2008/12/frog-that-would-not-end.html), has finally met its demise. It has been on a downhill slope for some time, but the infamous thing croaked (...heh) this morning. At least, that was the official time of death - Maura, Margaret and I thought it looked pretty dead last night, but my mother did not believe us (which is unusual, because she likes Maura and Margaret better than she likes me, and usually listens to them). Turns out we were right. I have spent the morning spreading the bad news, and have gotten many sympathetic text and instant messages in return:

Taryn: Oh no! Are you sure? I'm so sorry! (to which I responded, "Sorry, ha! Now I don't have to worry about it killing me in my sleep!)

Mary: Did hell freeze over? followed by: I sent an e sympathy card to your mom. (I like this plan...if anyone needs my mom's e-mail address, let me know!)

Kathy: Hysterical laughter (as I told her on the phone), followed by: Der Frosch toetet!

Tricia: Holy crap are you sure? (I'm a bit scared by how many people asked if we were sure...although with this frog, you never know. It would be just like that thing to fake its own death.)

Sarah M: Omg, how? (The same with how many people asked how she died...although it probably would take some mystical, magical force to overcome the power this thing had).

Niki: No way! Not Jeni. Your mom must be devastated! followed by: We had a moment of silence. Derek thinks you should get her a replacement frog. (Clearly, Derek wants my mother and the replacement frog to come live with him and Niki when they get old, because they sure aren't coming to live with me!)

Carter: Nuh-uh! It FINALLY died? (a testament to how long this thing has been around, when that is how people react to its demise!) and later, a statement for which she is likely going to hell: Are we sure? Did your mom poke it with a pencil and everything? That thing has been known to resurrect itself, much like that which we know to be the Easter story.

Larry: Jenny died? When did that happen? I am sad. She was an awesome frog. Will there be a wake? (Sadly, no wake. But donations can be made, in lieu of flowers, to the Buy Leah a New Kate Spade Bag fund. Just send them to me, I'll make sure they get to the right place.)

Jeni (not the frog, but she for whom the frog was named): Oh, no! Are you going to have a frog funeral?

Even the work peeps are in shock...
Hope: OMG! Are there funeral arrangements? (Again, donations to the above-mentioned fund are appreciated!)

Angel: Sorry to hear of the passing of the invincible “Frog That Would Not End”. My guess is that it won’t be a very, very long grief after all, so get a hold of yourself! Be strong and bring bagels Monday morning for the 2-minute moment-of-silent. Deepest sympathy.

Nikki: I know you are deeply saddened by this tragic loss.

Julie: OMG! My condolences. Although I'm sure you aren't too distraught.

To be updated as more responses and condolences arrive....clearly, some people are in such a state of shock that they can't respond to the news very quickly! Also feel free to add your thoughts, fond memories, and most importantly, stories that make fun of Jeni the Frog in the comments section!