goodbye fish pond

As you all probably know Matt and I built a fish pond in our backyard when we moved here. Matt was always going on about having a koi pond and I didn't want one. He finally talked me into it just to decide he didn't want one anymore. So, one day I went out there and dug a giant hole and did it myself. As time went on we added rocks and fish and plants. A lot of blood, sweat, and swearing went into it. It was a rewarding hobby. We rebuilt it a few times do too weather and aesthetics. This past Saturday morning was just such a day. We worked on it and got it looking great. So Sunday when the water level was 6 or so inches low I though maybe a little leak? We've never had a leak. This morning I looked and it was almost a foot low. Humm, this isn't good. Matt, left for work early and isn't getting home until 2030. I kind of forgot about it and after nap time I peaked out there and there was only about a foot of water left for all of my fish. The pond is usually 3 + feet. So, I called my mother in law to see if her employer wanted some fish for their pond. They have a koi pond outside of Celebrations, with only a few fish. We had 17 that need homes asap. She said sure bring them on down. So, I turn on a show for Brenna, Max and Ruby give me 2o minutes. Braden swings away and watches too. So, I start catching fish and putting them in our cooler. I am moving as fast as I can because I don't have a portable pump and my fish need oxygen. Let me tell you, those koi are a smart lot. They fought me until the bitter end trying to stay in the shallow water of our pond. Brenna came out so I knew I had been out there longer than I hoped. She counted down the final 4 fish as I tossed them in the cooler. I start to pull the cooler around the side of the house and realize it weighs a ton. I ran inside, packed up Braden, grabbed Brenna and took them to the van. Once kids are all buckled up, I finish dragging to cooler to the van. Van says 94 degrees outside, I believe it. I get the cooler to the back and to my horrer I can lift it up high enough to get it in. I try to get it behind the passenger seat, no luck. I try behind my seat, nothing. Doesn't fit in the front seat floor either. Now my legs are all beat up from heaving it up just to have it scrape down my shins. My arms are shaking and I have sweat through my clothes. So the kids have been sitting in the van for a while now and I am beginning to panic. Time to meet the neighbors. I go the houses that I can still see the van from. Yes I left the van doors open and the AC on high. The good Lord hears my prayers and the people across the street come out. They surely think I am a mad woman because I am out of breath, rambling about my fish pond and I can't lift the cooler. He helps me put it in and I mentally forgive him for parking cars all over his yard. We drive the 30minutes and release the fish into their new home. Thankfully they all made it and seemed no worse for ware. I however have chipped nails, bruised legs, and fatigued arms and back. I try to remind myself that this is a good thing. After we fill in the giant hole, the yard will be a safer place for Brenna to play. No more yelling No!! don't put that in the pond. I learned a valuable lesson today. Accept you're limitations. I just kept trying and trying. Next time I'll ask for help sooner and save myself time and pain.