JOY
MOURNING
Sometime during the night, our Callie Dog passed away.
She brought us joy for 14 years, and we’ll miss her terribly. The Bible contains no clue into what happens to our pets after they die. But I’d like to believe that they travel on ahead of us to Heaven, to wait patiently until we arrive. Kind of like this poem describes:
The Rainbow Bridge
| When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. | |
|
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart. Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…. |
|
This is my entry in the One Word Blog Carnival …. JOY
Visit Bridget’s Blog for more perspectives on joy today.
25 responses so far ↓
1 Candy // May 4, 2010 at 8:30 am
Please know the joy you brought to Callie as well. May you find peace in the wonderful memories of those 14 years.
I was disappointed when they changed the words in the DCB song “How He Loves” from “heaven meets earth like a sloppy wet kiss” to “unforeseen kiss” because the former reminded me of the unconditional love of my LuckyPuppy (who happens to be frolicking with CallieDog at the Bridge as we speak).
2 Beck // May 4, 2010 at 8:35 am
I’m sorry, Steph. Callie looks like she was such a sweet, sweet girl.
3 Helen // May 4, 2010 at 8:35 am
I’m sorry, Steph.
4 Screwed Up Texan // May 4, 2010 at 9:16 am
It’s hard to lose anyone you love dearly–people and pets. Sorry for your loss.
5 Louise // May 4, 2010 at 9:28 am
I followed Callie’s life in your photos and thought — what a blessing. what a joyful creature.
I am so sorry for your loss and so grateful to have met Callie if only in this place.
Blessings
6 Robin Arnold // May 4, 2010 at 9:33 am
I’m positive there are animals in heaven. Surely God would not deny those who so unconditionally love us? Yes, I’m sure, because the cats who have loved me deserve heaven.
7 { jamie } // May 4, 2010 at 9:44 am
So sorry. We have been through this, too, and it really is losing a family member. Sending big ((hugs))
8 Amy Sorrells // May 4, 2010 at 9:51 am
I thought I was sad whem my guinea pig died. I’m so sorry. It really hurts when a pet dies. They are part of your family. And no one can ever convince me 1) that all their adorable, loving behavior is purely Pavlovian and 2) that they don’t go to Heaven. God made the animals. He gave them to Adam in the beginning. I have to believe they’ll be there with us in the eternal end. Mercies and hugs to you and your family!
9 Lois (okiewife) Carter // May 4, 2010 at 9:57 am
The Rainbow Bridge…brought tears to my eyes. My dog Pepper has been gone over a year and I still miss her every day. We do not forget our faithful companions. So I know Callie won’t be forgotten, either.
10 Daniel Slocum // May 4, 2010 at 10:52 am
Spent time in prayer for your children today that they’d not mourn long and that the lesson of life and death would give them an urgency of knowing God personally and that it would spill over into conversations and relationships with friends.
11 Wendy // May 4, 2010 at 11:20 am
I’m so sorry for your loss, Steph! Losing a pet is so painful. Big hugs to you and your family!
12 Steph at the Red Clay Diaries // May 4, 2010 at 11:21 am
Thank you to everyone for your hugs, prayers and thoughts. We’re all doing pretty well. The kids have decided to spend their energy on choosing our NEXT dog. And whenever I feel the need to cry, I just reread the poem.
13 Heather // May 4, 2010 at 11:38 am
Here’s what I think: God makes it clear throughout the Bible that his redemption plan is for the whole earth (Romans 8–all creation groans; Rev 21-22–God’s presence returns to earth). Christ’s bodily resurrection is the firstfruits of what will happen to all believers, and, indeed, the whole cosmos. So while it doesn’t say how God will re-create the earth, why wouldn’t he use the old materials, in the same way he used the old materials for Christ’s resurrection? In other words, why wouldn’t our pets be included in the re-creation of the whole cosmos?
14 Maureen // May 4, 2010 at 11:57 am
Years ago when one of our pets died I read “The Rainbow Bridge” to my son and it brought him solace.
I am saddened by your loss of such a beautiful animal. I am glad for the joys she brought you.
15 justanotherdayinparadise // May 4, 2010 at 1:37 pm
I am so sorry! I think we all feel like we knew her a little from your descriptions of all your animals. I hope our animals get a piece of heaven–they bring us such joy and solace.
16 Jo@Mylestones // May 4, 2010 at 5:36 pm
Ah Steph I’m so sorry. These pups are part of the fam–it’s heart breaking to lose them. My thoughts are with you…
17 Duane Scott // May 4, 2010 at 6:12 pm
Thank you so much for loving that precious dog the way you did. Adorable. Praying for your entire family.
18 Melissa Brotherton // May 4, 2010 at 8:06 pm
I’m so sorry! Praying for you & your family!
19 Jake // May 4, 2010 at 11:36 pm
Ugh- Losing a pet is like losing a great live-in friend, it’s so hard. Great poem though…
20 katdish // May 5, 2010 at 12:07 am
I like to think Callie Dog and Lucky Dog are playing together just across the Rainbow Bridge. So sorry for your loss.
21 Annie K // May 5, 2010 at 10:15 am
Sorry for your loss Steph and if it helps any, Boz sends a big ol’ wet kiss your way. He’s good at those.
22 Bridget Chumbley // May 5, 2010 at 11:57 am
So sorry, Steph. When we lost our cat, the kids focused on memories, and picking out new kitties to fill the void.
I love that poem. HUG!
23 tricia // May 5, 2010 at 10:13 pm
I am sorry for your loss.
24 Lynn Mosher // May 6, 2010 at 10:09 am
Oh, dear! I’m so sorry the furry member of your family is no longer with you. It is always sad to lose a friend, no matter what the outside package looks like. Saying a prayer for you and the family. Blessings to you!
25 laura // May 6, 2010 at 11:59 am
I’m so sorry. I hold on to that hope, too…that we will meet our furry loved ones in the by and by. It would make heaven even sweeter, I think.
My condolences and many blessings to you.
Leave a Comment