Poems Of Comfort........

If It Should Be.... If it should be that I grow frail and weak And pain should keep me from my sleep Then you must do what must be done For this last battle can`t be won. You will be sad, I understand, Don`t let your grief then stay your hand For this day, more than all the rest Your love and friendship stands the test. We`ve had so many happy years What is to come can hold no fears. Would you want me to suffer? So When the time comes, please let me go. Take me where my needs they`ll tend Only stay with me until the end And hold me firm and speak to me Until my eyes no longer see. I know in time that you will see It is a kindness that you do to me Although my tail it`s last has waved From pain and suffering I have been saved Do not grieve it should be you Who must decide this thing to do. We`ve been so close, we two these years Don`t let your heart, hold any tears. Anonymous. Courtesy of Mr. & Mrs. Geldard. Take Time to Grieve for Me. Take Comfort from these Poems. Then Do Me The Greatest Honour of getting another Rescue Cat. Anonymous. Rainbow Bridge. "Just this side of Heaven is a place called 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 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 have been ill and old are restored to health and vigour; 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 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. The bright eyes are intent; the eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to break away 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, each other 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 The Rainbow Bridge Together....." Anon. Beamed From The Bright Cattery In The Sky. In case you have been wondering Just how I am getting along In my new surroundings Or worrying whether I have learnt to cope With the easy rhythm and pace For which this place is renowned. Then listen: I have been chasing little mice again Sweeter, lighter, infinitely more fragrant Than any I ever brought onto the bedroom For your pleasure In the old days. That having been said, I wouldn`t for all the world wish you to infer That they stint the grub up here: Admittedly The celestial fish are not especially exciting {Their natural zodiac ripeness has had to be homogenised to suit for the general run of feline palates} But on the plus side The nice cat-lady who comes round, All gowned in blue {my favourite colour} And with glory crowned, Pours out a warm and creamy whiteness That is literally Quite heavenly. Someone usually remembers To cut my claws And ticle my ear So that side of things is catered for, One might say, Adequately enough. I think of you sometimes Certain that you will come one day To take me on your knee And talk to me the way you used to. When that day comes I shall let you know Loudly and unambiguously That things round here have finally begun to go Really very well indeed: I shall add to ordinary space and time My own particular dimension Of thick, soft-throated sound. Michael Hatwell. The Purry Gates It seems that I've reached Heaven, or it's doorstep at any rate, and been winding round St. Peter's ankles by the Pearly Gates, I've plucked the angels' harp strings and made a merry sound, But it's plucking at my heartstrings that you are not around. So I think I'll sit and wait here, just outside the door, And as the souls come floating in, I'll tap them with my paw, And when you seek admittance, they'll rename this place - It will become Purradise, and these the Purry Gates! Annon. Heartache. Two cats I`ve had but no more now, I couldn`t stand the ache Of saying; "Yes it`s time to go" My heart about to break. I feel the guilt so heavily. And yet deep down I know, The only peace that they could get Was if I let them go. And so I`ll go on trying To keep a smiling face, But never in my life will any Cat fill up their place. Unknown. Last Words To A Dumb Friend. Pet was never mourned as you, Purrer of the spotless hue, Plumy tail, and wistful gaze, While you humoroured our queer ways, Or outshrilled your morning call Up the stairs and theough the hall - Foot suspended in its fall - While, expectant, you would stand, Till your way you chose to wend Yonder, to your tragic end. Never another pet for me! Let your place all vacant be; Better blankness day by day Than companion torn away. Better bid his memory fade Better blot each mark he made Selfishly escape distress By contrived forgetfullness, Than preserve his prints to make Every morn and eve an ache. From the chair whereon he sat weep his fur, nor wince thereat; Rake his little pathways out Mid the bushes roundabout; Smooth away his talon`s mark From the claw-worn pine tree bark, Where he climbed as dusk enbrowned Waiting us who loitered round. Strange it is this speechless thing, Subject ti our mastering, Subject for his life and food To our gift, and time and mood; Timid pensioner of us Powers His existence rulled by ours Should by crossing at a breath Into safe and shielded death, By the merely taking hence Of his insignificance - Loom as largened to the sense, Shape as part, above man`s will Of the Imperturbable........ Thomas Hardy. To My Cat. You have a life of your own I know: And I can only guess In what pathless wilderness Your catty imagination heads Beyond those humanized flowerbeds: But sooner or later I know: You`ll find your way home. I have a life of my own You know: And only a strange surmise In those curious bootbutton eyes Can follow me through the closing door Into the world`s unresting road: And sooner or later You know: I`ll find my way home. For there is a life that we share We two: When we sit beside the fire And our random thoughts conspire To carry us back, both cat and man To that far-off garden where life began And sooner or later We know: We shall find our way home. Reverend Charles Potter. Lonely House. No more cat tracks on the floor. Muddy scratches on the door, Puffs of hair upon the stairs, Lacy fretwork on the chairs. Indentations on my bed, Markings where she laid her head, Smudges on the window-pane Showing where she watched in vain. Haunts where she was wont to lay, Remind us that she is away, My house is neater, that is true, But,oh, how still and empty, too! Annon. Letters In The Wood. Where ever I go she follows me, My house is her domain; There isn`t a nook or cranny Where she hasn`t staked her claim. Even though she has left me, There isn`t one tiny place Where I don`t sense her presence Or remember her cheerful face. All the years we spent together Remain buried in the past; The memories are like diamonds, Forever they will last. She couldn`t speak my language, She knew I understood. Scratch marks on the door, Are her letters in the wood. Dennis Stevenson. Friend. Dear old Cat - A little furry face I hold you in a last embrace. You, who never heard of sin - Surely God will let you in? And when I kneel outside the Gate A penitent, awaiting fate, God may shake his head and sigh, Then,maybe, he`ll catch your eye - One melting glance, one plea from you And God will laugh, and let me through. Yvonne Lynton. Rainbow Bridge. Just this side of Heaven, before the Pearly Gates Is a sunny meadow where your pets can rest and wait. It`s where the slanting sunshine meets the highest clouds. A floating bridge of rainbows, so far above the ground. This is where we wait for you, if we have gone before, Just out of sight of mortals, just outside heaven`s door, Here we play in sunshine, frolic free from age or pain, And anticipate the joyful time when we will meet again. Every pet that`s lived on Earth can bide his time,can wait, For that special person to come walking to the Rainbow Gates, And everyone who`s loved a pet will find them safely here, Frolicking on Rainbow Bridge till your own time draws near. One day there comes a feeling, a trembling in the air, And then we know it`s time to run and come to meet you there, Faster and faster on that day, across the Rainbow Bridge we`ll run, To meet the humans we love best, come walking in the sun. Alas my friend you cannot pass across Rainbow Bridge with me, But when your time of glory comes, waiting for you I`ll be - Then together we will walk upon a path of glittering light, No more to suffer, nor to part, but to live forever side by side. Every pet that`s lived on Earth can bide his time and wait, Until together with this person he goes through those Pearly Gates, And everyone who`s loved a pet, you`ll find them waiting here, Safe and sound on Rainbow Bridge till your own time draws near. Unknown. Summerlands. Just the other side od death`s curtain are the Summerlands. All the pets who have died go through this curtain and though they can still watch us, we can`t see them. Sometimes the curtain is thin in places and we can catch a glimpse of our lost companion waiting on the other side. Sometimes the curtain twitches as they look through at us and we can feel them, or a sudden draft as the curtain falls back into place. The Summerlands exist in the long, lazy afternoons of a eternal golden summer of remembered childhood; the time when everything seems most alive and sweetest smelling. Our animala are young again and turned to perfect health. There is always space and time to play and love, places to be with others and places to be alone together. When our time comes, the curtain is lifted from our eyes and we can see the Summerlands ourselves. Waiting there for us are the animals and people we loved in life and we can see them clearly at last. The time has come for us to move away from the curtain and renew these interrupted friendships. Sometimes we can`t help but take a peek through the curtain just to see how our own loved ones are doing before they come to join us. Sarah Hartwell. The Animal`s Eden. The Animal`s Eden is a huge, beautiful walled garden where all pets go until such time as their human companions can join them.Only pet animals go to this walled garden and there are other special places for all the other animals, and especially beautiful places for animals who have suffered while on Earth and whose souls need peace and healing before they can move on. The garden is full of lawns and hedges, flower borders and shrubberies, wildflower meadows and patios of red brick. All of this is surrounded by a wall, just like a Middle Ages English garden, but much, much larger. The wall is not to keep the animals in and the gardern is so huge that none of them feel as though they are in any way enclosed. And in any case there is a special gate, but I will come to that later. In the Animal`s Eden all the pets that have passed over and are waiting for their special human, are free to do what they want, and because it is a heavenly place, none of them want to do anything that harms their animal friends. The horses and ponies graze and gallop in the meadows. The dogs romp on the lawns and sniff in the shrubberies. The cats lounge on the patios, basking in the sunshine, or take their ease in the dapplrd shade of trees. Birds are no longer caged, but fly free in the trees, eating the plentiful fruit and seeds. None of them actually feel hungry, but are provided with heavenly food if they wish, so they can eat without harming the others waiting along side them. The garden is full of every kind of animal, that has ever been a pet and which has someone special it wishes to wait for. There is a special arch in the garden wall, the sort of brick arch which might have held a wrought iron gate in earthly gardens. Sometimes one or more of the animals gets a fuuny feeling, a bit like butterflies in the tummy. Those animals stop their playing or basking and make their way to the arched gate. Something special is about to happen. When they reach the gate they can see that their special human is walking towards the gate. Then, because the Animals` Eden is a place for animals only, those animals can walk through the arch to join their human friend{s} and walk together in the sunshine on the next stage of their soul`s journey. For although the garden is a beautiful and happy place, there is nothing more joyful than a reunion between dear friends who have been apart too long. Sarah Hartwell. The Brightest Star. There is an old belief that the stars shinning in the night sky are the spirits of those who have died. They have shed their earthly bodies and exchanged them for bodies made of light, thousands upon thousands of our dear departed friends all promoted to glory in the night sky. There is another saying that the brightest flame burns the shortest. My Friend, you were the brightest star in my own universe. While I burn on, my flame dimmed by grief and despair at your passing, the stars are watching mr. They are too far away for me to touch, just as you have gone somewhere I cannot follow until my own star-time comes. They cannot be held close for comfort, just as I can no longer hold you close, though I held you close to comfort in your final hours. We were together for such a short timr, but the stars will burn forever. One day when I grow tired of this earthbound body, my own star-time will come and my spirit will soar into the sky to burn with all those friends who have gone before me. On the inky cloth of space we will be reunited in constellations of joy. Until then, my flame burns low and dim and cold without you. Through my tears I look upwards to see if you are watching me and what do I see? There is a new star shinning in the sky tonight. Sarah Hartwell Memories. Do not stand at my grave and weep, I am not there, I do not sleep. I am a thousand winds that blow, I am the softly falling snow, I am the gentle showers of rain, I am the fields of ripening grain. I am in the morning hush, I am in the graceful rush, Of beautiful birds in circling flight, I am in the star shine of the night. I am in the flowers that bloom, I am in a quiet room, I am in the birds that sing, I am in each lovely thing, Do not stand at my grave and cry, I am not there, I do not die. Mary E Frye, 1932 Poem For Cats. And God asked the feline spirit Are you ready to come home? Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul And, as a cat, you know I am most able To decide anything for myself. Are you coming then? asked God. Soon, replied the whiskered angel But I must come slowly For my human friends are troubled For you see, they need me, quite certainly. But don't they understand? asked God That you'll never leave them? That your souls are intertwined. For all eternity? That nothing is created or destroyed? It just is....forever and ever and ever. Eventually they will understand, Replied the glorious cat For I will whisper into their hearts That I am always with them I just am....forever and ever and ever. Unknown. A Tribute To A Best Friend. Sunlight streams through window pane unto a spot on the floor.... then I remember, it's where you used to lie, but now you are no more. Our feet walk down a hall of carpet, and muted echoes sound.... then I remember, It's where your paws would joyously abound. A voice is heard along the road, and up beyond the hill, then I remember it can't be yours.... your golden voice is still. But I'll take that vacant spot of floor and empty muted hall and lay them with the absent voice and unused dish along the wall. I'll wrap these treasured memorials in a blanket of my love and keep them for my best friend until we meet above. Unknown. I Only Wanted You. They say memories are golden well maybe that is true. I never wanted memories, I only wanted you. A million times I needed you, a million times I cried. If love alone could have saved you you never would have died. In life I loved you dearly, In death I love you still. In my heart you hold a place no one could ever fill. If tears could build a stairway and heartache make a lane, I'd walk the path to heaven and bring you back again. Our family chain is broken, and nothing seems the same. But as God calls us one by one, the chain will link again. Unknown. To Love Again. Oh what unhappy twist of fate Has brought you homeless to my gate, The gate where once another stood To beg for shelter warmth and food? For from that day I ceased to be The master of my destiny, While she, with purr and velvet paw Became within my house the law. She scratched the furniture and shed And claimed the middle of my bed, She ruled in arrogance and pride And broke my heart the day she died. So if you really think, oh cat I'd willingly relive all that, Because you come forlorn and thin Well don't just stand there - come on in! Unknown. We Have A Secret. We have a secret, you and I that no one else shall know, for who but I can see you lie each night in fire glow? And who but I can reach my hand before we go to bed and feel the living warmth of you and touch your silken head? And only I walk woodland paths and see ahead of me, your small form racing with the wind so young again, and free. And only I can see you swim in every brook I pass and when I call, no one but I can see the bending grass. Unknown. A Bridge Called Love. It takes us back to brighter years, to happier sunlit days and to precious moments that will be with us always. And these fond recollections are treasured in the heart to bring us always close to those from whom we had to part. There is a bridge of memories from earth to Heaven above... It keeps our dear ones near us It's the bridge that we call love. Unknown. I`m Still Here. Friend, please don't mourn for me I'm still here, though you don't see. I'm right by your side each night and day and within your heart I long to stay. My body is gone but I'm always near. I'm everything you feel, see or hear. My spirit is free, but I'll never depart as long as you keep me alive in your heart. I'll never wander out of your sight- I'm the brightest star on a summer night. I'll never be beyond your reach- I'm the warm moist sand when you're at the beach. I'm the colourful leaves when fall comes around and the pure white snow that blankets the ground. I'm the beautiful flowers of which you're so fond, The clear cool water in a quiet pond. I'm the first bright blossom you'll see in the spring, The first warm raindrop that April will bring. I'm the first ray of light when the sun starts to shine, and you'll see that the face in the moon is mine. When you start thinking there's no one to love you, you can talk to me through the Lord above you. I'll whisper my answer through the leaves on the trees, and you'll feel my presence in the soft summer breeze. I'm the hot salty tears that flow when you weep and the beautiful dreams that come while you sleep. I'm the smile you see on a baby's face. Just look for me, friend, I'm everyplace! Unknown. Making That Final Decision To Say Goodbye. You're giving me a special gift So sorrowfully endowed, And through these last few cherished days, Your courage makes me proud. But really, love is knowing When your best friend is in pain, And understanding earthly acts, Will only be in vain. So looking deep into your eyes, Beyond, into your soul, I see in you the magic, that will Once more make me whole. The strength that you possess, Is why I look to you today, To do this thing that must be done, For it's the only way. That strength is why I've followed you, And chose you as my friend, And why I've loved you all these years... My partner till the end. Please, understand just what this gift You're giving, means to me, It gives me back the strength I've lost, And all my dignity. You take a stand on my behalf, For that is what friends do. And know that what you do is right, For I believe it too. So one last time, I breathe your scent, And through your hand I feel, The courage that's within you, To now grant me this appeal. Cut the ties that holds me here, Dear friend, and let me run, Once more a strong and steady cat, My pain and struggle done. And don't despair my passing, For I won't be far away, Forever here, within your heart, And memory I'll stay. I'll be there watching over you, Your ever faithful friend, And in your memories I'll run, ... a young cat once again. Unknown. Don`t Grieve Too Long. Don't grieve too long for now I'm free I've followed the path God set for me I ran to Him when I heard His call I swished my tail and left it all. I could not stay another day To meow, to love, to romp or play Games left unplayed must stay that way I found such peace; it made my day. My parting has left you with a void Please feel it with remembered joy A friendship shared, your laugh, a kiss Oh yes, these things I too shall miss Be not burdened with times of sorrow I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow My life's been full, you've given so much Your time, your love and gentle touch. Perhaps my time seemed all too brief Don't lengthen it now with undue grief Lift up your head and share with me God wanted me; He set me free!! Unknown. A Pray. I fancied that I heard them say "Dear Lord Thy Will Be Done," For all the joys this cat will bring, the risk of grief you'll run. Will you shelter him with tenderness Will you love him while you may And for the happiness you'll know forever grateful stay. But should I call him back much sooner than you've planned Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand. If, by your love, you've managed my wishes to achieve, In memory of him that you've loved cherish every moment with your faithful bundle, and know he loved you too. Author Unknown Poem For Cats. And God asked the feline spirit Are you ready to come home? Oh, yes, quite so, replied the precious soul And, as a cat, I am most able To decide anything for myself Are you coming then? asked God. Soon, replied the whiskered angel But I must come slowly. For my human friends are troubled. For you see, they need me, quite certainly. But don't they understand? asked God That you'll never leave them? That you souls are intertwined for all eternity? That nothing is created or destroyed? It just is...forever and ever and ever. Eventually they will understand, Replied the glorious cat. For I will whisper into their hearts That I am always with them I just am...forever and ever and ever. Author Unknown. The Cat's Prayer. Although I am too proud to beg and may appear to be a very independent creature, I ask for your loving care and attention. I rely on you for my well being much more than you may realize. This I promise you, my benefactor, that I will not be a burden on you nor will I demand more of you than you care to give. I will be a quiet peaceful island of serenity for you to gaze upon, a soft soothing body to caress, and I shall purr with pleasure to rest your weary ears. Since I am a gourmet who appreciates different taste sensations, I pray you will give me a variety of nutritious foods and fresh water daily. You know, dear friend, how I love to go. Allow me, I pray, a warm sheltered place where I can rest peacefully and feel secure. If I am wounded in battle or suffering from disease, please tend me gently, and see that I am treated by loving and competent hands. Please protect me from the inhuman humans who would hurt and torture me for their own amusement. I am accustomed to your gentle touch and am not always suspicious nor swift enough to avoid such malicious acts. In my later years when my senses fail me and my infirmities become too great to bear, allow me the comfort and dignity that I desire for my closing days and help me gently in my pain or passing. Hear this prayer, my dear friend, my fate depends on you. Author Unknown. Cat Owner's Prayer. Because I'm only human, It's sometimes hard to be The wise, all-knowing creature That my cat expects of me. And so I pray for special help To somehow understand The subtle implications Of each proud meowed command. Oh, let me not forget that chairs Were put on earth to shred; And what I like to call a lap Is actually a bed. I know it's really lots to ask But please, oh please, take pity; And though I'm only human, Make me worthy of my kitty! Author Unknown. An Old Man's Prayer For His Cat. So many years ago she came to me, a trusting tiny ball of fluff that climbed on my leg to play and sleep upon my lap. For all those years and still, we share our joys and love; but now both are grown old, and soon must die. Her eyes, like mine, are clouded and would no longer serve to catch her prey. She would not understand the missing saucer, the cold hearth and empty bed, nor bend her ways to suit some strangers house. Pray, take her first, Oh Lord, that I may see her resting safe beneath the apple tree that once she loved to climb with such agility, beyond my reach. I shall grieve with understanding... then anyone can bury me. Author Unknown. A Prayer For All Animals. Hear our humble prayer, O God, for our friends the animals, especially for animals who are suffering; for any that are hunted or lost or deserted or frightened or hungry; for all that must be put to death. We entreat for them all Thy mercy and pity, and for all those who deal with them we ask a heart of compassion and gentle hands and kindly words. Make us, ourselves, to be true friends to animals and so to share the blessings of the merciful. Albert Schweitzer. An Old Russian Prayer. Hear our prayer, Lord, for all animals, May they be well-fed and well-trained and happy; Protect them from hunger and fear and suffering; And, we pray, protect specially, dear Lord, The little cat who is the companion of our home, Keep her safe as she goes abroad, And bring her back to comfort us. Author Unknown. Stray Cat's Prayer. Dear God, please send me somebody who'll care! I'm so tired of running and sick with despair. My body is aching and filled with such pain; And dear God I pray, as I run in the rain That someone will love me and give me a home, A warm cozy bed, and food of my own. My last owner left me alone in the yard... I watched as they moved, and God that was hard. So I waited a while, then went on my way To rummage in garbage and live as a stray. But now, God, I'm so tired and hungry and cold; And I'm so afraid that I'll never grow old. They've chased me with sticks and hit me with straps While I run the streets just looking for scraps! I'm not really bad, God, please help if you can, For I have become just a "Victim of Man!" I'm wormy, dear God, and I'm ridden with fleas; And all that I want is an Owner to please! If you find one for me, God, I'll try to be good. I won't scratch the carpet; I'll do as I should. I'll love them, play with them, and try to obey. I will be so grateful if they'll let me stay! I don't think I'll make it too long on my own, 'Cause I'm getting weak and I'm so all alone. Each night as I sleep in the bushes I cry, 'Cause I'm so afraid, God, that I'm gonna die. I've got so much love and devotion to give That I should be given a new chance to Live! So dear God, please hear me, please answer my prayer, And send me somebody who will REALLY care. Author Unknown. Those Eyes Those eyes, glistening brightness; Eternity beware. We try and pretend that you were never here, but those eyes never left with you. The wind took him away,I say, For you were taken so softly. I try not to cry. You are one more thing in my life I have lost. I close you up inside and pretend not to feel any pain. But those eyes are looking at me, knowing how much I loved you. Those eyes never wanted more than a kiss, a pat, an occasional caress. Don`t buy me fancy those eyes said, Just love me till the day I die. And so I did. But those eyes still speak to me. Written And Sent To Us By Tara Bauman. USA. June 1990. To My Dearest Family. To my dearest family, some things I would like to say ………. But first of all, to let you know, that I arrived o.k. I’m writing this from heaven. Here I dwell with God above. Here, there’s no more tears of sadness; here is just eternal love. Please do not be unhappy just because I’m out of sight. Remember that I’m with you every morning, noon and night. That day I had to leave you when my life on earth was through, God picked me up and hugged me and said, “ I welcome you “ It’s good to have you back again; you were missed while you were gone. As for your dearest family, they’ll be here later on. I need you here badly; your part of my plan. There’s so much that we have to do, to help our mortal man. God gave me a list of things, that he wished for me to do. And foremost on the list, was to watch and care for you. And when you lie in bed at night, the day’s chores put to flight. God and I are closest to you…. In the middle of the night. When you think of my life on earth, and all those loving years because you are only human, they are bound to bring you tears But do not be afraid to cry; it does relieve the pain. Remember there would be no flowers, unless there was some rain I wish that I could tell you all that God had planned. But if I were to tell you, you wouldn’t understand. But one thing is for certain, though my life on earth is over. I’m closer to you now, than I ever was before. There are many rocky roads ahead of you and many hills to climb; But together we can do it by taking one day at a time. It was always my philosophy and I’d like it for you too… That as you give unto the world, the world will give to you If you can help somebody who’s in sorrow and pain, Then you can say to God at night….” My day was not in vain “ . And now I am contented…. That my life has been worthwhile, Knowing as I passed along the way, I made somebody smile. So if you meet somebody who is sad and feeling low, Just lend a hand to pick him up, as our way you go. When you’re walking down the street, and you’ve got me on your mind; I’m walking in your footsteps only half a step behind. And when it’s time for you to go…. from that body to be free, Remember you’re not going….you’re coming home to me. Ruth Ann Mahaffey. Sent to us by Paula Swinbank. Belle Such a loving little thing, As pretty as can be, You came to share your life with us And brought such joy to me. Although you had a problem You learnt your nose to blow, And did so well for weeks and weeks As all who loved you know. You brought about such changes, Turned my world around, I’ll miss my silent shadow, Your joyful greeting bound. In you I found a special friend, A soul-mate clad in fur, And when I sit at home at night I’ll miss your humming purr. You know how much I loved you, How much I’ll miss you too, But there was nothing left to try, No more that we could do. Be at peace my baby, Your struggle here is done, May you find rest and no more pain My darling little one. Such a tiny little thing, You meant the world to me, Now there’s an empty space inside Where sweet Belle used to be. Poem by C.L. Christmas At Rainbow Bridge A Christmas Story Tree December is the best month of the year at the Rainbow Bridge. For the dogs there is snow to romp in and the angels always have time to toss snowballs for them to chase. The cats enjoy patting at the snowflakes as they fall, and then curling up near the fireplace for a nice winter's nap. But it is the lights that make this time so special. Winter on the Earth, their former home, is a time of lengthening darkness, and in December candles glow all around the globe beginning with Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, and continuing on right through the New Year's festivities. At the Bridge the glow of these candles is reflected in all of the trees, and in the hearts of every Bridgekid as they observe the month in their own special way; with memories of the lives, and the loved ones they left behind. For most it is a time of quiet joy, but each year there are always a few who draw apart.. Near to midnight, "home time" on December 24 Charlie realized someone was missing from the Hale gathering. "I'll be right back," he told his siblings. He passed many similar groupings as he hurried down the well worn path, many friends called out to him, but he only acknowledge the greetings with a wave and continued on. The path ended at the Rainbow, and there he found a small group of newcomers, each sitting quietly, alone. One of these, the missing Sandifur, was crouched at the very edge, his stumpy tail twitching rapidly, as he stared at the scene below. "You are missing the party, little brother," Charlie said. "I don't care," replied Sandifur, "I don't like Christmas anyway. " Charlie only smiled. "I felt the same way my first year. Do you remember your very first Christmas with Mom and Dad? Remember the new scratching tree they gave us that year, and the catnip mice? And remember all the good things we got to eat? That was a great time, wasn't it?" Sandifur nodded, still gazing intently below. "I want to go back." "I did too, " Charlie said, licking gently at his brother's ear. "But we can't, baby brother. This is our place now." "But it's Christmas, and Mom and Dad miss us so much. Look, mom is lighting a candle right now, just for us and she is crying." "Christmas Eve is her time to remember, little one, but tomorrow she will pass out the presents to all of our brothers and sisters, and she will be happy again. I want to show you something. Come with me." Together the two kiddens climbed the arch of the Rainbow, and at the very top Charlie stopped. "Do you see that big silver cloud over there? Watch closely." As Sandifur gazed the cloud began to swirl and gradually an image came into view. The clearing where he had left his family, and a larger gathering around the big, glowing pine tree. He could see the dogs, many more of them than when he had left, playing fetch and tug of war, and the kiddens, so many kiddens, sleeping in a heap, their soggy catnip mice forgotten in the grass. Suddenly the kiddens all woke up, and the dogs ceased their play and stared into the darkness beyond the clearing, tails wagging in greeting. And then, much to Sandifur's amazement, two humans stepped into the light." "Hurry, Charlie, we have to go back," he said. " Mom and Dad, they're here!" "Not just yet, Sandy. That cloud is our Window into Tomorrow. Come back with me now, and join the others. The reunion will come. We have been promised." Sandy reluctantly pulled his gaze away from the vision of the future, and followed Charlie. They found the others waiting for them at the base of the rainbow. "Is it time?" Charlie asked. Terrie nodded, "They are waiting." All of the Hale Bridgekids drew together, and looked over the edge, and along the entire length of the rainbow similar groups were gathered, all looking down at their former homes. Suddenly the light of a million candles from the Earth met the glow from the Rainbow Bridge. "Now," Charlie whispered. In unison three words were repeated again and again, and as they were spoken they merged with the bridge of light, flowing from the rainbow to the earth, and back again in ever increasing brilliance, and the colors of the rainbow merged with the light. "I love you," they all said, and the love entered every heart of the pet parents on earth, and the hearts of those who gathered at the rainbow. "Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad," Sandifur whispered again, watching the lights slowly fade. "I love you. I will be waiting." "I will look ahead for there is our tomorrow." Marion Hale. Sent to us by Sandra Oates.