Rainbow Bridge

On my bedside table sits a little silvery ceramic pot with a rainbow glaze. It is the size of a large coffee mug. Beside it sits a small piece of plaster with a paw print.

The only physical items I have left of my little friend.

Scotty picked up Hanzel's ashes the other day. To see that tiny little pot made me feel ill. To think that what held such a big part of my heart was reduced to fit inside that seemed almost too much...

... but it came with a poem/story that brought healing to my broken heart, called "Rainbow Bridge"

Just this side of heaven is a place called 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 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 the 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 come when one suddenly stops and looks up into the distance. His bright eyes are intent, his eager body begins to quiver.

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 n 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 in your heart.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together.................................

-Author Unknown

I have always believed that animals will be in heaven, but have received tons of criticism regarding my belief. To think that God would create such amazing creatures that can win a heart in one look, who become a valued member of the family and seem to "get" you when no one else does-- only to toss them away at the end of their all-too-short lives didn't sound/seem like the Father that I know. Sites like this have been such a reassurance to me in my sorrow.

On the next sunny day that both Scotty and I have off, we'll take that little ceramic pot across the Point Roberts boarder, and let our little lion be carried in the wind currents off the clay cliffs over-looking the ocean.