For the comments and emails you've sent, and for *just stopping by* too: Thank you all. I learned about the Rainbow Bridge just recently, from a beautiful tribute on Nancy's blog *My Garden Spot* when she lost her beloved once-in-a-lifetime dog Brain: http://nancysgardenspot.blogspot.com/2006/06/thank-you.html Since then it seems like I've heard about this poem everywhere I look. I've reprinted it below.
It reminds me very much of some things that happened after this one's mother, April, passed away in August, 2002. I love to think about them playing in a beautiful field full of butterflies and wildflowers and all their friends. And being there for us, to see us again.
When someone, anyone, has been with you for 22 years, it's an adjustment to live without them. I don't know what the next few weeks will bring. It feels very strange. Empty.
I've heard before how our readers and fellow bloggers give us strength in a way that may not make sense to outsiders. I'm beginning to understand that feeling much better now.
Thank you, commenters and emailers and *quiet* readers, all.
It reminds me very much of some things that happened after this one's mother, April, passed away in August, 2002. I love to think about them playing in a beautiful field full of butterflies and wildflowers and all their friends. And being there for us, to see us again.
When someone, anyone, has been with you for 22 years, it's an adjustment to live without them. I don't know what the next few weeks will bring. It feels very strange. Empty.
I've heard before how our readers and fellow bloggers give us strength in a way that may not make sense to outsiders. I'm beginning to understand that feeling much better now.
Thank you, commenters and emailers and *quiet* readers, all.
RAINBOW BRIDGE
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When a beloved pet dies that has been
especially close to someone here, the 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 had been ill or 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 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 to each other in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face
your hand again caresses that 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.
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 had been ill or 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 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 to each other in joyous reunion,
never to be parted again.
The happy kisses rain upon your face
your hand again caresses that 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.
Unknown
3 comments:
K, I know that we all have our personal beliefs concerning animals. My own religion tells me that animals, as well as people have souls that were created before their lives here began, that everything and everyone are an essential and valued part of the creation, and are eternal. I believe that if any of us are eternal beings, that we all are. I live with this "perfect brightness of hope."
Oh, that's beautiful. And it makes perfect sense to me.
If any of us are then we all are.
How could it be otherwise?
One day I'll tell you about our little cat April and what she showed us about that.
I'll look forward to that!
Post a Comment