Today was sadness--separation--suffering.
For those of you who know me well, I'm not normally a negative person and I don't want this day's meditation to turn into negativity, however, it was a very difficult day as our family said "goodbye" to one of our own for the last 14 years. Our dear little brother, Crackers, was buried at dusk under a redbud tree here on the prairie. His grave was lovingly adorned with fragrant lilacs by Brinna who also covered him in lilacs as he was laid to rest. Our whole family pitched in to dig his grave, to make it "just right" for him.
Our dear old friend succumbed to a monstrous cancerous tumor that consumed him in just the space of a few short weeks. I'm so glad he can be laid to rest among the beautiful trees and on the land he loved to roam. His brother, Chubby, is already missing him, I can tell. Tonight he wanders outside, searching for his brother/his best friend.
Tears were shed in mourning as we all felt the loss of a faithful friend. While I know many do not believe animals have an after life, our family can't imagine a heaven created by a loving Creator where animals do not walk side by side with us. We know animals do not have an eternal soul as we do, however, their spirits are so pure as they live out their short lives with us. Sometimes I believe I can learn more from them than most humans. Their loyalty, their unconditional love, their endurance in the face of trials, their long-suffering and patience, their joy--all point to a sacred purpose here on this earth.
Dear Firecrackers, we all miss you! Thank you for all you taught us about love. Rest in peace (May 30, 1998 - March 29, 2012)
photo: - Chubby (on the left); Firecrackers (on the right) taken at our farm in Missouri, c. 2000
I am so sorry. The loss of a pet is a real grief because they are a gift from God.
ReplyDeleteShelley C