Rainbow Bridge

By the edge of a woods, at the foot of a hill,

Is a lush, green meadow where time stands still.

Where the friends of man and woman do run,

When their time on earth is over and done.

For here, between this world and the next,

Is a place where each beloved creature finds rest.

On this golden land, they wait and they play,

Till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day.

No more do they suffer, in pain or in sadness,

For here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness.

Their limbs are restored, their health renewed,

Their bodies have healed, with strength imbued.

They romp through the grass, without even a care,

Until one day they start, and sniff at the air.

All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back,

Then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack.

For just at that instant, their eyes have met;

Together again, both person and pet.

So they run to each other, these friends from long past,

The time of their parting is over at last.

The sadness they felt while they were apart,

Has turned into joy once more in each heart.

They embrace with a love that will last forever,

And then, side-by-side, they cross over... together.

Rest In Peace

Chaos

1-18-04

========================================================

Rest In Peace

Jinxy Chantal

8-8-05

I have sent you on a journey to a land free from pain,

not because I did not love you, but because I loved you

too much to force you to stay.

We've known this day would come, we knew it from the start.

And now we sit together, me with a heavy heart.

I know it is time, to release you from your pain.

There's nothing left to do, nothing left to gain.

As I look into your eyes, I feel the pain I see.

I know you have been holding on, just because of me.

You are my best friend, and I don't want to let you go

But loving you as I do, I can't let you suffer so.

So as I hold you here, I just wanted to let you know

Today I loved you most of all, Today I let you go.

====================================================

Rest in Peace

12-6-05

Maggie May

God looked around His garden

And found an empty space,

He then looked upon the earth

And saw your tired face.

He put His arms around you

To give you needed rest,

Knowing that His garden

Is where you'd do the best.

He knew that you were suffering,

He knew you were in pain.

He knew that through His endless love,

Your faith He could sustain.

He saw the road was rough,

The hills so hard to climb,

So He closed your weary eyelids,

And whispered,

Peace be Thine.

It broke our hearts to lose you,

But you do not go alone,

For part of us went with you

The day God called you home.

=============================================================

Rest In Peace

Dickens

7-24-2006

Weep not for me though I am gone

Into that gentle night.

Grieve if you will, but not for long

Upon my soul's sweet flight.

I am at peace, my soul's at rest

There is no need for tears.

For with your love I was so blessed

For all those many years.

There is no pain, I suffer not,

The fear now all is gone.

Put now these things out of your thoughts,

In your memory I live on.

Remember not my fight for breath

Remember not the strife.

Please do not dwell upon my death,

But celebrate my life.

========================================================

Rest In Peace

My Most Beloved

Bezil

8/14/06

For Bezil

Oh Lord, as I cried into the night-

You gave me an answer, you gave me a light.

And lo the angels rejoiced; and lo my heart was at peace,

And Love had a name (and with it too fur),

And I called my precious boy simply, Bezil.

But the day came too soon that my light went away,

Away to the heavens, away to my dismay.

And lo my heart was sad, and lo I wept many tears.

For the love of my life was gone

(and with him too part of me),

The one I had called my beloved Bezil.

But someday my light shall also be dimmed too,

Together we shall be, together me and you.

We will be as one in the sky, together like before-

When we are joined in heaven, (united for all time).

What a joyous day, for my animals and me!   

Together for all time-

Just God, and Me, and Thee.

-HeatherN Stotz

So this is where we part, My friend,

and you'll run on, around the bend,

gone from sight, but not from mind,

new pleasures there you'll surely find.

I will go on, I'll find the strength,

life measures quality, not its length.

One long embrace before you leave,

share one last look, before I grieve.

There are others, that much is true,

but they be they, and they aren't you.

And I, fair impartial, or so I thought,

will remember well all you've taught.

Your place I'll hold, you will be missed,

the fur I stroked, the nose I kissed.

And as you journey to your final rest,

take with you this...I loved you best.

If it should be that I grow frail and weak

And pain should keep me from my sleep,

Then will you do what must be done,

For this -- the last battle -- can't be won.

You will be sad I understand,

But don't let grief then stay your hand,

For on this day, more than the rest,

Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,

You wouldn't want me to suffer so.

When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,

Only, stay with me till the end

And hold me firm and speak to me

Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree

It is a kindness you do to me.

Although my tail its last has waved,

From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you

Who has to decide this thing to do;

We've been so close -- we two -- these years,

Don't let your heart hold any tears.

May I go now?

Do you think the time is right?

May I say good bye to pain filled days

and endless lonely nights?

I've lived my life and done my best,

an example tried to be.

So can I take that step beyond

and set my spirit free?

I didn't want to go at first,

I fought with all my might.

But something seems to draw me now

to a warm and living light.

I want to go I really do.

It's difficult to stay.

But I will try as best I can

to live just one more day.

To give you time to care for me

and share your love and fears.

I know you're sad and afraid,

because I see your tears.

I'll not be far, I promise that,

and hope you'll always know

that my spirit will be close to you

wherever you may go.

Thank you so for loving me.

You know I love you too,

that's why it's hard to say good bye

and end this life with you.

So hold me now just one more time

and let me hear you say,

because you care so much for me,

you'll let me go today.

There is a sacredness in tears. They are not the mark of weakness, but of power. They speak more eloquently than ten thousand tongues. They are the messengers of overwhelming grief, of deep contrition, and of unspeakable love.

- Washington Irving

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.

========================================================

Rest in Peace

My Alex

You left scars on both my

hands and on my heart

10-16-06

Please don't forget me when I'm gone-

The good times aren't all past.

Treasure all the joys we shared-

Those memories will last.

And don't forget the hard times, too.

The struggles that we had.

The times when we grew closer still-

those memories aren't all bad!

But most of all remember me,

And the great love that we shared.

So don't forget me when I'm gone-

And always know, I cared

No pain, no grief, no anxious fear

can reach our loved one sleeping here.

====================================================

My Best Friend Nip

Rest In Peace

10-18-06

Now we lay you down to sleep

You're finally at rest

Our love for you we'll always keep

You were the very best

You gave us joy for thirteen years

A memory for each new day

Then came the day of all my fears

The day you passed away

And part of us you took with you

And I can't stand the pain

But when this life on earth is through

I know we'll meet again.

Sorrow fills a barren space,

you close your eyes and see my face.

I think of times I made you laugh,

the love we shared, the bond we had.

The special way I needed you,

the friendship shared by just we two.

The day's too quiet, the world seems older,

the wind blows now a little colder.

You gaze into the empty air,

and look for me, but I'm not there.

I'm in heaven and I watch you,

and I see the world around you too.

I see little souls wearing fur,

souls who bark and souls who purr.

Born unwanted and unloved,

I see all this and more above.

I watch them suffer, I see them cry,

I see them lost, I watch them die.

I see unwanted thousands born,

and when they die, nobody mourns.

These little souls wearing fur,

Some who bark and some who purr.

are castaways who unlike me,

will never know love or security.

A few short months they starve and roam,

or caged in shelters nobody takes home.

My pain and suffering came to an end,

so don't cry for me, my person, my friend.

But think of the living, those souls with fur,

some who bark and some who purr.

And though our bond can't be broken apart,

make room for another in your home and heart.

====================================

Timmy

Called Home too Soon

1-30-07

What do you do when a good friend dies?

Do you lash out in anger and curse at the sky?

Or grasp hard denial, the means of the weak.

In an effort to kindle the comfort you seek.

What do you do when a good friend dies?

Once life's breath, so precious, gives the chest final rise.

In haste you take the blame, no other at fault,

You kneel upturned earth and deem all happiness to hault.

What do you do when a good friend dies?

When with her the times, both good and bad, lie.

Do you cast aside the past, for memories hurt much to much,

Or struggle and fight for the last lingering touch.

What do you do when a good friend dies?

When all of the tears have all but been cried.

No matter how much you try,

The only thing to do is say farewell,

Goodbye.

Don't cry Mommie

You did what you had to do

Although my body's lifeless

I'm still here with you.

You'll never know how much it meant

With my last breath I took

To feel your touch and loving arms

And see your loving look.

I'm happy now- no more pain

I'm young and filled with joy.

And I will keep a loving watch

Over all your tears and joys.

I'll wait for you and walk with you

Until it comes your time

When God decides to bring you home

To me for all Eternal time.

====================================================

Shakespear

2-2-07

He fought the good fight

From the silence of your pain I heard my name

       and on the wings of light I have come

              to see the sadness in your eyes

                     that cry without tears

Can you see me, I am here

       I will always be near you

              to calm your shattered heart

                     and to make you smile at the memories

Do you feel me, perhaps a soft brush of fur

       You ache to believe it's real

              but you are afraid to hope

                     You brush away a strand of hair

                            But it was I, whispering.....

I am only here for but a moment

       The silver thread gently quivers

              I will leave behind my love in a dream

                     When you awaken, and without really knowing why

Your heart will know at last

           That it is all right, for now

                     to say good-bye

======================================================

12-10-07

Angel

My Mouse

We thought of you with love today.

But that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday.

And days before that too.

We think of you in silence.

We often speak your name.

Now all we have is memories.

And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is our keepsake.

With which we'll never part.

God has you in his keeping.

We have you in our heart.

Author Unknown

My Grief is Like a River

My grief is like a river-

I have to let it flow,

But I myself determine

Just where the banks will go.

Some days the current takes me

In waves of guilt and pain

But there are always quiet pools

Where I can rest again.

I crash on rocks of anger-

My faith seems faith indeed,

But there are other swimmers

Who know that what I need

Are loving hands to hold me

When the waters are too swift,

And someone kind to listen

When I just seem to drift.

Grief's river is a process

Of relinquishing the past.

By swimming in hope's channels

I'll reach the shore at last.

Cynthia G. Kelley

========================================

1-2-08

Jesse

My Couch Slug

We wish we could have told you,

in words you'd understand,

We wanted you to stay with us.

This wasn't what we'd planned.

We wish somehow to tell you,

How empty we now feel.

A part of us went with you,

A part that time can't heal.

We wish we'd once more hear you,

in your softly, rumbling purr,

to hold you on our laps again

and stroke your golden fur.

We wish we had you back again,

to fill this empty space.

But one day we'll be together

in a far, far better place.

When tomorrow starts without me,

And I am not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes,

All filled with tears for me,

I wish so much you wouldn't cry,

The way you did today,

While thinking of the many things,

We didn't get to say,

I know how much you loved me,

As much as I loved you,

And each time that you think of me,

I know you'll miss me to,

But when tomorrow starts without me,

Please try to understand,

That an angel came and called my name,

And took me by the hand,

And said my place was ready,

In heaven far above,

And that I'd have to leave behind,

All those I dearly love,

But as I turned and walked away,

A tear fell from my eye,

For all my life I'd always thought,

I didn't want to die,

I had so much to live for,

So much left yet to do,

It seemed almost impossible,

That I was leaving you,

I thought of all the yesterdays,

The good ones and the bad,

I thought of all the love we shared,

And all the fun we had,

If I could relive yesterday,

Just even for a while,

I'd say good-bye and kiss you,

And maybe see you smile,

But then I finally realize,

That this could never be,

For emptiness and memories,

Would take the place of me,

And when I thought of all the worldly things,

I might miss come tomorrow,

I thought of you and when I did,

My heart was filled with sorrow,

But when I walked through Heaven's gates,

I felt so much at home,

When God looked down and smiled at me,

From His great golden throne,

He said, “This is eternity, And all I've promised you,

Today your life on earth is past,

But here life starts anew”.

I promise no tomorrow,

But today will always last,

And since each day's the same day,

There's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful,

So trusting and so true.

Though there were times you did some things,

You knew you shouldn't do.

But you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.

So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?

So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,

for every time you think of me, I'm right here, inside your heart.

===========================================

Books:

*passingly good

** worth the read

*** would definitely get

(***)Coping with Sorrow on the Loss of Your Pet by Moira K. Anderson

Author of seven books, Moira Allen is also an accomplished article writer and columnist. During her long career, she has held a variety of writing-related positions, including a past editor of Dog Fancy Magazine.

Her book, Coping With Sorrow On The Loss Of Your Pet, has been in production for 20 years and has been embraced by humane societies, veterinary schools and pet cemeteries. This support comes with good reason...

Coping With Sorrow On The Loss Of Your Pet is an exceptionally well planned and thoroughly researched, 182-page non-fiction self-help book. Moira displays excellent organizations skills and clearly shows a compassion and dedication to the concept of preparedness for the death of a loved one.

This 13-chapter book opens with some lovely poems that, frankly, meant so much more to me after I finished the book and returned to read them once more. The author covers every aspect of losing a pet and closes with a lovely write-up about her life as a writer.

Moira also discusses aspects of dealing with the death on an emotional level. For instance, each member of the family, even those of the four-legged variety, will grieve differently according to the relationship they had with the deceased. The ways we all will be able to show our emotions will vary just as much and I think it is helpful for pet-owners to be aware of these differences in order to avoid misunderstandings. The author also shows us some social barriers, such as people who cannot comprehend the grief over the loss of an animal, and she shows us how to deal with this hurtful event.

(***)Will I See Fido in Heaven?: Scripturally Revealing God's Eternal Plan for His Lesser Creatures  by Mary Buddemeyer-Porter  (+I have Read Personally and Highly Recommend)

"Will I See Fido in Heaven?" is a 123-page concise, Christian book that reveals the eternal life of all animals and God's love for all Creation. It is based upon more than 150 Biblical Scriptures and shows the difference between the innocence of animals and sinful nature of man. "Will I See Fido in Heaven?" is a book that will comfort and enlighten every animal lover. It is full of wonderful true-life animal stories that reveal the wisdom, feelings, and reasoning abilities of many of God's lesser creatures. It is a book that spurs people to share their joy when they realize their deceased four-legged friends will pass on to Heaven. It has become a favorite gift for many Christians to give to their pet-loving friends.

(***)There is Eternal Life for Animals by Shanahan, Niki Behrikis

Based on Bible Scripture, There Is Eternal Life For Animals presents Animal Afterlife from a Christian Perspective. All animals go to heaven. How do we know? We look in the book that God left us, the Bible. This book takes you through the Bible and proves through the scriptures that there is life after death for all the animals. It covers: -- God's relationship with the animals; -- The current life of the animal kingdom; -- The future life of the animals and its restoration; -- What animals are currently in heaven; -- Whether animals have souls and spirits; -- Praying for animals. There Is Eternal Life For Animals includes numerous Bible scriptures, opinions and commentaries from Bible Theologians, visions, stories, near-death experiences of children, and personal experiences. It also reviews many of the original Greek and Hebrew words and their translations.

(***)How to Roar: Pet Loss Grief Recovery by Robin Jean Brown

What helped me about this book were two things, which I'll mention first, and then explain. Those two things are:

1. The workbook questions.

2. The unique, balanced tone of this book.

Now I'll explain:

The workbook questions - This is a highly interactive book. You don't just read it passively. At first I thought the questions would hurt too much to do (one of the questions has you write the story of how you came to choose your pet above all others), but as I wrote out my answers to them, I felt better. I also felt happy as so many wonderful memories of my dog flooded back to me through the tears.

The unique, balanced tone - The other books I read seemed either too uncaring or -- at the opposite extreme -- too sad. Instead "How to ROAR" is written by a highly empathetic author who also helps you to work through the grief and get to "acceptance" stage (and beyond) at the other side.

In conclusion, if you've lost your pet (or know someone who has), get Robin Jean Brown's book. It will help to work through the pain and heartache.

(***)Surviving the Heartbreak of Choosing Death for Your Pet by Linda Mary Peterson

(***)Angel Pawprints: Reflections On Loving and Losing a Canine Companion

by Laurel E. Hunt (Poems and Stories)

This poignant and elegantly designed collection of stories and verse provides comfort and healing for anyone experiencing the grief of losing a dog. An essential resource for veterinarians, bereavement counselors, pet loss support groups, and, of course, pet owners themselves, Angel Pawprints is a heartwarming book for anyone who has ever loved and lost a dog.

(***)It's Ok to Cry by Maria L. King

(***)Saying Good-Bye to the Pet You Love: A Complete Resource to Help You Heal

by Lorri A. Greene and Jacquelyn Landis

(**)The Tenth Good Thing About Barney by Judith Viorst (for children)

(**)Final Farewell: Preparing for & Mourning the Loss of Your Pet by Marty Tousley

(**)Children and Pet Loss: A Guide for Helping by Marty Tousley

(**)Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who has Ever Lost a Pet by Gary Kowalski

(**)When Your Pet Dies: A Guide to Mourning, Remembering and Healing by Alan D. Wolfelt

(**)Pet Loss: A Spiritual Guide by Julia A Harris

(**)Remembering Pets: A Book for Children Who have Lost a Pet by Gina Dalpra-Berman

and Barbara Hoss-Schneider (Illustrator)

(**)Preparing for the Loss of Your Pet: Saying Goodbye with Dignity, and Peace of Mind

by Myrna Dvm Milani

(*)Three Cats, Two Dogs: One Journey Through Multiple Pet Loss by David Congalton

(*)Cold Noses at the Pearly Gates by Gary Kurz

(*)Grieving the Death of a Pet by Betty J. Carmack

(*)Will My Pet Go to Heaven? by Steve Wohlberg

(*)The Heart That is Loved Never Forgets: Recovering from Loss: When Humans and Animals

Lose Their Companions by Kaetheryn Walker

(*)Loving and Losing a Pet: A Psychologis and a Veterinarian Share Their Wisdom

by Stern Michael

All of these books are available on

 

Pet Loss Websites:

Pet Loss Grief Support Website and Candle Ceremony: www.petloss.com

Lightning Strike Pet Loss Support Page: www.lightning-strike.com

Rainbow Bridge www.rainbowsbridge.com

Hotlines:

Pet Friends Inc.: (800) 404-PETS

UC Davis Veterinary School (916) 752-4200

Lend Me a Ferret

I will lend to you for a while

a ferret, God said.

For you to love while she lives,

and mourn when she's dead.

Maybe for eight or ten years,

or maybe two or three.

But will you, 'till I call her back,

take care of her for me?

She'll bring her charms to gladden you

and should her stay be brief,

you'll always have her memories

as solace for your grief.

I cannot promise she will stay,

since all from earth return.

But there are lessons taught below

I want this ferret to learn.

I've looked the whole world over

in search of teachers true,

And from the folk that crowds life's land

I have chosen you.

Now will you give her all your love,

nor think the labor vain?

Nor hate me when I come to take

my ferret home again?

And my heart replied,

"My Lord, Thy Will Be Done."

For all the joys this ferret brings,

the risk of grief I'll run.

I'll shelter her with tenderness,

I'll love her while I may.

And for the happiness that I've known,

forever grateful stay.

But should you call her back

much sooner than I planned,

I'll brave the bitter grief that comes,

and try to understand.

If by my love I've managed

your wishes to achieve,

in memory of her sweet sweet love,

please help me while I grieve.

When my cherished ferret

departs this world of strife,

Please send yet another needing soul

for me to love all her life.

Sorrow fills a barren space,

you close your eyes and see my face.

I think of times I made you laugh,

the love we shared, the bond we had.

The special way I needed you,

the friendship shared by just we two.

The day's too quiet, the world seems older,

the wind blows now a little colder.

You gaze into the empty air,

and look for me, but I'm not there.

I'm in heaven and I watch you,

and I see the world around you too.

I see little souls wearing fur,

souls who bark and souls who purr.

Born unwanted and unloved,

I see all this and more above.

I watch them suffer, I see them cry,

I see them lost, I watch them die.

I see unwanted thousands born,

and when they die, nobody mourns.

These little souls wearing fur,

Some who bark and some who purr.

are castaways who unlike me,

will never know love or security.

A few short months they starve and roam,

or caged in shelters nobody takes home.

My pain and suffering came to an end,

so don't cry for me, my person, my friend.

But think of the living, those souls with fur,

some who bark and some who purr.

And though our bond can't be broken apart,

make room for another in your home and heart.

REMEMBER ME

Remember me always, but do not grieve for me too long. I have tried always to comfort you in times of sorrow, and have made every effort to add joy to your life. I never wanted to cause you pain.

Peace for me is certain now, and I suspect I will have eternal sleep in the Earth I have loved so well.

Please, after your period of grieving for me, make room in your heart for another. You are the kind of human being that should always have a friend like me to love. Your kind and gentle heart should not be wasted on my memory too long. Give your love to another. I know your new friend will never take my place, because we had something very special.

It may not be quite the same, but a new devoted and loving companion will in time, become special in their own way.

You loved me very much and I loved you. My spirit will always be with you, and no matter how deep my sleep, my grateful heart will always remember you.

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.

I could see that you were crying. You found it hard to sleep.

I whined to you softly as you brushed away a tear,

"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,

You were thinking of the many times your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today. Your arms were getting sore.

I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.

I want to re-assure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key.

I gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "It's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.

I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me to be so near you everyday.

To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew...

In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning

And say "Good-night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,

I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.

Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me.

High up in the courts of heaven today

A little dog angel waits;

With the other angels he will not play,

But he sits alone at the gates.

“For I know my master will come” says he,

“And when he comes he will call for me.”

The other angels pass him by

As they hurry toward the throne,

And he watches them with a wistful eye

As he sits at the gates alone.

“But I know if I just wait patiently

That someday my master will call for me.”

And his master, down on earth below,

As he sits in his easy chair,

Forgets sometimes, and whispers low

To the dog who is not there.

And the little dog angel cocks his ears

And dreams that his master's voice he hears.

And when at last his master waits

Outside in the dark and cold,

For the hand of death to open the door,

That leads to those courts of gold,

He will hear a sound through the gathering dark,

A little dog angel's bark.

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 colorful 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!

I was chosen today

I'm learning to fly

the world took me away,

but please don't you cry

And I chose you today

to try and be strong

so please don't you cry

and don't say that I'm gone

When you're feeling alone

just remember our love,

I'm up near the stars

looking down from above.

Remember our love

In a moment you'll see

that I'm still here beside you

when you're thinking of me.

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 diamond glints on snow.

I am the sunlight on ripened grain,

I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in the morning's hush,

I am the swift uplifting rush

of quiet birds in circled flight.

I am the stars that shine at night.

Do not stand at my grave and cry,

I am not there, I did not die...

Look not where I was

For I am not there

My spirit is free

I am everywhere

In the air that you breathe

In the sounds that you hear

Don't cry for me Mom

My spirit is near

I'll watch for you

From the other side

I'll be the one running

New friends by my side

Smile at my memory

Remember in your heart

This isn't the end

It's a brand new start

The heart that is loved never forgets

No Heaven will ever *HEAVEN* be,

Unless my pets are there to welcome me.

The best and most beautiful things in the world can not be seen, nor touched, but are felt in the heart

-Helen Keller

Perhaps they are not the stars, but rather openings in heaven where the love of our lost ones pours through and shines down upon us to let us know they are happy

The measure of life, after all, is not its duration, but its donation

- Peter Marshall

Life is eternal, and love is immortal, and death is only a horizon, and a horizon is nothing save the limits of our site

- Rossiter Worthington Raymond

There's many things in life I hoped

That one day I would see,

Something on a grander scale

Than what surrounded me.

I dreamt of fields with golden flowers,

Of shining stars and midnight hours,

Of castles and knights and other places,

Filled with beauty and smiling faces,

Of gentle breezes and butterflies,

Of silvery eagles and big blue skies.

But of all the things in this world

That I wish and hope to see,

It's the memory of what once was

What was here next to me.

If only I had stopped a moment

To gaze down at my side,

I'd have seen that all the beauty

Was there within my baby's eyes

The tide recedes, but leaves behind

bright seashells on the sand.

The sun sets, but gentle warmth

still lingers on the land.

The music fades, but yet

it echoes on in sweet refrains.

For every joy that passes,

something beautiful remains.

Scalding torrent acid tears scorch my tired eyes

Red rimmed, blood shot, and burning, turned up to the quiet sky

Black blood filled with hurt and anger courses through my veins

Fueled by a heart that's so familiar with such loss and pain

Searching the midnight sky for answers left by day

Happiness and comfort are strangers to my life's way

Wondering and wandering about a world that's so unkind

Waiting for foolish answers to the questions in my mind

Why This One? Why Her? There Are So Many Others To Take!

This One Is So Special, Who Dares Decide Her Fate?

Why Couldn't She Stay Longer To Easy My Troubled Life?

The Loss Of This One's Little Soul Cuts Deeper Than A Knife.

No One Else Is Good Enough To Keep Her Safe And Warm.

Who Else Could Be Trusted To Save Her From The Storm?