This may hae been posted here somewhere, but I have never seen it. It was sent to me many years ago. When I get down about my lost loves, I read this and it helps. It helps me realized that my loves are no longer sick, are no longer in pain. They are healthy again, happy and just waiting for me. I have loved and lost so many dogs over the past 55 years (English Setters, Irish Setters, Golden Retrievers) that when they come to meet me at the bridge and we go together, I will probably be called the "Pied Piper of the Rainbow Bridge as I leave with such a pack of dogs.
THE AWAKENING ................. By Kathleene S. Baker
Shiloh awoke ever
so rested. She stood, stretched, and the lush meadow of clover beneath her paws
felt velvety. She did not understand. Nor did she grasp the beauty all around
her -- she'd been sightless for five years, although images did return in
dreams. She'd often awake saddened, yet never gave up hope that her vision would
return.
Woofs, yaps, song birds, and even unfamiliar sounds echoed in the
distance. A babbling brook nearby summoned Shiloh's thirst. She ambled in that
direction.
Shortly, overcome with confidence, she picked up the pace,
exhibiting a confidence she'd not had in years. She sprinted towards the
rivulet. What joy to run again!
Now and then she completed circles at
full speed simply for the thrill. Shiloh's vision had returned! Her reflection
in the sparkling water was proof! Lapping the cool water, she viewed beautifully
hued fish playing chase several feet below the surface.
Shiloh gazed
about for mum and dad. She'd only enjoyed free rein in the backyard and felt
uncertain. What if she wandered into danger?
As anxiety escalated, two
snow-white doves alit beside her. Finally, something familiar! Trees at home
teemed with cooing doves when she meandered about her yard. She'd never
understood their calls but now she did. They beckoned her to
follow.
Looking up as they hovered above her, a rainbow glistened as if
each color was configured of precious gemstones. Soon an old-fashioned, arched,
stone bridge appeared glinting with gold and silver. The woofs were closer and
Shiloh realized the birds crooned Christmas carols!
Only a few paces onto
the bridge, Shiloh was astonished -- Josey raced to her side with a shower of
kisses. A red ribbon about her neck with tiny Christmas bells attached tinkled
with each movement. Momentarily, games of chase and wrestle ensued -- favorites
they'd enjoyed before Josey departed her earthly home.
Shiloh instantly
understood, this was Rainbow Bridge!
Mum had described it in detail for
weeks as her health declined. Josey introduced Shiloh to family members who had
come and gone before her. Her folk's first Schnauzer, Festus, greeted Shiloh
with a high five! Tiffany, Schnauzer number two, offered kisses. Maggie and
Jack, a mum and son duo, approached with wagging tails. Unexpectedly, two tiny
Yorkies appeared -- Fang and Fancy! Yorkies, my folks had Yorkies? They greeted
her with gestures of love.
Lastly, cousin Greta excitedly arrived.
Shioh's angst began to melt in the midst of a loving family. Still, she'd
forever miss mum, dad, and her Schnauzer pal Hank. He'd guided her through the
darkness and gave her life meaning.
The pack revealed that the Rainbow
Bridge was eternally glorious. And Christmas time was breathtaking to behold as
they celebrated Christ's Birth -- the creator of domestic pets. He gifted them
an inborn ability to develop remarkable bonds with humans.
With holiday
preparations underway, Shiloh was in awe. Red birds, Blue birds, and white doves
perched in trees -- live ornaments! All sized spiders spun golden webs of
garland 'round and 'round the trees and fire flies twinkled in branches. The
weather was mild, sunny, and the few clouds shimmered silvery, yet trees were
veiled with snow.
For Shiloh, confusion reigned! In unison, the group
proclaimed, "All things are possible at the Bridge." Every tree was decorated,
none in the same manner. Covered with iridescent snow, a stately scotch pine
stood embellished with butterflies, wings aflutter, displaying a magnificent
array of colour and creating swirls of snow that enshrouded the tree with
luminous motion.
Knowing her mum's love of poinsettias, Shiloh took
special note of a huge fir tree filled with vast red blossoms, goldfinch, and
thousands of fire flies. All about were gardens of poinsettias.
Tomorrow
was Christmas Eve. Shiloh could only imagine what wonder lay ahead. After a
hearty warm meal the pack showed her a new fluffy bed adjacent to theirs. It was
plush beyond imagination. The family told of how grand golden eagles soar into
the skies to select the proper sized cloud for each new arrival.
Shiloh
snuggled in.
Once comfortable, an angel approached whispering, "I'm Dana
and will always be nearby, Sweet Girl." She gently placed a coverlet, adorned
with pink lace, across a now-healthy, restored body and silently
vanished.
Shiloh thought to herself, "Dana! She's my aunt and mum's
niece. Greta was her puppy. Oh, I am truly safe." She sighed.
Shiloh
drifted into sleep while song birds softly sang her mum's favorite Christmas
carol, The Littlest Angel. She knew it was meant for her first night at Rainbow
Bridge. Mum had always called her a little angel.
Shiloh slept well,
stirring only once to roll over.
She dreamt of the day she would sprint
to the bridge and joyfully escort mum, dad and beloved Hank to the other
side.
Until then she would play, and rest, and romp, and nap, and wait...
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