Poems, Stories, Stuff Like That, Add To This, Please Options

[BabyHannahsMom]

First of all, I got this idea from another site I visited. Someone there started a section with some poems and then asked others to do the same. They posted poems, stories, even songs -- sad, inspirational, cute, funny, etc. I see that some of my favorites have been posted recently by several of you, so I thought ya'll might like this idea. I hope it's okay to leave it here in this section so everyone who comes on for support will see it.

I'll start with some more of my favorites. (I'm sorry I haven't been replying to many posts. I was having a pretty bad time with depression, but I'm feeling better this week and hope to be back on the site much more often. I love you all my friends, and I lit candles in the Monday night candle ceremony last night for Hannah, for all of your babies and for all the homeless abused animals.

I know you will read most of these through your tears, but I sincerely hope the tears will help to heal some of the pain.
Here goes:

May I Go?
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 loving 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 so 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.
— Susan A. Jackson
****************************

Please Don't Feel Guilty

Please don't feel guilty. You don't need to. I don't want you to be rough on yourself. I heard you speak last night. I heard you say how guilty you are for what you think you didn't do right. You did more than I ever would have expected anyone to. You loved me through it all. I never doubted your love for me. Whatever decisions you made, I know were made with my best interest in mind. Please don't feel guilty. It breaks my heart to hear you speak of your guilt. You don't need to feel guilty. Please don't.

--Betty J. Carmack
From Grieving the Death of a Pet

*************************
For Those Who Have Lost A Pet
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 reassure 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 "goodnight, 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.
-Author unknown http://www.inkabijou.co.uk/poem914.htm

***********************************

Farewell
Tears coursing down my cheeks
the pain is raw and deep.
Her memories are fresh and haunting
memories I'll always keep.
She was never just an animal
she was pet, relative, and friend.
We are left with broken hearts
that I hope in time will mend.
She was so very sweet and precious
it was so hard to say goodbye.
Her heart was filled with love for us
I can only think of her and cry.
The life we shared is over now
we will miss her sweet and loving face.
We have loved her so completely
none could ever take her place.
I firmly wipe the tears away
trying not to dwell upon this pain.
But she was so much a part of us
our lives will never be the same.
Mitzi, you've left an empty place
if only you didn't have to die.
But someday we will think of you
and no longer hurt and cry.
Your memory will never fade
our love for you will never cease.
You will always be in our hearts
Farewell Mitzi, rest in peace.
By: Michelle L. Hope

**********************

GOOD-BYE
With heavy hearts, and a tear in our eyes
After all these years, we must say goodbye.
Please understand, we've done all we could
If there was anything we could do, you know we would.
I'm sitting right here, gently rubbing your ears
While I talk to you softly, trying to hold back the tears
The memories you gave us, we'll never forget
Especially the ones of the day we all met.
One last hug and one last kiss
You have no idea how much you'll be missed.
To look into your eyes this one last time
You tell me it's okay, you know it's your time.
Close your eyes now and go to sleep
We'll pray to the Lord your soul he'll keep
Go in peace now, our good friend
We'll stay right here with you until the end.
Dream of that special day and time
When we'll meet at the Bridge and all will be fine
We'll run and play, side by side
With a soft warm feeling deep down inside.
Your memory will live on in each one of us
You'll always be number one to all of us
Have a safe journey through the night
I promise when you awake, you'll be in God's light.
So with heavy hearts and tears in our eyes
Just for now my friend, we say goodbye.
-John Quealy-
*****************************
I Watch You in Silence
I watch you in silence there in your bed,
Little feet twitching then you roll your head.
What are you dreaming, I think to myself,
Are you winning the race or being chased yourself?
You roll around and make a “sighing” sound,
I smile and I think…you lazy old hound!
You ate everything you were offered tonight,
Your tummy bulges, you’re a funny sight!
There’s nothing wrong with the picture I see
Except the decision that’s been placed on me.
The disease you carry can’t be reversed,
You seem fine now, but soon you’ll get worse.
I can’t put you through it; I love you to much
But now you seem healthy, how can I do such?
You’ve been my best friend for so many years,
The smile on my face just turned to tears.
We have sometime to get ourselves ready
Before your little body becomes so unsteady.
I’m unsteady now, my heart already grieving,
So hard for me to think of you leaving.
What will I do without you around?
When at my feet you can no longer be found?
To know I’m the one who sent you away,
Will you understand somehow, some way?
I can’t be selfish and keep you for me,
For suffer you would and that just can’t be.
The decision was made when the tests came in,
The decision left now is just to be “when”?
I watch you in silence and pray through my tears
For the strength that I need to face my biggest fear.
It’s here before me and my life it’s crushed,
To lose my little friend that I love so much.
Kathy Henderson
***********************************

When I Am Gone

When I am gone release me....
Let me go - to find out all that I can be.
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be happy that we had our precious years.
I gave you love. You can only guess
How much you gave me in happiness.

I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I traveled on my own.
So grieve awhile for me, as grieve you must.
Then let your grief be comforted by trust,
It's only for awhile that we must part;
So bless the memories that lie within your heart.

If you need me, call and I'll be there.
Though you can't see or touch me, I'll be near.
And if you listen with your heart, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear
And then, when you must come
This way on your own...
I'll greet you with a smile
And say, "Welcome Home"!
Anonymous

*********************************
YOU WERE HERE
As I sit in those moments of quiet,
When sadness invades me,
I know that yesterday,
You were here.
Now you are away from us,
Not knowing your future,
Or when you'll come home, but yesterday,
You were here.
It has now been a week,
A week since you last were in the house,
An entire week since we carried you away,
To the place where we did not know your future,
But just last week,
You were here.
Another day passes;
a week ago, you were still with us,
In daily reports from the clinic,
They did not know your future,
But we could still hope, and,
You were here.
More days pass,;
A week ago you left us,
Your head cradled in our hands,
Your spirit gracefully moving upward,
But for a few hours of that day,
You were here.
Sadness invades again,
As I know that once those hours pass,
I can no longer look back,
Over the span of a familiar week's time,
To find that comforting point when,
You were here.
More time will pass;
Sadness will not so much invade as menace,
And I will mark the days,
Saying things like,
"last month, last summer, last Halloween, last year,"
You were here.
I dread that day,
One year from now,
That first marking of the time,
That your body was no longer with us;
Though we will never forget you,
Your tangible memory fades,
The feel of your fur, your head, your back, your weight against us,
The smell and sounds of you when,
You were here.
The emptiness is beginning to fade,
To change into another reality,
One with you still playing a part,
But a role of ethereal presence rather than physical comfort we crave;
Your memory, your spirit, your essence and counsel,
Dwell with us, but this feeling is not the same as when,
You were here.
Author: Jenine Stanley

****************************************
We who choose to surround ourselves
with lives even more temporary than our own
live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps,
we still would live no other way.
We cherish memory as the only certain immortality,
never fully understanding the necessary plan.
-- Irving Townsend, in The Once Again Prince
********************************

Dear Family,

I just wanted to let you know that I made it home
The journey wasn't an easy one, but it didn't take too long
Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh and new
I wish that you could close your eyes and that you could see it too
Please try not to be sad for me. Try to understand
God is taking care of me...I'm in the shelter of his hands
Here there is no sadness, no sorrow, and no pain
Here there is no crying and I'll never hurt again
Here it is so peaceful when all the angels sing
I really have to go for now... I've just got to try my wings.

--Unknown
*********************************

I’m Free
Don’t grieve for me, for now I’m free.
I’m following the path God laid for me.
I took His hand when I heard Him call.
I turned my back and left it all.
I could not stay another day,
To laugh, to love, to work or play.
Tasks left undone must stay that way.
I found that place at close of day.
If my parting has left a void,
Then fill it with remembered joy.
A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss,
Ah, yes, these things I too will miss.
Be not burdened with times of sorrow.
I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow.
My life’s been full; I savored much:
Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch.
Perhaps my time seemed all too brief.
Don’t lengthen it now with undue grief.
Lift up your heart and share with me.
God wanted me now; He set me free.
—Author Unknown
*****************************************

Time to Say Goodbye
by Michael Tate

You lay in my lap with your amber eyes looking up at me.
We both knew this day would come.
As I run my hands through your coat, you let out a low sigh.
Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

You've been my best friend, the one who has seen it all with me.
You've been there through the good and the bad.
You were there to stand with me when I felt tall,
and there to comfort me when I felt small.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

I tell you I love you and you whine a low whine.
We knew it would come and we wouldn't know the time.
Forever is an illusion we create to avoid the pain.
It's a lie we tell ourselves to keep ourselves sane.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

You've guided me through some rough times in my life.
You've believed in me when nobody else would.
You've kept me sane and out of harm's way.
You couldn't talk words but you had lots to say.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

I guess they say that all good things must come to an end.
You've truly been this man's best friend.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

You feel my pain and hurt my hurt.
As I sob and cry, you look up at me and whine with a paw on my thigh.
You do know that the time has come and your body is telling you why.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

Your heart aches.
We know this isn't for fake.
They say that a heart is a big place.
I guess that makes this easier to face.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

As we sit together and face this gloom,
we both know that our hearts
are going to have to make room for another.
As I sob and I cry, oh why, oh why, oh why, God why?
You lay your head on my thigh as if to say...

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

With the wagging of your tail and many a tear in my eye,
I know you'd work for me 'til the day you die.
To know you and make you feel pain would drive me insane.
I always heard
that you've got to love somebody enough to set them free.
This isn't the first time this pain has happened to me.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

I know you'll be a star in your new home.
It's comforting to know
that neither of us will really ever be alone.
We carry each other's spirit and memories into eternity.
We'll meet again someday in the here after
and there will be smiles and laughter.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.

Goodbye isn't forever; it's a temporary thing.
Knowing you'll be happy and not in so much pain makes my heart sing.

Don't cry, don't ask why, it's time to say goodbye.
********************************

Let Me Go
When I come to the end of the road
And the sun has set for me,
I want no rites in a gloom-filled room.
Why cry for a soul set free?
Miss me a little — but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared.
Miss me — but let me go.
For this is a journey that we all must take
And each must go alone.
It’s all a part of the Master plan,
A step on the road to home.
When you are lonely and sick of heart,
Go to the friends we know
And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds.
Miss me — but let me go.
— Author Unknown
***********************************

The following is really long, but I just love the story. I think you will too.

Love Tethers
by Carol M Chapman
Sometimes we have to say goodbye in order to be able to say hello. Rain poured over the huddled mound. Cold dimmed eyes, sunk into a skeletal frame articulated by will alone, stared out at the garbage surrounding it. An anemic tongue lapped lethargically at the puddles beside her head. The frayed rope welded into her neck by caked over wounds ended abruptly with a bloodstained fringe bearing mute testimony to her desperate chewing of it for release. The big dark had come and gone more times than she had toes as she waited for "He who hurts me" to return and free her. She stared out through the hole in the fence at the passing traffic, sighed, and drifted downward toward the final sleep.

As dusk muted the sunset, the icy rain faded over into deceptively gentle snow. The little dog was too cold to melt the flakes that began to slowly blanket her curled form. Her mind drifted into dreams as her small paws paddled the snow around her, stirring small flurries that caught the fading light in crystalline refractions of color. The cold air regained gentle warmth as her breath puffed in and out depleting her small frame of its last reservoirs of strength.

A man dragged his frame down the sidewalk, head bowed, and feet snowplowing the concrete. John pulled his coat closer around him; Chicago was facing the start of the killing season. The Chinese have the right idea using white as a mourning color, he thought. Nothing survives the bitterness of snow except pain and loss. John was heading home to a stark and barren house, no dog to greet him; only the sharp remembered anguish of an elderly basset hound that had gone to the Rainbow Bridge awaited him there. Heidi, his friend, companion, bearer of his heart, had gone on without him. He bowed his head and whispered "Dear one, I hope you felt my arms around you. I tried so hard to let you know my love of you, to hold you with me one more day. You left without saying goodbye, you left without taking me with you". Tears trailed the valleys of his cheek as he bowed his head and trudged on through the whiteness closing the world around him.

A rainbow coalesced on the inner lids of the little dog's eyes and she felt dancing, shifting, beams of radiant warm surrounding her. "The Rainbow Bridge has come for me", she shivered in anticipation and opened her eyes to face it bravely as her mother had told her to. Lying beside her, sheltering her from the snow, sharing heat, was a basset hound. Rainbows flickered in the kind basset's eyes and she nosed a hollow around the little dog's face clearing a place to breath through. The little dog stretched, appreciating the thawing of her heart and body provided by the basset. She stirred, and peered around the basset hound, looking for the bridge the other carried in her eyes. There it was, shimmering in the faint footprints that stretched from the fence to her small form. She tugged fretfully at the binding rope, waiting for the release to come. The basset gently pressed her back down, and wrapped her form around the little dog whispering, "Wait a bit, little one".

John froze, a wordless sound filtered through him. "Heidi, oh dear me, now I hear her voice in the storm". His eyes gazed up and down the street, seeing nothing, hearing everything. As he started to move forward, the sound came again, a lost lonely howl of despair. The storm was gathering near, starting to mark its prey with frigid fingers. Parallel to the broken fence, he paused and looked down in puzzlement. A rainbow danced around large paw prints marking a gap in the fence and beyond leading into the dusk.

The little dog eased her form against the basset and timidly asked, "Who are you?" Rainbows poured from the basset as she answered the wee one. "I am a well loved dog, passed over too soon. Love chains me here, will not yet release me to cross the Bridge. See the radiance of his love, feel the heat of his anguish. He cannot yet hear me, but he will. I need to let him know I loved him too, then his spirit can rest and I can go on. Rest little one, help is coming." The basset looked toward the fence and the fierceness of her love caught the very air with fire, calling the man to her.

John stumbled with the sharp weight of emotion. An aurora borealis appeared, waltzing between the fence and the fierce bright eyes of a basset hound in the yard beyond. The dog opened her mouth and called him with the imperious sound Heidi had always made when she needed him to come now. His face reflecting the trailing ends of color, John forced himself through the gap and staggered across the vacant lot toward the waiting basset. Her tail thumped gently as he approached. A sudden wind whipped the snow around him, blinding him. He felt a loving tongue, a warm side pressed against his thigh; a head pushed gently into his hand and then was gone.

The wind moved on, the snow settled, miraculously leaving the small dog's form exposed to view. John leaned over and gently
touched her, undid the cruel tether and pulled her into his arms. Faintly lingering rainbows wrapped them both in warmth. "Sally, her name is Sally", whispered a voice within his inner ear. Looking around in puzzlement, he hurried home with his precious burden unaware of the rainbow paw prints that followed him. As he nursed the small morsel and tenderly called her by name a basset hound outside sighed with contentment and moved across the Bridge.
******************************
When friends and family don't understand:

Please See Me Through My Tears
by Kelly Osmont

You asked, "How am I doing?"
As I told you, tears came to my eyes...
and you looked away and quickly began to talk again.
All the attention you had given me drained away.

"How am I doing?"...I do better when people listen,
though I may shed a tear or two.
This pain is indescribable.
If you've never known it you cannot fully understand.
Yet I need you.
When you look away,
When I'm ignored,
I am again alone with it
Your attention means more than you can ever know.

Really, tears are not a bad sign, you know!
They're nature's way of helping me to heal...
They relieve some of the stress of sadness.

I know you fear that asking how I'm doing brings me sadness
...but you're wrong.
The memory of my loved one's death will always be with me,
Only a thought away.
My tears make my pain more visible to you, but you did not
give me the pain...it was already there.

When I cry, could it be that you feel helpless, not knowing
what to do?
You are not helpless,
And you don't need to do a thing but be there.
When I feel your permission to allow my tears to flow,
you've helped me
You need not speak. Your silence as I cry is all I need.
Be patient...do not fear.

Listening with your heart to "how I am doing"
relieves the pain,
for when the tears can freely come and go, I feel lighter.

Talking to you releases what I've been wanting to say aloud,
clearing space
for a touch of joy in my life.

I'll cry for a minute or two...
and then I'll wipe my eyes,
and sometimes you'll even find I'm laughing later.

When I hold back the tears, my throat grows tight,
my chest aches, my stomach knots...
because I'm trying to protect you from my tears.
Then we both hurt...me, because my pain is held inside,
a shield against our closeness...and you,
because suddenly we're distant.

So please, take my hand and see me through my tears...
then we can be close again.
****************************

She Is Gone
You can shed tears that she is gone
or you can smile because she lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that she'll come back
or you can open your eyes and see all she's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see her
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember her and only that she's gone
or you can cherish her memory and let it live on.
You can cry and lose your mind,
be empty and turn your back
or you can do what she'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
-- Author Unknown
*******************************

When Is It Time?
by Kit McCallum
When is it time to say goodbye,
To all the love I've known,
When is it time to end your pain,
And leave me all alone?

I've watched you on your good days when
I feel your strength renewed;
But shortly after little ups,
The down days then ensue.

We ride this roller-coaster of
Emotions as we try,
To make it through another day,
And yet, I can't deny ...

That as I look into your face
On days that have been bad,
I see a look that beckons me
It's tired, and hurt, and sad.

The little spark I used to see
Behind those loving eyes,
Is growing ever clouded
By life's cruel inhumane side.

I try to see beyond the pain
You feel with every step;
And softly whisper to myself
This may get better yet.

If I can bear to watch you
Just another day or two;
I justify my reasons to
Ensure I cling to you.

For letting go is harder for
The person left behind;
It means that if I let you go,
I cannot turn back time.

Back to the days I long for now,
When you were full of life;
And every day held promise,
And our futures, clear and bright.

But now the lights are darkening ...
We take it daily now;
I cannot see our futures clear
Or think beyond this cloud.

I think the hardest part in this
Is never knowing why,
I have to be courageous
And I have to say goodbye.

For if I let myself admit
It's time to let you go;
I'd have to face reality
Without you ... but I know ...

That soon I have to face the
Final outcome that I dread,
And holding on will only serve
To hurt you in the end.

You've given such unselfish love
For all our time in life,
But if I hold too tightly,
You'll not move t'ward the light ...

On to a better life, where you
Can once again be free,
Of all the pain and discomfort
That holds you here to me.

So if I find the courage just to say
This last farewell,
I hope you will forgive me for
The time it took me; still ...

I'll hold with me, the memories
That in my heart remain,
Pray one day, down the road a'ways
... They'll lessen my own pain.

*****************************************

Barren (02/23/88-05/10/99)
by Kit McCallum
Upon this day I reminisce
With sadness and regret
The loss of my beloved
Special "child" who was my pet.

It's been a year of longing
Wishing you'd return to me ...
For though you left one year ago,
I cannot "set you free".

Though time has made it easier,
To go from day to day ...
No one can understand the
"Special" role your life did play.

For every day you were a part,
Of love and joy and life ...
You had a way that focussed me
And lessened daily strife.

I'd hurry home to see your face,
Behind that window pane;
Where wiggles, hugs and cuddles
Brightened up the worst of days.

And now I sit, with eyes tear filled,
You are not by my side;
And when I see the window,
It is bare and bleak inside.

Emotions, they are raw today,
I'm simply torn apart ...
For hollow, wrenching feelings
Tear apart this very heart.

An emptiness, that's deeper than
The oceans ... fill my soul;
A painful hunger bites my
Inner self beyond control.

For though time healed the daily wounds
I wore upon my sleeve,
I shelter from the world outside
Just what you meant to me.

No children was I blessed to have,
My womb was barren ... yet,
You filled the void my darling one,
My sweet and lovely pet.

To me, you were more human
Than some others I have known ...
You gave such love and tenderness;
T'was deep within your soul.

Now spring is here, and little things
We loved now cause me harm ...
The walks we'd take around the yard
No longer hold their charm.

We're packing just to get away,
And leave this home we've lived ...
For without you to share this with,
I get no joy from it.

I see you as I turn each step,
I watch for you each day ...
Oh little one, I miss you so,
... Much more than words can say.
***********************************

WAITING


I got to the gate of heaven yesterday
after we said goodbye.
I began to miss you terribly,
because I heard you cry.
Suddenly there was an angel and she asked me
to enter heaven's gate,
I asked her if I could stay outside
for someone who'd be late.
I wouldn't make much noise you see,
I wouldn't bark or howl,
I'll only wait here patiently
and play with my tennis ball.
The angel said I could stay right here
and wait for you to come
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
if I went in alone.
So I'll wait here, you take your time,
but keep me in your heart.
Because heaven just wouldn't be heaven
without you to warm my heart.

--Unknown

***********************************
Rock Me to Silence…
Your eyes are so misty, your hand trembles so,
We’re rocking in silence in the chair I love so.
Before my eyes close let me speak of my life
For a book can be written in the glow of my eyes.
Such care you have given most dogs can’t boast,
With love I’ve been showered your gentle hands on my coat.
Not once in my life did I ever harbor fear
For my protector, my Mom was always so near.
In sickness you’re there never leaving my side,
The worry, the fear shining bright in your eyes.
As my body aged adjustments you made
To make my life easy, such understanding you gave.
I remember my life, so happy, so sweet
Since the day I was born and you chose me to keep.
Now the vets at the door his bag in his hand,
His head is hung low, in silence he stands.
I hear the snubs of your crying, I sense your deep fear
But don’t worry Mom, I know you’re right here.
Tho I fear the darkness, I must go alone,
You know without saying I’ll so miss my home.
I’ll miss you so Mom when I’m not at your feet
And will anxiously wait until again we will meet.
I want you to know that I’ve not one tiny regret
For I have the best Mom any dog could get!
Just grant me one favor before I have to go…
Would you rock me to silence in the chair I love so?
Kathy Henderson
********************************
A Christmas Story


December is the best month of the year at the Rainbow Bridge. For the dogs there is snow to romp in and the angels always have time to toss snowballs for them to chase. The cats enjoy patting at the snowflakes as they fall, and then curling up near the fireplace for a nice winter's nap.

But it is the lights that make this time so special. Winter on the Earth, their former home, is a time of lengthening darkness, and in December candles glow all around the globe beginning with Chanukah, the Festival of Lights, and continuing on right through the New Year's festivities. At the Bridge the glow of these candles is reflected in all of the trees, and in the hearts of every Bridgekid as they observe the month in their own special way; with memories of the lives, and the loved ones they left behind.

For most it is a time of quiet joy, but each year there are always a few who draw apart..

Near to midnight, "home time" on December 24 Charlie realized someone was missing from the Hale gathering. "I'll be right back," he told his siblings. He passed many similar groupings as he hurried down the well worn path, many friends called out to him, but he only acknowledge the greetings with a wave and continued on. The path ended at the Rainbow, and there he found a small group of newcomers, each sitting quietly, alone. One of these, the missing Sandifur, was crouched at the very edge, his stumpy tail twitching rapidly, as he stared at the scene below.

"You are missing the party, little brother," Charlie said.
"I don't care," replied Sandifur, "I don't like Christmas anyway. "

Charlie only smiled. "I felt the same way my first year. Do you remember your very first Christmas with Mom and Dad? Remember the new scratching tree they gave us that year, and the catnip mice? And remember all the good things we got to eat? That was a great time, wasn't it?" Sandifur nodded, still gazing intently below. "I want to go back."
"I did too, " Charlie said, licking gently at his brother's ear. "But we can't, baby brother. This is our place now." "But it's Christmas, and Mom and Dad miss us so much. Look, mom is lighting a candle right now, just for us and she is crying."

"Christmas Eve is her time to remember, little one, but tomorrow she will pass out the presents to all of our brothers and sisters, and she will be happy again. I want to show you something. Come with me."

Together the two kiddens climbed the arch of the Rainbow, and at the very top Charlie stopped. "Do you see that big silver cloud over there? Watch closely."

As Sandifur gazed the cloud began to swirl and gradually an image came into view. The clearing where he had left his family, and a larger gathering around the big, glowing pine tree. He could see the dogs, many more of them than when he had left, playing fetch and tug of war, and the kiddens, so many kiddens, sleeping in a heap, their soggy catnip mice forgotten in the grass.

Suddenly the kiddens all woke up, and the dogs ceased their play and stared into the darkness beyond the clearing, tails wagging in greeting.
And then, much to Sandifur's amazement, two humans stepped into the light."
"Hurry, Charlie, we have to go back," he said. " Mom and Dad, they're here!"
"Not just yet, Sandy. That cloud is our Window into Tomorrow.
Come back with me now, and join the others. The reunion will come. We have been promised."

Sandy reluctantly pulled his gaze away from the vision of the future, and followed Charlie. They found the others waiting for them at the base of the rainbow. "Is it time?" Charlie asked.
Terrie nodded, "They are waiting."
All of the Hale Bridgekids drew together, and looked over the edge, and along the entire length of the rainbow similar groups were gathered, all looking down at their former homes.

Suddenly the light of a million candles from the Earth met the glow from the Rainbow Bridge. "Now," Charlie whispered.

In unison three words were repeated again and again, and as they were spoken they merged with the bridge of light, flowing from the rainbow to the earth, and back again in ever increasing brilliance, and the colors of the rainbow merged with the light. "I love you," they all said, and the love entered every heart of the pet parents on earth, and the hearts of those who gathered at the rainbow.

"Merry Christmas, Mom and Dad," Sandifur whispered again, watching the lights slowly fade. "I love you. I will be waiting."

"I will look ahead for there is our tomorrow."

Marion Hale