Rainbow Bridge
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of 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 and 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 and times 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 together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face: your hands again caress the 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.
Author Unknown
This is in honor of my long haired Orange Tabby, Roger. I went to bed last night, exhausted beyond belief. I thought he was in the house. I heard a rustling outside of my bedroom window – as if an animal had pounced on a smaller animal. They were no yowls, no cries at all. I was too tired to go check – and at that point, I could not have done anything anyway.
I got up this morning, and Roger was not in the house. I looked for him, I called him – he rarely leaves the area around the house, and never stays outside overnight. I am sure that Roger is gone. I have taken up his food dishes … tomorrow I will take the kittie litter boxes out. I hope that he will return, but I know that he won’t.
I have no idea why this had to happen, and there is a large hole in my life. Roger could be a real pain, but he was also very loving. He will be missed.
Roger, may you walk with the Fool on your journey, accompanied by the Empress and the High Priestess.
© June 2011 Bonnie Cehovet
