HAPPY HEAVENLY BIRTHDAY GRACIE

 Getting a puppy helped with my grief after losing Gracie.  There was no doubt about it; I needed a distraction from the pain.  Bubbles offered that distraction.  As she grew, I fell hopelessly in love.  

But I'm not here to talk about Bubbles.  Had she lived another two years, Gracie would have been twenty years old today.  

I miss so much about her.  This was her favorite time of year when the days cooled, and we would walk along the quiet of the towpath, me drinking in the beauty of God's nature and she, nose to the ground, sniffing out the things God provided for her enjoyment.  She wasn't anxiety-ridden and afraid like our new dog is.  Gracie was ready for an adventure and afraid of very little.  She might try to pick a fight with a dog or two along the way, but still, no fear.  

She was heroic in that she never gave up trying to enjoy life.  Even when she could barely stand alone, she was ready for her next walk.  

Happy Heavenly birthday, sweet girl.  You are missed and loved.

FOREVER YOUNG 

Bambi, Jazz, and Billy. Thanks for the Smiles.

This one's for you...

The Rainbow Bridge

inspired by a Norse legend

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.

With a sad heart, I think of my friends who have recently lost their beloved pets... and I dedicate this post to you.

Fern - Bambi was a sweetheart, and her love for you showed in her eyes.  She will be missed.

Jenni - Jazz was a velvety beauty!  How blessed she was to have you.  I know it must be hard...

Gloria - Behind that cute face was a personality all his own...  Billy was such a love!  How you're heart must ache...  

I will always remember Bambi, Jazz, and Billy with a smile.

Ice Cream for Breakfast

Sunday - Fun-day

No church today, hubby was sick through the morning and our church is 40 minutes away. 

 He rested.  I had ice cream for breakfast.  

What a beautiful day for a walk!  

But no neighborhood walk for us today.  We decided to get out of the rat race and go some place quiet.

Gracie shows her gratitude.

Not much color this fall...  

Time for a rest.

"Do I hear a train?"

"I hope not.  You know what happened last time..."

Stay tuned later this week for Gracie's adventures at the train track as she witnesses her very first steam locomotive...

Fun Day - Sunday

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

In loving Memory of the beautiful Kelly 

who went to wait at the rainbow bridge 

just about a week after this picture 

was taken last year.

Kelly and my oldest son Jackie about a week
before she left for the 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 Rainbow Bridge together.... 

Author unknown...