I just recalled something else that came right to mind . . . . thought I'd share here with this very special thread . . .
My beloved maternal grandmother (formerly of Italy)("Grandmom") spent her last months in my aunt's living room, my aunt being her 13th child and last in that succession. Grandmom was dying of cancer but did not wish to be confined to an upstairs bedroom where she would not see anyone, she wished to be very much still a part of the household, and my aunt granted her every wish having everything set up in her living room so that Grandmom was as if a queen. Anyway, I remembered how my aunt recalled that as the final hour neared my Grandmom began to clearly call out all the names of dogs and other four-legged friends who she had loved and/or cared for over her many years, clearly as if they were right there by the bed, she called each one as if greeting them all over again, being reunited, and my aunt said that having experienced that while sitting with my Grandmom in her last moments she could have no doubt in her mind. My aunt has sadly since passed on to Heaven, too. Even through the leanest years of the Great Depression there was always a handout for any dog, cat, four-legged or feathered friend who happened to find his or her way into my Grandmom's little yard.
That memory/thought just came right into my mind as I was here reading Mary's account with her beloved Zeb, and reading this article, and I felt the strongest urge to post it here for all.
Esther, What a beautiful affirmation in God's providence for what he called "good." I too have nursed and cared for over 84 pet and wild family members in my life thus far. I always believed that God called them home immediately upon their death, though I had no way to back that up. That was until the year 2000. I had to put down my crippled wild bunny Miss Blueberry after five years. She had a rear leg that was paralyzed and had never worked...causing her to roll over if she tried to hop too fast. The veterinarian euthanized her and left she and I in the room for around ten or so minutes. He returned and verified that Bunny was indeed gone. Then, as we both stood looking at her little body,the paralyzed leg which NEVER moved was moving in the most fluid and perfectly rhythmic motion a rabbit leg could have. I asked my Vet if that was normal, and he said "no." And then it hit me, Bunny was back home with the One who created her...she was perfect...she rested in His hands once again. Thank you for your story, I hope you receive joy and affirmation from mine. Peace be with you, Susi Pittman, ANIMALS IN HEAVEN? CATHOLICS WANT TO KNOW!
My special thanks to Susi and Ra Husky for your sharing and your words of wisdom, and always to Esther for this most special site!! I just don't think God would have it any other way. Hopefully we will bring comfort to someone not so sure. Peace!
Great article, Esther!! Many thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI just recalled something else that came right to mind . . . . thought I'd share here with this very special thread . . .
My beloved maternal grandmother (formerly of Italy)("Grandmom") spent her last months in my aunt's living room, my aunt being her 13th child and last in that succession. Grandmom was dying of cancer but did not wish to be confined to an upstairs bedroom where she would not see anyone, she wished to be very much still a part of the household, and my aunt granted her every wish having everything set up in her living room so that Grandmom was as if a queen.
Anyway, I remembered how my aunt recalled that as the final hour neared my Grandmom began to clearly call out all the names of dogs and other four-legged friends who she had loved and/or cared for over her many years, clearly as if they were right there by the bed, she called each one as if greeting them all over again, being reunited, and my aunt said that having experienced that while sitting with my Grandmom in her last moments she could have no doubt in her mind.
My aunt has sadly since passed on to Heaven, too.
Even through the leanest years of the Great Depression there was always a handout for any dog, cat, four-legged or feathered friend who happened to find his or her way into my Grandmom's little yard.
That memory/thought just came right into my mind as I was here reading Mary's account with her beloved Zeb, and reading this article, and I felt the strongest urge to post it here for all.
Hugs and peace to all,
Yes, definitely a good article. Personally, I find the idea that the only sentient beings in paradise are humans a little silly.
ReplyDeleteEsther,
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful affirmation in God's providence for what he called "good." I too have nursed and cared for over 84 pet and wild family members in my life thus far. I always believed that God called them home immediately upon their death, though I had no way to back that up. That was until the year 2000. I had to put down my crippled wild bunny Miss Blueberry after five years. She had a rear leg that was paralyzed and had never worked...causing her to roll over if she tried to hop too fast. The veterinarian euthanized her and left she and I in the room for around ten or so minutes. He returned and verified that Bunny was indeed gone. Then, as we both stood looking at her little body,the paralyzed leg which NEVER moved was moving in the most fluid and perfectly rhythmic motion a rabbit leg could have. I asked my Vet if that was normal, and he said "no." And then it hit me, Bunny was back home with the One who created her...she was perfect...she rested in His hands once again.
Thank you for your story, I hope you receive joy and affirmation from mine.
Peace be with you,
Susi Pittman, ANIMALS IN HEAVEN? CATHOLICS WANT TO KNOW!
Thank you Lou Ann and Susi for sharing personal experiences with us. Thank you too RA Husky!
ReplyDeleteMy special thanks to Susi and Ra Husky for your sharing and your words of wisdom, and always to Esther for this most special site!!
ReplyDeleteI just don't think God would have it any other way.
Hopefully we will bring comfort to someone not so sure.
Peace!
Thank you so much for sharing your stories. There is a place in Heaven for all God's creatures.
ReplyDeleteSeriously, thankyou.
ReplyDelete