I saw this story and thought it was appropriate since many experiences in our lives deal with the love of a pet. Our family has been the recipient of love from a family pet.
Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey.. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her.. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it.. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, ‘To Meredith’ in an unfamiliar hand.. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, ‘When a Pet Dies..’ Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey & Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven.
Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.
Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don’t need our bodies in heaven, I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by…
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you. I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I’m easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love, God
It's been many years since we had our dog, Rascal. He barked excessively and I didn't like him at all. He knew that I didn't like him. He loved Becky and she loved him in return.
I was going to school during the day and working the evening shift. One night I returned home from work at 12:30 AM. I quietly walked into the back door and was greeted by Rascal, with his beard all messed up and sleepy eyes. At that moment I knew that he loved me enough to awaken from a comfortable, dead sleep to spend some time with me. Everyone else in the house was asleep and the house was completely quiet. From that night on, when I got home, Rascal met me at the back door and stayed up with me until I went to bed.
I am thankful for these animals that enrich our lives. They become a big part of our families.
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Wednesday, January 18, 2012
We All Belong
I came home from work one afternoon. As you turn into our neighborhood you pass a church. In the parking lot of the church, I noticed a group of young kids walking home from school. I watched them and realized that there was a group of kids beating up on another kid. I pulled into the parking lot quickly and drove toward the group of kids. The one kid was on the ground with his hands wrapped around his head and the other kids were around him taking their turns kicking. I stopped the truck. The kids turned and looked at me with expressions on their faces of complete innocence. The lone kid on the ground pulled his hands from his head and looked upward with a look of relief on his face. I asked the kids what was going on. The loudest one of the bunch (the bully) tried to plead his case, while the rest of the kids remained silent. I helped the kid being kicked to his feet. I asked the bully if he was prepared to take a lickin' from this boy that he had been beating on. Of course he didn't like that idea at all. I sent the lone boy on his way home and kept the group behind. It upset me that a group of kids would beat on one kid. I voiced my frustration to them and asked them to please leave the boy alone unless they were prepared to go one on one with him. I then sent them on their way.
When I was in seventh grade, I had the same thing happen to me. It was only because of my now sister-in-law that I came out of that without a bloodied up face. I was thankful that she was there that day for me.
I looked at our children, yesterday, and thought about how important each of them really are. There shouldn't be any one individual that is being bullied by someone else. In our youth it is all about popularity and jealousy that we find ourselves in less than good situations of picking on or bullying another.
I am trying to do those things that will positively influence those people around me. My desire is that our children will want to do the same kinds of things.
Becky has repeated this saying many times over to our children and I believe that it applies to everyone. "It is easier to have friends than it is to have enemies." I believe that statement with all of my heart.
Our lives should be centered around making life for others as simple as it can be. Our example of tolerance and acceptance might be one of the best things that our children see us do.
I visited a man who some people might find quite odd. I love this man a great deal because of his purity of heart. It becomes apparent to me with each passing day that I need to forget about what a person may say or the way a person may act and focus on who a person really is. Heaven only knows how crazy some people think I am.
In the grand scheme of things, we are all very important!
When I was in seventh grade, I had the same thing happen to me. It was only because of my now sister-in-law that I came out of that without a bloodied up face. I was thankful that she was there that day for me.
I looked at our children, yesterday, and thought about how important each of them really are. There shouldn't be any one individual that is being bullied by someone else. In our youth it is all about popularity and jealousy that we find ourselves in less than good situations of picking on or bullying another.
I am trying to do those things that will positively influence those people around me. My desire is that our children will want to do the same kinds of things.
Becky has repeated this saying many times over to our children and I believe that it applies to everyone. "It is easier to have friends than it is to have enemies." I believe that statement with all of my heart.
Our lives should be centered around making life for others as simple as it can be. Our example of tolerance and acceptance might be one of the best things that our children see us do.
I visited a man who some people might find quite odd. I love this man a great deal because of his purity of heart. It becomes apparent to me with each passing day that I need to forget about what a person may say or the way a person may act and focus on who a person really is. Heaven only knows how crazy some people think I am.
In the grand scheme of things, we are all very important!
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
In the Comfort of Her Arms.
I have always had a loving relationship with my mom. She has always been the epitome of a 'lady'. She is very feminine. She even throws like a girl! I have always been grateful for the type of mom I have.
When I was little, I would get earaches, periodically. I remember being up in the middle of the night feeling like my head was going to explode. The pain grew so intense that I needed to go get my mom (because moms can take away any kind of pain.) I would awaken her and she would lovingly take care of the pain that I was experiencing. There were many nights when mom would heat up olive oil and put that in my ears and then stick a cotton ball into my ear canal. That gave me some relief. Then, she would rock me to sleep in the old rocking chair. I can remember how good she smelled. Her touch was soothing. I knew that she cared about me. The greatest relief came from being in her arms.
I don't get earaches anymore but the aches that I feel, once in awhile, come in a different way. Becky has stepped appropriately into the role as the one who brings relief to my soul. There have been occasions when I knew that if I could just talk to her that things would be alright. And they are!
It doesn't matter who you are, the time does come when you need someone who you can trust, to take away the burdens that seem to weigh you down.
I have the great blessing of Becky and my mom.
After Natalie (our oldest) was born, Becky's mom came over to our apartment, during the day, to give her the help that she needed because she was a new mom. I was a young inexperienced father who was overly confident in my excitement of fatherhood. I figured that when I came home from work that my mother-in-law could then go home and I could pick up where she left off. That didn't happen exactly like I had hoped it would. (Mom is an absolute angel.) I got home on the second day and went into the room where Becky was laying on the bed. She asked how the day had gone and I began to cry. To this day, I can't remember ever crying that hard in my life. I didn't understand the importance that it was for Becky to have her mom there to help. I was frustrated that I didn't feel like anyone could see that I was perfectly capable of running our household and taking care of my wife and our new baby daughter. Feeling a bit frustrated, I called later that evening to spout off the frustration that I felt to my own mom. As has always been the case, my mom heard me out, completely. There was silence on the other end of the phone. "Becky needs her mom." I was missing the most important part of the whole scenario, my wife needed her mom. I am grateful that my mom spoke the words that I needed to hear the very most. I needed to allow Becky to have her mom there. I just didn't understand. It will be a great blessing for Becky to be there when our daughters have children of their own and I hope that their husbands see that need better than I did.
Especially when I was young, I needed the comfort from within the arms of my mom. I am grateful that I have a sweet woman that gives me the comfort that I need, in her arms.
When I was little, I would get earaches, periodically. I remember being up in the middle of the night feeling like my head was going to explode. The pain grew so intense that I needed to go get my mom (because moms can take away any kind of pain.) I would awaken her and she would lovingly take care of the pain that I was experiencing. There were many nights when mom would heat up olive oil and put that in my ears and then stick a cotton ball into my ear canal. That gave me some relief. Then, she would rock me to sleep in the old rocking chair. I can remember how good she smelled. Her touch was soothing. I knew that she cared about me. The greatest relief came from being in her arms.
I don't get earaches anymore but the aches that I feel, once in awhile, come in a different way. Becky has stepped appropriately into the role as the one who brings relief to my soul. There have been occasions when I knew that if I could just talk to her that things would be alright. And they are!
It doesn't matter who you are, the time does come when you need someone who you can trust, to take away the burdens that seem to weigh you down.
I have the great blessing of Becky and my mom.
After Natalie (our oldest) was born, Becky's mom came over to our apartment, during the day, to give her the help that she needed because she was a new mom. I was a young inexperienced father who was overly confident in my excitement of fatherhood. I figured that when I came home from work that my mother-in-law could then go home and I could pick up where she left off. That didn't happen exactly like I had hoped it would. (Mom is an absolute angel.) I got home on the second day and went into the room where Becky was laying on the bed. She asked how the day had gone and I began to cry. To this day, I can't remember ever crying that hard in my life. I didn't understand the importance that it was for Becky to have her mom there to help. I was frustrated that I didn't feel like anyone could see that I was perfectly capable of running our household and taking care of my wife and our new baby daughter. Feeling a bit frustrated, I called later that evening to spout off the frustration that I felt to my own mom. As has always been the case, my mom heard me out, completely. There was silence on the other end of the phone. "Becky needs her mom." I was missing the most important part of the whole scenario, my wife needed her mom. I am grateful that my mom spoke the words that I needed to hear the very most. I needed to allow Becky to have her mom there. I just didn't understand. It will be a great blessing for Becky to be there when our daughters have children of their own and I hope that their husbands see that need better than I did.
Especially when I was young, I needed the comfort from within the arms of my mom. I am grateful that I have a sweet woman that gives me the comfort that I need, in her arms.
Monday, January 16, 2012
You Have To Go Now
There was a young married couple who lived in our neighborhood. They seemed to be content with their life together. The man traveled quite often for his employment. Some things happened in their marriage and soon after we heard that they were getting a divorce. The man moved out of the house and the woman began to set up the life she would have on her own.
I was over at one of our friend's house and noticed that a truck was in the driveway that I hadn't seen for a long time. The closer I looked, I realized that the truck in the driveway, next door, belonged to the man that had divorced his wife some months before. I didn't think much about it, at the time. I went to bed that evening and suddenly began to get an unsettled feeling about the truck being at that house. The longer I lay in bed the stronger the impression got that I should go and check out the situation. I finally sat up on the edge of the bed. Becky asked if everything was alright with me. I told her what I was feeling and expressed to her that I needed to go check on the home and make sure everything was fine. She agreed. The biggest dilemma for me was that it was late and I didn't want to be inconsiderate to anyone. I couldn't take it anymore. I called my friend, who lived next door to the house I was concerned about, to see if he would go check on the house with me. Of course, he was more than willing to do it. We walked up to the door and knocked. We waited for a minute and then the door opened. It was the young woman who lived there. We could tell that she had been crying because her eyes were tear-stained. I asked if everything was okay. She hesitated briefly. With her hesitation I knew that something was wrong. A man called out her name. The woman turned around away from us as if she was scared. I recognized the voice of the man. "Brian." I inquired. The young woman immediately opened the door wide. Brian seemed surprised to see my friend and I at the door. "Is everything alright?" I asked. "What are you doing here?" Was my next question. We were invited into the house. We stood there in the entry way and visited for a few minutes. The situation seemed heated and uncomfortable between the young couple. We asked the man if he could please get what he needed and then get going. He said that he would. When we knew that all was calm, we left to go back to our homes. As we left the house, my friend and I talked about our visit. We hoped and prayed that things would be alright with this couple.
I got home and felt good about the decision to go and check.
My dad has taught me on many occasions that when I get an impression, no matter if its big or small, I should act on it immediately.
I was grateful that I had finally acted on the feeling I had gotten. None of us will ever know why we get the feelings we get sometimes. I'm thankful on that night, long ago, that I listened and acted.
I was over at one of our friend's house and noticed that a truck was in the driveway that I hadn't seen for a long time. The closer I looked, I realized that the truck in the driveway, next door, belonged to the man that had divorced his wife some months before. I didn't think much about it, at the time. I went to bed that evening and suddenly began to get an unsettled feeling about the truck being at that house. The longer I lay in bed the stronger the impression got that I should go and check out the situation. I finally sat up on the edge of the bed. Becky asked if everything was alright with me. I told her what I was feeling and expressed to her that I needed to go check on the home and make sure everything was fine. She agreed. The biggest dilemma for me was that it was late and I didn't want to be inconsiderate to anyone. I couldn't take it anymore. I called my friend, who lived next door to the house I was concerned about, to see if he would go check on the house with me. Of course, he was more than willing to do it. We walked up to the door and knocked. We waited for a minute and then the door opened. It was the young woman who lived there. We could tell that she had been crying because her eyes were tear-stained. I asked if everything was okay. She hesitated briefly. With her hesitation I knew that something was wrong. A man called out her name. The woman turned around away from us as if she was scared. I recognized the voice of the man. "Brian." I inquired. The young woman immediately opened the door wide. Brian seemed surprised to see my friend and I at the door. "Is everything alright?" I asked. "What are you doing here?" Was my next question. We were invited into the house. We stood there in the entry way and visited for a few minutes. The situation seemed heated and uncomfortable between the young couple. We asked the man if he could please get what he needed and then get going. He said that he would. When we knew that all was calm, we left to go back to our homes. As we left the house, my friend and I talked about our visit. We hoped and prayed that things would be alright with this couple.
I got home and felt good about the decision to go and check.
My dad has taught me on many occasions that when I get an impression, no matter if its big or small, I should act on it immediately.
I was grateful that I had finally acted on the feeling I had gotten. None of us will ever know why we get the feelings we get sometimes. I'm thankful on that night, long ago, that I listened and acted.
Sunday, January 15, 2012
Soul Search
I am going to take the liberty to spend my time writing something that is more spiritually minded, on Sunday. I believe that my faith is not just a part of who I am, rather, it is who I am.
On Friday, I was listening to some music on my friend's IPOD. One of the selections was a rendition of "Silent Night" performed by David Archuleta. I know what you're thinking, Christmas is over, but it just felt like a good song to listen to, in the moment. I listened carefully to its lyrics and was physically moved by its message.
Many years have passed since that world-changing event when the baby Jesus came to this earth. That event continues to stir up daily feelings in my heart.
Each of us needs a 'silent night' of our own once in a while. We need to pause and reflect on the things in our lives that make us cheer as well as the things that trouble our hearts.
I worked at my work bench and silently thanked my Heavenly Father for His kindness to me and my family. I began to run through the large list of things for which I am most grateful. I thought about certain individuals that could especially use my friendship to help them through difficult challenges that they currently face. I thought about the gratitude I feel for my parents who are currently out of the country enjoying some time of vacation with one another. My mind raced at the wonderful opportunities I am given, on a daily basis, to touch some body's heart for good.
These silent moments give us all a chance to reflect and ponder about the things that are the most important.
I have a man who I haven't seen or even thought about for nearly twenty years. The memory of working with him suddenly came into my mind. He had some severe disabilities and yet his work ethic never wavered. He showed me what it was like to give his employer a fair day's work. I watched him treat his co-workers with respect. I watched his enthusiasm in an effort to make people smile. His spirit lifted mine whenever I was around him. I wondered silently, "what ever happened to James?" The positive impact he had on my life is still alive.
I encourage you to take the moments of reflection so that you can have your heart lifted just as mine has been. My moment just happened to be the remembrance of one of the greatest nights ever known to mankind.
Your opportunity to reflect may be different than mine but just as important in nature. Enjoy the moments as they come, for they will help to shape you into the person you are supposed to become.
On Friday, I was listening to some music on my friend's IPOD. One of the selections was a rendition of "Silent Night" performed by David Archuleta. I know what you're thinking, Christmas is over, but it just felt like a good song to listen to, in the moment. I listened carefully to its lyrics and was physically moved by its message.
Many years have passed since that world-changing event when the baby Jesus came to this earth. That event continues to stir up daily feelings in my heart.
Each of us needs a 'silent night' of our own once in a while. We need to pause and reflect on the things in our lives that make us cheer as well as the things that trouble our hearts.
I worked at my work bench and silently thanked my Heavenly Father for His kindness to me and my family. I began to run through the large list of things for which I am most grateful. I thought about certain individuals that could especially use my friendship to help them through difficult challenges that they currently face. I thought about the gratitude I feel for my parents who are currently out of the country enjoying some time of vacation with one another. My mind raced at the wonderful opportunities I am given, on a daily basis, to touch some body's heart for good.
These silent moments give us all a chance to reflect and ponder about the things that are the most important.
I have a man who I haven't seen or even thought about for nearly twenty years. The memory of working with him suddenly came into my mind. He had some severe disabilities and yet his work ethic never wavered. He showed me what it was like to give his employer a fair day's work. I watched him treat his co-workers with respect. I watched his enthusiasm in an effort to make people smile. His spirit lifted mine whenever I was around him. I wondered silently, "what ever happened to James?" The positive impact he had on my life is still alive.
I encourage you to take the moments of reflection so that you can have your heart lifted just as mine has been. My moment just happened to be the remembrance of one of the greatest nights ever known to mankind.
Your opportunity to reflect may be different than mine but just as important in nature. Enjoy the moments as they come, for they will help to shape you into the person you are supposed to become.
Saturday, January 14, 2012
When I Grow Up
Several months ago, our youngest boy, Danny, came tromping into the living room with my shoes on. I don't have enormous feet but when you put a size eleven shoe on the feet of a seven year old they look huge. I joked with him about how quickly his feet had grown in just a short amount of time. He then stated the obvious by saying. "Dad, these are your shoes, don't you know?"
I gave some thought to that small window of time that I enjoyed with Dan. I thought about doing the same exact thing with my dad's shoes and thinking to myself that one day I was going to grow up to be big.
I am thankful for the opportunity to look forward with anticipation of things yet to come.
About seventeen years ago, Becky and I found out that we were expecting our first child. It was an exciting time for us but also overwhelming. To be a father was something I had hoped would happen to me. I wanted to grow up and get married to a wonderful person. (I got the very best!) I hoped with all of my heart that I would be able to have children. That blessing has also come to pass for which I am grateful.
Speaking of looking forward to things. I thought about the time that passed during the pregnancy of our oldest son, Brady. From the beginning of the pregnancy, I began dreaming that this baby boy would be born with Down Syndrome. The dreams were some of the sweetest experiences I have ever enjoyed. Life was rich with this cute little boy. Our life didn't seem to skip a beat at all. I enjoyed everything about him. The pregnancy went well and the day quickly arrived when we would finally enjoy this new addition to our family. It finally came time for Dr. Macy to deliver the baby. The delivery went well and Dr. Macy assured us that we had a healthy baby boy. I must have had a puzzled look on my face when she looked at me to deliver the exciting news. "Is he okay?" I asked. "Yes!" Was her response. As I looked at this new beautiful baby boy, I expected to see this beautiful boy with challenges that we would live with for the remainder of our lives. I was relieved but also a bit saddened because I had dreamed about him for many months. I was grateful to have a healthy baby.
All I ever wanted to do was grow up and be happy. I have been blessed in abundance. I still feel like Danny walking in those big shoes, looking forward to the many great adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. The shoes still feel like they have some growing room. When the day finally comes that I grow into those shoes, I hope that I have done all that I can do. Because after all is said and done, I want to grow up to be the best person I can be.
I gave some thought to that small window of time that I enjoyed with Dan. I thought about doing the same exact thing with my dad's shoes and thinking to myself that one day I was going to grow up to be big.
I am thankful for the opportunity to look forward with anticipation of things yet to come.
About seventeen years ago, Becky and I found out that we were expecting our first child. It was an exciting time for us but also overwhelming. To be a father was something I had hoped would happen to me. I wanted to grow up and get married to a wonderful person. (I got the very best!) I hoped with all of my heart that I would be able to have children. That blessing has also come to pass for which I am grateful.
Speaking of looking forward to things. I thought about the time that passed during the pregnancy of our oldest son, Brady. From the beginning of the pregnancy, I began dreaming that this baby boy would be born with Down Syndrome. The dreams were some of the sweetest experiences I have ever enjoyed. Life was rich with this cute little boy. Our life didn't seem to skip a beat at all. I enjoyed everything about him. The pregnancy went well and the day quickly arrived when we would finally enjoy this new addition to our family. It finally came time for Dr. Macy to deliver the baby. The delivery went well and Dr. Macy assured us that we had a healthy baby boy. I must have had a puzzled look on my face when she looked at me to deliver the exciting news. "Is he okay?" I asked. "Yes!" Was her response. As I looked at this new beautiful baby boy, I expected to see this beautiful boy with challenges that we would live with for the remainder of our lives. I was relieved but also a bit saddened because I had dreamed about him for many months. I was grateful to have a healthy baby.
All I ever wanted to do was grow up and be happy. I have been blessed in abundance. I still feel like Danny walking in those big shoes, looking forward to the many great adventures and opportunities that lie ahead. The shoes still feel like they have some growing room. When the day finally comes that I grow into those shoes, I hope that I have done all that I can do. Because after all is said and done, I want to grow up to be the best person I can be.
Friday, January 13, 2012
Do You Believe?
I see myself as a firm believer. I remember a particular day when I was a teenager. It seemed like everything that could go bad, did. I vented to my mom that my day had been one of the worst days I could remember ever having. Her wise response was this. "Then you know that tomorrow is going to be a better day!" I will admit now that I thought she was a little crazy but I did take her word for it. The very next day was, just like she said, probably one of the best days I ever had.
There are a lot of difficult times that we all will have to deal with. Sometimes we get an unfortunate break. Some of those come from decisions we make and others are controlled by the decisions of others. Nonetheless, the decision is ours how we will let it affect us.
Do you believe that the 'sun' will shine on you after a bitterly hard storm? Do you believe that hurt can be repaired through the kind words of a dear friend? Do you believe that the strength of your family can endure any kind of heartache? Do you believe that you are a magnificent person who can overcome anything? I believe you can.
I served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Holland. My companion and I went out one day to share the message that we had. We were excited about the opportunity to teach this message. Beginning at 9 AM, the first home that we visited opened the door momentarily and then promptly slammed the door shortly after we began to tell them why we were there. Throughout the entire day, one door after another were slammed in our faces. I thought that it was really rude of the people to act that way but the words suddenly came into my mind that my mom had shared with me a couple of years earlier. Tomorrow is sure to be a better day.
I believe that her statement is true. I'm not saying that it will be perfect. What I am saying is that no matter the heartache or frustration that you are feeling, if you will look at all of the positives that can come from your adversity you will surely find them and the day will become brightened in no time at all.
We are a part of a great plan. We live in a life full of never ending possibilities. We face challenges that seem like they will swallow us up. But we can overcome them and become so much stronger than we ever thought possible. Tomorrow is going to be a better day.
Do you believe? I do!
There are a lot of difficult times that we all will have to deal with. Sometimes we get an unfortunate break. Some of those come from decisions we make and others are controlled by the decisions of others. Nonetheless, the decision is ours how we will let it affect us.
Do you believe that the 'sun' will shine on you after a bitterly hard storm? Do you believe that hurt can be repaired through the kind words of a dear friend? Do you believe that the strength of your family can endure any kind of heartache? Do you believe that you are a magnificent person who can overcome anything? I believe you can.
I served as a missionary for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Holland. My companion and I went out one day to share the message that we had. We were excited about the opportunity to teach this message. Beginning at 9 AM, the first home that we visited opened the door momentarily and then promptly slammed the door shortly after we began to tell them why we were there. Throughout the entire day, one door after another were slammed in our faces. I thought that it was really rude of the people to act that way but the words suddenly came into my mind that my mom had shared with me a couple of years earlier. Tomorrow is sure to be a better day.
I believe that her statement is true. I'm not saying that it will be perfect. What I am saying is that no matter the heartache or frustration that you are feeling, if you will look at all of the positives that can come from your adversity you will surely find them and the day will become brightened in no time at all.
We are a part of a great plan. We live in a life full of never ending possibilities. We face challenges that seem like they will swallow us up. But we can overcome them and become so much stronger than we ever thought possible. Tomorrow is going to be a better day.
Do you believe? I do!
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