Not long after the deed was done, I cleared my head the way I usually do when it gets clogged with life - not with a fifth of whiskey, no, those days are long over. Instead, I walked for two hours along my favorite lonely railroad tracks; the solitude does me wonders. When I returned, I found a note on my office desk. I'll share it with you here:
I wanted to let you know how much I appreciate all you did for me during my time with you, and how much I love you all.
The life I left today cannot compare to the wonder and beauty of this amazing place! There are many, many others like me, some I know, but most I do not. Heidi is here, and she looks young and beautiful, even better than I remember her; there are cats I used to know, a pretty brown horse you once had, and one like me who you knew as Samson; they all say hello. Everyone is so young and healthy and happy. The air is clean, the food is great, it’s very peaceful and pretty, and best of all, I don’t hurt anymore. No pain at all! I can walk and run and have more energy than I had for a very long time.
I don’t know why, but I’ve only seen one here who is like you; he is sending this message for me. I don’t see any others, only dogs and cats and other furry ones and those not so furry. The one who sends this letter is one I know you know – I’ve heard you speak of him, and he was the first to greet me.
I don’t know when I’ll see you again – the one like you hasn’t told me that yet – but know that everything here is incredible, there is so much to do, and I have an eternity to do it in. Please don’t ever feel bad for me. I know you did everything you were able to, and that you would have done more for me if you could have. Today was my time to leave that world and come to this one, the time appointed by the one like you.
Though I didn’t talk the way you do, I understood all of your words, even when you didn’t know I was listening. And when you got frustrated with me because I couldn't walk very well and whined a lot, I know you didn't mean it. The ones you call Matty, Sadie, Crosby, Dakota – they understand, too. And they love you without measure or limits or conditions, just as I do.
I must go now. Heidi has some new friends, and they want to explore a fascinating new place they found.
Until we meet again,
Your buddy, Jasmine
4 comments:
This is a beautiful tribute to your beloved pet, who really was a family member. I can feel the depth of your love for her and know that she loved you back. Your words touched my heart and brought back memories of all the pets I’ve had in life. They gave such joy when they were alive and made me realize how much God loves us: He gives us these sweet animals to love as children. I hope we can see them again one day. Till then, they live on in our hearts.
Thank you for posting this. Your talent for writing is a gift that should be shared with the world. <3
Terri Smith (aka: Stormy)
I bet Jasmine and I would have been great friends. I was rescued by my family from a terrible, mean and abusive man. I live with my new family and love all of them very much. I can tell you loved your family, too, the humans and the other animals you lived with there. I wanted to thank you for writing this sweet letter. Maybe some people will read it and realize that their pets understand them and love them anyway. And maybe it will help mean people to be a little nicer to their animals.
See you in Heaven one day,
Lily
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