Sunday, December 22, 2019

Mistletoe ...

Misty was fascinated watching the wildlife rescue people.  Just last week she and Mouse, accompanied by Andrew, had gathered up Magnolia the Beaver, who could not be healed on earth.  Magnolia was now with other beavers, happily working on her den.

Mama had been very attuned to wildlife.  Most of them "met with untimely ends" on the highways where she had lived, and many were buried in the little cemetery Mama had.  When possible she simply moved them off the roads, and into more suitable resting spots, accepting that the dead became food for the living.  She didn't like that part, but she understood.

And though so many of the rescued at the facility where Magnolia had been were comfy and warm, with full tummies, yet another had come whose future looked bleak.  Misty thought to herself "I must go find An ...."

"I'm here, sweetheart," the Angel replied.

"How DO you do that! Mouse and Peanut told me you just appear when we think of you but I didn't realize just what they meant!"

Picking up the puzzled kitty he spoke soothingly to her.  "It's the way things are. I see you're worried about the little fox.  It is time for us to go and get her."

"You mean they are going to stop her heart like Magnolia?"

"No, Dear One, she is slipping away on her own.  Her injuries were too severe for the medical team to fix."

With that, Andrew and Misty vanished.  The people huddled around Mistletoe were too busy to notice that anything was different in the room, and as quietly as they came, Andrew gathered Mistletoe in his arms, and with a little cat beside him, faded from sight.

"When will she wake up?" Misty asked.

Andrew was sitting on the big rock, with the Grey fox curled up on his lap.  "Soon."

And even as they waited, several more foxes joined them. Each watched silently, ready to help when the time was right.  Soon, she stirred, and looked up at Andrew.  Though she should have been afraid, for some reason she wasn't.

"Hello Little One!"

Mistletoe's eyes grew wide as she looked around her.  There were other foxes nearby, who seemed glad to see her as well.  "Where am I?"

"Your time on earth was cut short by an accident.  Some very good people tried to help you, but your  injuries were too severe.  SO, now you are here with us, for all eternity!"

One of the other foxes piped up "It's the promise made by our Creator!  He knows about all of us, every one! and if one of us falls, He knows, and then we come here, and we're safe all day, and there's lots to eat, andmeadowstoplayin ...."

And the more excited he got the more his words ran together, and the others joined in, creating quite a din.  Andrew laughed at them, this was always the part of things he liked best.

Mistletoe looked first at Andrew, then the foxes, then the little cat, and back at Andrew who reached into his pocket and pulled out fox sized treats and shared them with the others as well.

"So we take you to the Bridge, and then you jump off, and then ..."  Misty hadn't worked enough on her presentation, and again got all jumbled up.

"She's right. While the people you left behind are sad, this is a joyous day for you, come, let us go meet the others."  With that, the odd assortment of foxes, cat and angel disappeared ...

.... and came to rest on a beautiful bridge made of every color.  He lowered Mistletoe to the Bridge.  Misty and the other foxes jumped off and joined the waiting group of animals.  What a sight THAT was!  More foxes, deer, beaver, woodchucks ... and others Misty couldn't identify.

"Ya gotta jump off!"

This, from a little fox standing by a lovely doe.  The doe smiled at him, lowered her muzzle to lick the top of his head.  She then looked up at Mistletoe and said "Yes, dear, you must accept the promise made for you at the beginning of time.  Come down from there, and join us.  We all are family here, there are others of your kind waiting to meet you."

Mistletoe looked up at Andrew.  She thought to herself what a strange turn of events. First it was the noisy machine that hit her on the road. Then darkness, and pain. She remembered how tired she was.  But now, all of that was gone, she felt warm and alive, pain free and happy.  She knew she had much to learn, but this gentle person had made her feel safe.  Looking back at the assembled animals (there were so MANY!), she took a deep breath, closed her eyes, and jumped!

Mouse had joined Misty, along with Peanut the dachshund.  "Where did you guys disappear to?"

"I was watching Mama.  She was using the writie box, and water came out of her eyes. So I asked Andrew, but he already knew, and then we were there, and he picked up Mistletoe and we went to the rock, and then came here and ...

Mouse giggled.  Yup, Misty was getting the hang of things here.   The two felines slipped away from the group and went to the meadow's edge.

"We've got her, Mama, tell them she's safe with us, and is with the other foxes.  Um, and Mama?  We love you, and miss you ...."

As the woman typed, tears slid down her cheeks ....

©Rose Scott

Friday, December 13, 2019

I am so happy to announce that my first book is available for purchase from Amazon!  If you love my stories, you'll love my book!  And stay tuned for the sequel ... the same but different!!!

https://www.amazon.com/dp/195126326X/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=the+tenth+life+by+Rose+Scott&qid=1576216842&sr=8-2

Wednesday, December 11, 2019

Magnolia ...

Andrew watched as Misty and Mouse chattered away, like long lost sisters.  They had never met, but both had lived with the same human “Mama” on earth.  There were tears, yes, but a lot of laughter too.  He hated to disturb them, but this was a perfect opportunity for them to experience.  He settled himself on “council rock” as Katie had named the big stone Andrew often sat on as he greeted newcomers, and called them to him.

“Another comes, and I thought you two might want to meet her, and help her with her transition.  She wasn’t a pet, she is a beaver, one who was attacked by dogs.  Her caretakers have done all they could to help her, but the decision has been made to send her to us.”

The two Scottish Fold cats looked at Andrew, and digested all that he had said. “We’re ready!” and with that the three of them were gone ...

.... and found themselves in an odd place in Tennessee.  There were cages, if you could call them that,  as “natural” as they could be to emulate “natural habitat”.  There were skunks, raccoons, foxes, all manners and sorts of critters of various ages being cared for by the people who loved them.  They were not pets, but instead victims of accidents, or traps, or any other dangers to unsuspecting wildlife.  It didn’t take long to find them ...

...gathered around a sweet beaver, who had been attacked by unknown predator or predators and was not responding to treatment.  She was wrapped up in a blue blanket, to keep her warm.  As the people asked each other if they had “tried everything”, and if there was anything more that they could do for her.  Her injuries were one thing, but the maggots, natures “cleanup crew” had started early, and  had complicated things.

“She’s in pain, and her injuries are more than her body can fight.  It’s time ...”

The two kitties looked up at Andrew. “what are they doing?”

“They’re giving her medicine that will stop her heart beat.  Then we will take her away from here.”

Even as Andrew spoke, he reached out and lifted the beaver in his arms, and as the two cats pressed close to his gown, they were gone.

Andrew put her down beside the creek, one kitty on each side of her.  Slowly she stirred, and awoke. Looking around she saw nothing familiar, but the scent of the fresh water attracted her.  She rose, and drank.  Then, as a lady should, she cleaned her whiskers, and washed her face.  Her lovely coat was thick and looked like sable.

“ahem!”

A cat? clearing her throat? and a second cat?

“It’sokaywewonthurtyoucomemeetAndrewhe’sourfriend ...”

Now every beaver knows it’s hard enough to understand Cats, but even worse when they run their words together.

“You’re scaring her.  It’s okay Magnolia, come with us ...”

At least the other cat seemed more composed, as though she’s used to talking to beavers.  Okay, I’ll follow along ...

.... and sat at Andrew’s feet.

“Good evening, Magnolia! We’re happy to see you!”

“Huh? Magnolia? Why did you call me that? and who are YOU? and these ... these CATS?”

Andrew smiled, and lifted the little beaver to his lap.  Reaching into his pocket he produced a treat for her, and for each of the kitties.

“You were named Magnolia by the people who tried to save your life.  You were injured badly, but they didn’t find you in time, and so they sent you here.”

“um, where’s ‘here’ exactly?” she asked, while chomping happily on her treat.

“‘Here’ is Heaven. The Creator has provided for all of Earth’s creatures, and knows when even the smallest of them is in trouble.  Your days upon the Earth have been cut short, but here you will live on, healthy and happy, until the end of time.  This is the covenant made between Man and the Creator.”

“Where do I go now?” she asked, still puzzled by all this ...

“With others of your kind. You will never be cold, or hungry, you cannot be hurt.  You may enjoy all things beaver!”

“But you have to jump off the Bridge, and ...”

Andrew chuckled, and petted Misty.  She had only been here a week, this was her first ‘meet and greet’.   “Come.  We will explain ...”

Andrew rose, Magnolia under one arm, the two kitties close beside him .....

....and appeared on the beautiful Bridge of which Misty had spoken.  Many forest critters were assembled, beavers in front!!

Mouse and Misty jumped down, and looked back at Magnolia.  One of the waiting beavers looked up at Magnolia and said “Welcome!  Join us!!”

Magnolia looked at Andrew questioningly, as he put her down and smiled at her.  “Yes, dear one, it is time.”

She closed her eyes, took a deep breath, and jumped down into the waiting group of wildlife.  They all were talking at once,

With a nod and a smile to Misty and Mouse, Andrew faded from sight.

“C’mon Misty, let’s go tell Mama!  She’ll be so pleased ...”.

With that, the two ran to the edge of the meadow and turned their thoughts toward home. “She’s okay, Mama,  Me and Misty ... er, Misty and I, we went with Andrew and we brought her home.  Tell your friends ... “

As the two cats purred their love and their thoughts toward earth, the woman smiled ... and opened her computer ...

©Rose Scott


Saturday, December 7, 2019

Misty Whispurrs ...

Oh no, not yet ... Mouse thought, a sadness falling over her.  I must find Andrew ...

"Right here, Little One."

"I'm too upset to even be upset with you for appearing out of nowhere" Mouse answered, as tender hands lifted her up onto the angel's lap.

"it's Misty, and I didn't think it would be this soon. Mama's a wreck."

"I know, I've been watching for days. But you knew her health was failing ..."

"yes, but I had hoped there would be some magic that could give her a few more months. I watched Wednesday night ... Mama held her on her bare skin for hours to keep her warm.  Mama was brave that night, and for three days Misty lay curled in her basket in the closet.  Mama visited her a lot ... and Stormy too.  He didn't understand.  He whined for Mama to "fix her" but no one could.

And today Mama laid her to rest.  And then Mama lost it."

Andrew spoke softly to Mouse, so softly no human ear could hear.  "Come, we must meet Misty". 

Awakening from her nap, Misty stretched, and washed one paw, then the other, as well mannered kitties do. She found herself in a lovely meadow, beside a little creek, merrily splashing on the rock-bed as it flowed out of sight.  She was thirsty, and this water tasted SOOOOO good!

Having had her fill, a strange thought started to nip at her mind ... she looked around her, noting the trees with their branches slowly waving,  saw a rock, and a man, and another kitty, and knew.  As she padded softly toward them, many thoughts went though her mind. This had to be the place Mama spoke of so often, the man, the other kitty ...

"... then you must be Andrew?" she asked, as she drew near. "and Mouse?  I cannot imagine anyone else would be here to meet me". 

Andrew lifted her to his lap, and stroked her head in his soothing way.  "I am sure you have many questions ..."

"Actually, I don't.  Mama and I talked about all this a lot.  Especially when I began to lose weight. I know she didn't want to believe I would be taken from her so soon, but she knew it was inevitable."

"Ah, but our Creator's time line is always accurate, no matter how we feel about it. And like Mouse, you didn't leave her right away after your life ended, you stayed for a few days.  She was comforted by that, but today was the hardest, she had to admit you were gone from her."

"No, I am NOT gone from her. I will ALWAYS be with her".  Tears slid from her eyes, as did from Andrew and Mouse as well.  

Mouse agreed, "We ARE always with her.  And with Daddy too.  But it still hurts."

As Andrew petted them both, he sighed.  He knew the pain their humans felt, even though angels were not supposed to feel pain and sorrow.  He was glad that his assignment kept him with these sweet creatures, and he learned much from them.  He learned how to be a better angel if you could imagine that, but then again, maybe that was why the Creator planned things.  There was much even angels didn't know.  

"Well, shall we go? I'm sure the others are waiting for us ...."  Andrew didn't want to rush them, but he knew everyone would feel better.  He knew the others were sad, and were waiting for Misty.  With that thought in mind he rose, one kitty under each arm, and faded from view ...

....only to appear again on the beautiful Bridge of many colors.  He set them both down at his feet, and Mouse jumped first, taking her place with Mittens, Pepper, Katie, Nikki, Peanut and several German Shepherds Misty had never met.  

It was Mittens who spoke first ... "we've been waiting for you Misty, and we have lots to tell you about.  But first you have to jump ..."

"I have to accept all that was promised to us, right? And then I jump?" she looked up at Andrew. "There's no going back, you're sure?"

"Not as  you were, but yes, you may go back, and visit, and the others will teach you."

Misty looked at all the creatures waiting for her, many more had gathered behind the ones she had heard about from Mama.  They all seemed happy to see her, and yet they understood her feelings.  They knew it took time to adjust, to getting used to being here.

With one last look up at Andrew, who nodded at her that it was time, she closed her eyes and jumped. 

Immediately surrounded by the waiting cats and dogs, Misty felt the love around her.  She knew she was where she was supposed to be.  

Mouse slipped away softly, and went to the edge of the meadow.  "Mama, she's okay, she's here with us.  And you know what? Daddy's dogs are here too, all asking about him!  It's a really big reunion, believe me.  I know you and Daddy are sad .... but you know what you must do.  You must find another kitty to love a we were loved.  Not all kitties have mamas and daddies."

She purred as hard as she could, sending her love, and her thoughts across the stars, through the skies, and to the hearts of those who mourned.  All was well, all was as it should be, as the Creator promised.  They would all meet again one day.

As Andrew faded from view, he again thought about these sweet creatures.  The Creator, in his infinite wisdom, had planned for all this from the first moment of time.  There was much to learn, and as much as he already knew, Andrew knew he would learn even more from his furry family as he liked to think of them.  

It was all as it should be .... 


©Rose Scott





Sunday, October 27, 2019

Explanations ...

The days go by differently than on earth. There are periods of activity and periods of rest.  Lots of things to do as well as time for reflection, even introspection. It was during one of these times that Mouse found herself, and knowing that Andrew could help her sort out her thoughts she headed off to search for him … and found herself on his lap as he sat beneath the aspen he loved so much  

“How do you DO that?” She asked, a bit flustered. Andrew just smiled at her and made soothing sounds. 

“What seems to be puzzling you?”

“Well, with Max gone, I really don’t know what to do with myself.”

“I see,” replied the angel. “What would you LIKE to do?”

Mouse thought for a few moments. “Does everyfur know about this place? Mama always seemed so sad when she’d read on the writie box about furs who left their families behind.  She hoped that people knew they would all be reunited one day. Do they all come here? To our meadow?”

“Oh heavens no, sweet one. Our Father’s house has many rooms.”

“Wazzat mean?”

There are many meadows, many angels and many groups much like yours who come from all over the world. Each family group from earth has its own angel, like me, and ambassadors who greet all who come.  No one is ever forgotten!  

Mouse thought about that for a bit.  “So I don’t need to worry about ALL the other critters ...”

Andrew broke out in laughter, “Oh my!   The only One who can do THAT is our Creator! *I* can’t even do that!!!”

“Oh.”

Mouse could see there was much to learn.  Andrew petted her awhile, in just the right way, and Mouse slept.

... and awoke, with the others.  “Wow! I just talked to Andrew! And he told me ...”

As Andrew faded from view, he smiled,  He loved them all so, and knew all was well. As it should be.  

©Rose Scott

Thursday, August 15, 2019

In loving Memory of Garfield ...



“Um, Andrew?”

“Yes, Dear One, what is it ...”

“Um, Mama sez ...”

Andrew reached down and picked up the little cat.  She was often so solemn when she searched for him, though he already knew what was on her mind, he usually gave her time to get it out. But this time he sensed she didn’t quite know where to begin.

“Another comes.  He was not of your family, but of a family linked to your Mama’s family.  It’s all right, I was expecting him. Max is ready, shall we go to the meadow? Max has already alerted the others.”

Mouse looked up at him, grateful that she didn’t have to explain all the complexities of the relationship.  Andrew seemed to understand all about humans, and the way their lives touched each others. He cradled her in his arms, and with Max beside him, the three were gone, leaving only the rustle of the leaves to mark their passing.  Where they had been, a plump calico was trotting off toward a large golden retriever, clearly a cat on a mission!

* * *

At first he didn’t get it. He stretched, looked around, and didn’t see anything he’d seen before. For one thing, Star was no where in sight, neither were the dogs.  He didn’t go out by himself as much as he did with the others, and it was odd that they weren’t there.  Oh well, first things first.

All cats are taught at a very tender age, “When in doubt, Wash”.  And he was in doubt, so he washed. First one paw, then behind an ear, then the other paw, and behind the other ear. Whiskers, shirt front, sides, tummy, tail.

Having done all that, he was thirsty.  His ears caught the sound of water running, so he rose, and started off in the direction his ears told him to take. Sure enough, there was a crystal creek, of the clearest water he’d ever seen.  No dog drool, just clear, clean water, just the right temperature.  Lick, lick, lick ... pausing to think how wonderful it tasted.

Having had his fill, he turned, to take stock of his surroundings.  Not far from him, under a huge willow tree, sat a man (at least, it LOOKED like a man, but he was dressed funny), and a big black and white cat. On the man’s lap was a much smaller cat, whose ears were folded tight against her face.  She looked more like an owl than a cat!

He took one last look around him and still not seeing Star or the dogs, he headed toward the odd trio. 
“Hello, Garfield! It’s nice to see you!”

Huh? How did this dude know his name? and furthermore, who were the other two cats????

“I am Andrew. This little lady is Mousie, and ...”

“ ... I am Grampa Max!”  Max cleared his throat, and puffed out his furry chest. 

“We came to meet you and to take you to the Bridge, and then you’ll have to jump off and then you wait and ...”

Andrew couldn’t help himself, he started to shake with laughter.  “Oh dear, that didn’t quite come out right.  Mouse is correct, but there’s a little more to it than that.”

“Garfield, your time on earth has come to an end. You have left your family behind you, and now you go to a place where all of God’s creatures go, to wait for the day when you will be reunited with your family.  God made a promise to all he created, that they would be provided for. He knows when even the smallest sparrow falls from the sky.”

The smile was wiped from Garfield’s face. He sat down rather hard, and tried to take in all that had just been said to him.  He wasn’t at all sure he wanted to go along with any of this. 

“You mean, I’ll never see them again?  What about Kendal? And Star? And ...” a lump in his throat kept him from saying any more.

Andrew reached into one of his pockets, pulled out a treat, and offered it to Garfield.  He rubbed the big orange cat’s ears, in just the right spot.  He understood it was hard to take all this in at first, especially for one who wasn’t long in years, and hadn’t been ill for a long time.

“Garfield, your family misses you very much. But even now, your Mama is explaining to Kendal and to the rest of the family, that though you are gone from sight, you are still with them in spirit, and in their hearts and minds.

“But you became ill suddenly, and that illness cut your life short.  We are here to take you to the place your Creator has prepared for you, where you will be safe, and happy.  Time is different here, what seems forever on earth is but a blink of an eye.”

“My Mama has a girl-kitten who is all grown up now, but she went to school with your Mama.  That’s how I knew you were coming.  Mama was thinking hard and sent her thoughts to me ... and I went to get Andrew, but he already knew all this, and Max is here because he always is, and ...”  Mouse’s words all ran together as they normally did.  Max stifled a giggle himself, for he knew she meant well.

“Come. It is time. We’ll explain on the way. The others are waiting for us,”  

With Mouse under one arm, and Garfield in the other, and Max pressed close to the hem of the angel’s gown, they vanished as though they had never been there ....


.... and reappeared on a Bridge made of every color. 

“Look!  Here they are!”  Mittens were at the bottom of the Rainbow, with Pepper and Maggie beside her. There were dozens and dozens of cats, dogs, ponies, rabbits, parakeets, more animals than Garfield had EVER seen!  Next to Maggie stood a handsome German shepherd, and a beautiful collie.  They all seemed to be anxious to meet the newcomer.

“So you see, all that remains for you to do is to accept the promise that was made to you before you were even born. You just have to make this last jump yourself, we can’t do it for you.” 

Max softly jumped to the ground, to stand with Mittens and Pepper. 
The shepherd spoke first ... “I lived with your Mama long ago. We will have much to talk about.”

Andrew put Garfield down on the Rainbow, and stepped back.  The little cat he called Mouse moved closer to him.

“Garfield, it’s okay. Really.  I’ll jump with you ...”

“But, I’m not sure I want to do this.  I mean, I belong with Kendal and my family.”

The collie spoke ... “Garfield, it’s okay. Come down from there. We’ll teach you how to send your thoughts and love back to your family. They can’t see you, but they can hear you when they sleep, and they can feel your purrs, and know that you still love them.” 

With one last look over his shoulder at the angel, Garfield closed his eyes tight ... and ... jumped.

As Andrew faded from sight, he knew that Garfield would be okay. The others would teach him. It wouldn’t be long before he’d romp and play with the other animals, chase the butterflies, and enjoy the days with the people who came each day to play with the animals. There were others who had not had pets on earth, who came to spend time with these sweet creatures.  Many of the angels did too, for that matter. 

As he watched, the little grey cat he knew to be Pepper, slipped quietly away from the group and went to the edge of the meadow.  She closed her eyes, and purred with all her might. 

“It’s okay Heather, tell Steffie that Garfield is here with us. Explain to the girls that he isn’t gone, he’s still in their hearts.  I love you ... “


... soft snowflakes fell quietly to the earth ...

©Rose Scott

A little about me ...


Learning to read was probably the most life changing thing that ever happened to me, other than the birth of my children. Words fascinate me! Just as my quilting craft takes bits and pieces of fabric and puts them together to make something bigger than those pieces .... so do words. Words, carefully selected, put together with other words, can bring joy, grief, inspiration and feed the imagination. This is my joy: to bring together the words that will tell the stories: stories of love, of laughter, of light, of sadness, of redemption and renewal. This is the gift that was given to me, to be given back to you.

           With that in mind, a publisher has accepted my manuscript for publication!!!!!!!  I’m over the moon about it, there’s much to do ...

            The title?!  “The Tenth Life”!

                                    Rose Scott