Samantha ...

This just wouldn’t do.  Once again Rudy closed his eyes, and found himself on the angel’s lap, as he hoped he would.  

“What is it, my friend?” Andrew soothed the upset opossum with just the right strokes of gentle fingers. 

Too upset to even think about those magical pockets, and wringing his paws, “I don’t know if you do porcupines, but this one is so special ... and ...”

With a soft chuckle the angel replied “our Creator knows when even a sparrow falls.  Of course we ‘do’ porcupines”.  

“She was another ambassador of sorts. She came from a different rescue group, but one the woman follows ... is that how I knew of her? The cats talk about a “writey box” and I know my human mama Pam used one ... are her tears how I knew?”

“All of you are united one way or another.  All of you know when one comes, and there are many angels, and many meadows.  But the one you are wanting is over there, much like you were, sleeping on a tuffet of clover.  She will awaken soon. You and Duncan may greet her.”

“Who’s Duncan?”

Duncan took that as his cue, and spoke.. “I’m down here! You were too upset to notice me!”  Duncan didn’t think it was at all weird that an opossum was upset about a porcupine.  He’d been here almost a month, had met SO many other critters, and had realized that they all had a connection.  It didn’t matter to him that he didn’t understand it all,  he was just glad for it.  And he had learned to watch over Newhouse, because those were the wonderful people who took care of him.

“Is it time?” He asked, looking over at the sleeping porcupine.

“I think so,” the angel replied, “we’ll wait for you here.”

As Duncan waddled away, Rudy turned on the angel’s lap, to get a better view.  And a treat had appeared, which he munched on while he watched.  Duncan gave a gentle nosy rub to the porcupine, and whispered to her “Hello Luv, time to wake up.”

“Samantha opened her eyes, and looked about.  She had had the sweetest dreams, about Sammi and Poppi, and for a moment wondered where they were.

“It’s just you, the others are fine.  Come with me, there’s some water here you just MUST try!”

Duncan led her to the creek, which indeed WAS the best water she’d ever tasted.  Having had her fill, and fully awake, the questions began. 

“I know you, you’re Duncan! But you left us almost a month ago. Why did you come back?” 

“No, I didn’t ‘come back’, you came Here!”

“But, where is ‘here’, and why am I?”

“It’s not a particularly long story, but I’ll try to explain. Come, we’ll go meet my friends who are waiting over there on that big rock” he said.

Samantha looked where he had indicated.  There was a man sitting on a rock, at least she thought that’s what he was, and there was an opossum sitting on his lap, watching her.  ‘This ought to be good’ she thought, but followed Duncan as he made his way.

The man set the opossum down, and as they grew near, reached out for Samantha and put her on his lap. She was about to tell him to be mindful of her quills, but for some reason he wasn’t bothered by them.

“Hello Samantha, we’ve been waiting for you!”

“You have? Why?”

“The time on earth given by the Creator is different than that for mankind, and is quite short.  There are people who rescue and take care of sick or injured creatures great and small.  You were with people who kept you safe, though they knew you were never going to be well enough to live on your own.  They loved you, and watched over you. You were able to raise two beautiful babies, one your own, and the other an orphan. And because of the “writey box” as so many of you call it, people all over the world followed your journey.”

“But, why am I HERE?” 

“It was time. There was nothing more they could do for you, to keep you with them, so the last most loving thing they could do for you was to send you here, quietly, painlessly, and in the sure and certain knowledge you would be made whole again.”

“So, does that mean you ‘fixed’ me, and now I can go back?” she asked, not sure she was going to like the answer.

“Nope!”  Rudy had finished his snack and looked up at Samantha on the angel’s lap. “But it’s all good!  You will be happy here, with others of your kind, and all of the rest of of us, and some day, when the people at Newhouse reach the ends of THEIR lives, they’ll be here too!”

“But you don’t have to wait that long to see them!”  Duncan put his front paws against the angel’s legs so he could stand up and see her face to face. “The best part is you can send your love and your thoughts to them, whenever you want! We’ll teach you!  And in some ways you can help them understand what they can do for others of your kind.”

Samantha looked from Duncan to Rudy, and up at the angel.  This was a lot to take in. But she didn’t feel stressed about it, in fact she felt rather peaceful with it.  

“Come on you two, it’s time we took this one to the Bridge.” As the angel rose, he cradled Samantha in his arms.  Once again she wondered how he did that without being impaled on her spines.  Rudy and Duncan pressed themselves close to Andrew’s gown, and they were gone ...

... to appear again upon the great Bridge made of every color one could imagine.  She had heard about the Rainbow Bridge, and as if he heard her unspoken question Andrew explained.  “Our Creator pledged that He would know when even a sparrow falls, and that one day we would all be with Him for eternity.  The Bridge is His sign of that covenant, that never again would He destroy the world he created, as he once did.”

“And now you have to jump off, that means you accept that promise!” And with that, Rudy and Duncan tumbled off the Bridge as they had before, landing softly upon a pair of beautiful dogs with golden fur.  

“Just jump!” Duncan urged.

Looking up at Andrew, and over his shoulder at things she could no longer see, she sensed that everything really WAS all right.  Andrew set her down on the Bridge, and peering over the edge at the waiting dog, she closed her eyes and gave a little hop. 

Maggie’s tail wagged, and she grinned at Andrew as he faded from sight.  She sat, which made a bit of a sliding board for Samantha.  She was immediately surrounded by so many critters!  All talking at once, and all being understood by each other no matter what language they spoke.  

Duncan and Rudy slipped away, and went to the edge of the meadow.  “It’s all good, she’s here with us. Don’t worry, we’ll teach her soon to send you her thoughts.

“Oh, and thank you.” Duncan blushed a little (though it’s hard to see on a porcupine). “You were all so good to us, not only our care, but all the prayers and good vibes we got from all over the world. We will never forget you.”

Though gone from sight, Andrew watched.  His heart was full. At that moment he though ‘I’ve got the best job in all of Heaven’.  

...... ....... ......

Jane wiped a tear as she looked at her computer screen, called to the others, “You just have to see this!  We’ve heard from Duncan and Samantha!”

©️Rose Scott 2020

Matilda ...

Rudy was an opossum on a mission.  He knew he needed help, he didn't know where to GO for it, nor how to get it.  Now if only he could remember how it all works ... 

".. oof" He found himself scooped up and deposited on the angel's lap! Just like the girls (those kitties he met) said it would be!

Andrew stroked the silky fur. While many of life's wild critters ended up in other meadows, he had been granted "dispensation" as it were, for the ones known as the the kitties and dogs he'd come to think of as his own, and the lives theirs had touched.

"What seems to be the problem, young man," the angel asked.  (and as his thoughts rounded up some of the kitties, they appeared at his feet ...)

"Well, Mama (he blushed, if opossums could blush), well, she wasn't my MOTHER, but she was Mama to me .. "

"That's all right", Andrew soothed. There was the uncanny business of everything making sense, in a place where nothing did, and yet it was all okay.

"You rang?" Mouse wasn't at all miffed, and Andrew knew it, but she wasn't giving an inch without giving him a LITTLE bit of a hard time.  She studiously scrubbed a paw.  When in doubt, wash.  

"Our friend here has had his first "quickening".  It seems one of his kind has arrived, sent from the same people who loved him."

"Yes, that's it, that's it ezzakly.  But I don't know HOW I know, or WHY I know, or what it is I'm supposed to DO about it and ..."

"Shush now ... It's all as it should be."  Andrew stroked his fur to calm him, and pointed toward the creek.  "Look, there she is ... just as you were, waking  up in a bed of sweet clover.  Give her a minute or two then you may go and meet her.  Might be better if you did than one of the kitties!"

"Humph.  We did just fine."  

"I know, Misty, but let's have Rudy have the moment, okay?"

"Well, if you put it that way ..." the mollified cat accepted a treat, and watched.  

Andrew set Rudy down on the grass, and off he waddled toward the creek, and the newest arrival.  As he approached her, he cleared his throat, and asked "Millie, Is that you?  It's okay, I'm Rudy and I came from where you did!"

Millie stopped washing her face and looked at the opossum who was speaking to her, which was even more odd than where she wondered she was, or why.

"It'll all make sense, here ... come drink. This is the best water EVER!  No bugs in it, or dirt, just pure clean water! It's Crystal Creek! It comes from the River of Life!"

Matilda thought that was about the strangest thing she'd ever heard out of an opossum's mouth, but she WAS thirsty, so to shut him up she did as she was told.  And then he started in again ...

"You're going to the Rainbow Bridge with me! There's lots of critters there, some like us, and some that lived with people, but all were loved. Come on then, we'll go meet Andrew and  he'll explain better."

THIS ought to be good. He's taking me to meet some guy in a bathrobe (she knew what they were, as the people who were taking care of her recently had them), who is sitting on a rock, with two cats at his feet.  CATS!

Andrew smiled as the two approached, leaned over and scooped up the befuddled opossum, settled her on his lap, and produced appropriate treats from pockets.  (Lots of pockets! With different goodies! She'd have to remember that part, if nothing else.)

"Rudy is right, as far as he went ... You see, you were with people who try to help wildlife, make them better, and release them to be as their Creator intended them to be.  But sometimes, disease or injuries prevent that, and as their last act of kindness, they ease  your passing of life on earth as you knew it.  

"Here you will be healthy and happy, to live forever with your Creator, others of your kind who have come, and the friends you have made.  And one day, when their length of days on earth come to an end, Bill and Pam will come too, and if you wish  you may be with them forever."

Millie tried to take all this in.  "I had a sore in my mouth."

"Yes, and it couldn't be fixed.  You also had a  head injury, probably from being struck by a car.  You would only have gotten sicker, and weaker, and Pam and Bill didn't want that for you.  You had a wonderful veterinarian Dr. Kristen who eased your passing so you would feel no pain.  She sent you here to us, knowing you would be well again."

"There were other opossums in their house. Why are they still there?" Millie asked.

"While their injuries meant they could never live on their own in the wild again, they have become Ambassadors, and travel all over to teach other people about us, and to tell people not to hurt us or be afraid of us," Rudy explained.  "But you couldn't be made well."

"What's with the cats?" she muttered.

Rudy laughed, "Oh you'll get used to them. There's dogs too! and horses, and deer and foxes and ..."

"We get it, Rudy, you don't have to list them all!" Misty nose bumped the happy opossum. "shouldn't we be going to meet the others?"

Andrew rose, with an opossum under each arm, two cats against his ankles, and was gone ...

... only to appear again on a bridge made of every color of the rainbow. The cats jumped down to be with the others, leaving the two opossums that Andrew set gently down.  

"Now what." Millie wasn't at all sure about all this. Just LOOK at all these animals! As far as her eyes could see!  And the Birds ... roosted in trees, or on tops of other animals, all raising their voices in welcome and  homage to their Creator who had made this place for all of them.

Rudy nuzzled her gently. "It's okay, Millie, really it is.  I did it, we just have to accept what has been promised to us, by jumping off the Bridge.  It's the Rainbow Bridge.  Up there, on the hill, those are the great Gates of Heaven.  Oh there is so MUCH to tell you about!"

Just then two beautiful golden retrievers moved to the edge of the Bridge.  Rudy explained, "That's Maggie, and the other is Molly. They make for a soft landing!" and with that, Rudy slid off the bridge onto Molly's back, while Maggie waited for Millie.

"You're sure about all this?"

"Yep!"

"Then here goes ..." and with an 'oof'' landed on Maggie's waiting back.  

They were then surrounded by all the waiting animals, everyone talking at once.  Andrew loved this part most of all he thought, listening to animal laughter in every language, from fox to ferret, fish to fowl ... all of them God's creatures. All loved, all provided for, as the Creator foretold.  As he faded from sight, he heard Rudy call after him "Thanks Andrew!"  And the angel smiled. 

© Rose Scott

Vigilance ...

 “ANDR...”

“Right here Little One”. Andrew held the shaking kitty in his arms.  She was rarely this upset, but he understood why this time.  He sat down on the rock long ago dubbed “Counsel Rock” by Grampa Max. 

“What’s going on? Why is Sophie doing that?”

“As I suspected some time ago, little Sophie is indeed a prayer warrior.  She senses evil about and is keeping your Mama safe.”

“But there’s nothing there?”

“Oh yes there is, and Sophie knows it.  Even as we watch, angels have bound up the threat and are sending it away.  Sophie is a good watch guard. Not much gets past her.”

They watched the little black dog standing with her front paws across the sleeping woman. Her hackles were raised, and she was growling a warning at something only she could see. She gave a few small quiet woofs to add to the growls.  The room was soon washed in a soft light, not enough to wake anyone, but enough to satisfy Sophie, who once again snuggled up against her mama.  

“The danger has passed, for now.”

“But why was it there in the first place?”

“Your mama is a prayer warrior in her own right.  And each person who is, is taunted by the forces of evil.    The stronger one’s convictions, the more the torment.”

The little cat relaxed in the angel’s arms.  Do the others know of all this?”

“Some do,  and others do but don’t know what is happening.”  The little kitty with the folded ears grew sleepy as the angel stroked her silky fur..  And then that’s all  there was.  Just a little cat, sleeping in the Sonlight ...    

©Rose Scott

A Christmas Story ...

  
Maybe you know someone who would like to hear about the kitty who asked his Mama about Christmas.
This is what I said to my little (kitty) boy...
 
 
Dearest Flyser ... yes, it's "that time again", but you know, Little One,
it should be "that time" all the time, all year long. Yes, Sandy Claws will
be coming, and he brings goodies to all the goods kiddens. But it's harder
on the kiddens what's don'ts gots a mommy or daddy a loves them. So, maybe
you could think real hard, and ask that Sandy Claws and the Man he reports
to, to watch extra carefully over the homeless kiddens.
 
     Remember the box I have? (pulls box out of the pile of things that
have come in from the garage), you know, the one with the animals and the
people in it? Well, it's time for that, too.  Here (makes soft spot for
Flyser on bathrobe skirt), you can help me. Your nephews have never seen
this box before. Would you like to help me tell them the Story? (takes lid
off box) ...
 
     Let's see ... A long time ago, when a man called Herod was the king of
Judea, God sent one of his angels (pulls an angel out of the box, and a
figure of a young girl) to a young lady named Mary.  The angel gave Mary a
message, that she was going to have a Baby. Not just any baby, but GOD's
Baby.    Mary didn't quite understand how this could be, because she wasn't
even married, but the angel told her not to worry about it, God would take
care of everything. He always *does* you know ... (rubs kitty ears). Mary
told her boyfriend Joseph all about this, but she really had nothing to
worry about (pulls a young man figure out of the box) because that same
angel had also visited with *him* and told him that it would all be okay,
and that he should marry Mary right away. Which he did.
 
     They had to go to Bethlehem to pay their taxes, and by that time it
was pretty cold out (puts white cotton for snow around the wooden barn).
Mary and Joseph arrived in town late at night, and couldn't find any hotel
rooms. But one nice man said they could sleep in the barn with the animals
(takes out cow, donkey, and some sheep, puts them in the barn). And
sometime in the night, God's Son was born (mama unwraps Baby), and because
Mary didn't have anywhere ELSE to put Him, she wrapped him up nice and
warm, and put him in the cow's food dish. The cow didn't seem to mind, and
the other animals huddled close to provide more warmth.
 
     Now, off on the hillside outside of town there were other men called
shepherds, who were taking care of their sheep. It was a lot of work to
watch out for the sheep, because there were 'yoties, and wolves, and other
things that would attack the sheep at night if someone wasn't paying
attention. There was a dog, too, running about, keeping the sheep all
bunched together (unwraps sheep, dog, shepherds, puts them along the side
of the fireplace mantle, where the "hillside" should be).
 
     Remember that angel? (pulls angel from under Flyser's paw) ... well,
he came back again, and this time he visited with the shepherds. He told
them not to be afraid, but to go right away into town, and go to see the
new Baby that was in the barn, sleeping in the cow's food dish. The angel
explained that this Baby was to be the Saviour, Christ the Lord.  (Mama
moves some of the shepherds and a few sheep toward the barn.)
 
     Can you remember what happens next? (Flyser noses in the box and paws
at a large, lumpy figure). That's right, sweetheart, (kisses he widdle
nose), there were three very wise men, kings of other countries, who had
heard about all this, and had seen the star in the East that told them this
had come to be. They got on their camels, and headed off to Bethlehem to
see for themselves. They had presents, too. One had Gold, signifying the
wealth and riches due to a king; the second was frankincense, which is
stuff that gets burned and makes smoke ... some people believe that one's
prayers go to heaven, carried along on the smoke; and the third was myrrh,
which was a very costly ointment used when great kings were buried.  All
three of these gifts represented things that would happen someday.
 
     (Mama finishes putting all the figures beside the barn, Flyser paws at
one small bundle still in the box. With a soft chuckle, mama continues ...)
 
     Ah! You remembered! Yes, that is "Sandy Claws". And see, he's kneeling
at the Baby's side, as He sleeps in the cow's food dish!  That's to remind
you of the story of how many, many years later, Santa was trying to get all
the toys ready for the Big Ride. But he'd slipped on some ice, and broke
his leg. He was all upset, when there came a knock at the door. When Mrs. C
opened the door, there was a young boy, who said he'd come to help out if
he could, that his dad had been a carpenter, and that's he'd learned a lot
from his dad.  Santa figured he didn't have much choice, so he let the kid
go out to the workshop and help.
 
     Not too long after that the toys were all finished, in record time, no
less, and it was about time for the Big Ride.  But the doctor had other
ideas, he said ABSOLUTELY NOT, Santa could NOT go.  The boy heard this, and
said he'd kind of figured that the doc would say that, so he'd fashioned a
special seat on the sled, so Santa could put his foot up on a nice soft
pillow. He said to the doctor "See, that way he wouldn't have to hurt his
leg, and I could do all the deliveries while Santa drove the sleigh."  Doc
thought about it, and said it was okay, as long as Santa stayed off his
feet.
 
     Mrs. C fixed up some extra sandwiches and cookies, and the elves
packed in all the toys and presents while Santa checked his list - twice -
to be sure they had everything. And before you knew it, off they went.
 
     With the two of them ... the work was all accomplished in record time.
Santa turned to the boy and said "I don't know who you are, or where you
came from but you sure saved the day. Is there anything I can do for YOU?"
 
     The boy said he'd like to show Santa the place where he was born.
Santa agreed, and the boy took the reins. But it had been a busy night, and
Santa soon was asleep.
 
     But after a bit he realized the sleigh wasn't moving any more, and the
reindeer were munching on some hay that had been put down for them. The boy
was no where in sight, but ahead there was a barn, with a soft glow coming
from it. Santa heard the boy call out "In here, Santa ..."
 
     Without thinking about it he hopped out of the sleigh, forgetting
about his leg. Then it dawned on him that it was all better, and didn't
hurt at all. How curious! He hurried into the barn, and that's when he saw
....
     ..... Mary, and Joseph, and the Baby who was sleeping in the cow's food
dish. "Santa, this is where I was born." Santa snatched off his hat, knelt down,
and worshipped the Son of God.
 
     So you see, Little One, though Sandy Claws brings presents to good
kiddens, even he remembered that Christmas is Christ's birthday. That's the
time we remember the bestest Gift ever ... the one God gave to all of us,
even though we didn't deserve it. It should remind us that we should try
harder to think about other people instead of ourselves, and try to be
worthy of all we've been given.
 
     (mama gathers up all the wrappings, and puts the box away, leaving
Flyser alone with his thoughts ....)
 
© Rose Scott

Miss Miai

The sun shone brightly, leaving soft shadows near the trees.  The little creek babbled across the stones in its path.  In an especially lush patch of clover a sleepy kitty yawned, stretched, and purred.  She sat up, and began washing her face and paws, unaware of the gathering on a huge rock by an even bigger willow tree.  Ablutions finished, the sound of the water reminded her she was thirsty. Padding softly to the creek on velvet paws, she lowered her nose to drink.  ‘My, how delicious this is!’  Having had her fill, she stretched once more, and looked about.

Andrew sat upon the rock, with Misty on his lap, and Miss Mouse and Miss Mousie at his feet. These three had also been “quilting cats” and heard the call from their Mama on earth.  They had gotten together to go look for Andrew, and as always, found themselves collected and deposited at his feet.  Misty grumbled, “I’ll NEVER get used to you doing that,” she huffed.  Andrew chuckled.  He loved Misty, always full of questions, sometimes grumpy, but a sweetheart.

“Do you think we should go get her now?” she asked.  “I knew her from Mama’s quilting group.”

With that, she hopped off the angel’s lap, not waiting for an answer, and off she went toward the waiting kitty.

As she approached, she called to Miai ... “It’s okay, we’re all friends here!  I’m Misty, my mama quilts with your mama, and this is your tenth life, and that man is an angel, not just a man, and he’s nice, and he has treats in his pockets, and he’ll explain ..... come with me!”  In her excitement she never paused for a breath, nor to allow anyone else to speak!  Watching them, Andrew chuckled again.       

   

Not having a whim of an idea how to react to all this, Miai figured she’d follow along for now, and draw conclusions later.  The two kitties arrived at Andrew’s feet.  Miai looked at him, he seemed to be a very gentle person.  And there was the matter of pockets, and treats.  

Andrew picked her up, and settled her on his lap, and produced the promised treats.  ‘I’ll need to remember about that,’ she thought.  

“I gather Misty told you about us?” 

“Um, well, to a point she did, but I’m still rather confused.  Where’s my mama? And the sewing room? And the scrap basket? Better yet, where am I?”

“Your length of days on earth has come to an end, and your Mama sent you here to wait for her.  You have been drinking at Crystal Creek, which flows from the River of Life beyond the great gates of Heaven..  Man’s lifeline is longer than that of creatures, but time as you knew it doesn’t apply here.  One day  she will come too.”

“Are you God? How will she find me? Where should I wait? How do I tell her I’m here? And where is HERE?”

Andrew stroked her lovely fur, just the right way. She couldn’t help it, she closed her eyes and purred. 

“No, I am not God” he chuckled at that. “I am an angel, one of many, whose job it is to welcome newcomers and see that they are settled.

She will know, sweetheart. She will know.  “Right now people are reminding her of the Rainbow Bridge, which we’ll cross in a moment.  She knows that in the fullness of time she will be reunited with you to go to Heaven for all eternity.  Our creator knows when that will be, but we do not. We are only asked to believe.”

Mousie and Mouse started telling her about all the quilting kitties who were here, and that there were baskets of scraps to play with.

“Come along you two, let’s go meet the others, they are waiting for you.”  Andrew rose, cradling Miai in his arms, Mouse, Mousie and Misty at his feet close to the hem of his gown. 

Before she had time to think she found herself on a beautiful bridge made of every color of the rainbow. The other three kitties hopped off to join the waiting group.  Miai’s eyes grew wide and wider as she looked at all the animals apparently waiting for HER! There were cats, dogs, hamsters, birds, guinea pigs, and farther still there were deer and raccoons, just about every animal she could possibly think of.  

“Is all this for ME?” 

“Yep! We’re all here to greet you!”  This from a lovely grey kitty.  “All you have to do is accept the covenant our Creator made to all kind, and hop down with us.  None of us have been forgotten, none of us has been overlooked. Not the smallest meadow mouse to the largest bear, not the pets we were on earth. He knows when even a sparrow falls.”

He set Miai down on the Bridge, and stepped back.  The rest was up to this lovely kitty.  Miai thought about her Mama, and the sewing room, and all the projects they had made together.  She thought about all the pieces of quilts that had arrived in the mail, all the strange smells of other kitties.  

“But Mama, what about her? I know she will miss me”

“Not to worry about that” the grey kitty spoke again. We will teach you to send your thoughts and love to her, and will teach you how to visit her.  Not as you were, but as the spirit you are now.”

Miai remembered Mama talking about the Bridge, and everyone seemed so nice, and she wasn’t scared at all, though she had a zillion questions to ask.  

Misty looked up at Miai ... “It’s okay.  Your mama comforted mine when I left almost a year ago. Trust me, it’s all as it should be.  Here, I’ll jump with you.”  with that, Misty hopped back onto the bridge, and shoulder to shoulder the two cats leaped to the ground.  Miai was immediately surrounded by well wishers, and welcoming hugs.

Misty slipped silently away, and went to the edge of the meadow.  “It’s all right Mama, she’s here with us. Tell Ant Deb not to worry ... we will teach her what she needs to know ...”

As Andrew faded from sight he once again marveled at the bonds these creatures had with their people. Nothing, not time, nor death, nor distance could ever lessen those bonds.  At times he wished ...

“Andrew, you stop that RIGHT NOW.  You KNOW better!”

If you listened, you could hear an angel chuckle ...

 

       

 

 ©Rose Scott

 

 

Wildlife ...

 Andrew found himself leaning against the rock on which he often sat, remembering Max, and some of their earlier adventures.  He closed his eyes, as if to dream, and it all came back to him as if it was only yesterday ...

                        As the baby raccoon tumbled head over paws with the bunnies, Mouse grew more and more pensive. “I must go and talk with Andrew. Maybe he’ll explain it better” she thought. “Now if I just knew where to go to …”

 

            “Looking for me?” asked the angel.

 

            “How did you know?  Oh never mind. I’ll never understand.”

 

            Andrew chuckled as he scooped up the befuddled cat. 

 

            “Those of you who were companions and pets are waiting for your people to be reunited with you. But it isn’t so with wild creatures. Like you, their lives are short compared to those of man, and often their passing makes possible the lives of others to continue.  Come, we will go and watch awhile, maybe you’ll understand better then.”

 

            “See, there by the side of the road … “

 

            “Oh no … it’s one of the baby foxes. Mama will be so sad …”

 

            “… and over there, a squirrel lies still” Andrew gestured to the cat. 

 

            “But remember. The Creator knows when even a sparrow falls. He has provided for all those to whom He breathed life.  See, even now their spirits are being met by others of my kind.”

 

            “But where will they go? Do they go to our meadow?” 

 

            Andrew smiled and answered “Our Father’s house has many rooms.”

 

            “Huh? House? Rooms?”  

 

            Andrew pocketed the squirrel, and tucked the baby fox under his other arm …. 

            … and set them down by his favorite rock under the big tree.  As they awakened and stretched, the squirrel scampered up the tree, and the little fox looked with eyes full of questions at Andrew and the cat.  A lovely doe and her twin fawns came close, and accepted an apple from Andrew.  The fox’s eyes grew wide!

 

            The doe lowered her face to greet the baby fox.  “Welcome!”  she said.

 

            That did it. “But …” 

 

            “You see, your lives are woven together.  When the doe was killed by a motorist, your mother took her twin fawns back to your den, to feed you. Her life was not wasted, nor were the lives of her babies. Do you remember the quilts your Mama made?  How all the little pieces that were left over from other projects were fit together, to make yet another quilt?  All of you are bits and pieces of God’s “quilt”.”

 

            “Here there is no hunger or thirst,” he continued.  “All of you are loved and welcomed.  You may run and play and know that you are safe from harm, that every one of you is special to the One who made you.” 

 

            With that, one of the little fawns touched the baby fox with her nose. “Tag, you’re it!” and she bounded away. Soon the three of them were romping in the soft grass, with total abandon.  

 

            The doe accepted another tidbit from Andrew. 

 

            “Will all these go through the big Gate with Mama?” Mouse asked. 

 

            “They already can, because there are angels who came to meet them. Do you remember the Book your Mama read to you at Christmas time?”

 

            “Oh yes! But she read it all the time. Sometimes she read some of it to me, but I didn’t always understand it all.”

 

            “Sometimes your Mama didn’t either! Do you remember her saying “The lion shall lie down with the lamb?”

 

            “Yes! I always wondered about that part. Lions eat lambs.”

 

            “But not here. Here is where all things are in harmony with each other. It is as God promised.”

 

            By now the squirrel, curious himself, had perched himself on Andrew’s shoulder. From the angel’s pocket came a few choice acorns, which the squirrel accepted politely. 

 

            “Come, Max will be worried about you by now …”

                               

            

            … Mouse found herself watching the raccoon and the bunnies again.  

 

            “You seemed a million miles away.  You okay?” asked the cat.

 

            “I just had the strangest conversation with Andrew, who isn’t here, but he was, and I went with him, but I don’t know where we were, and there was a baby fox and a squirrel, and a mama deer and her babies and it was all so …”

 

         Max chuckled.  “Been there, done that” he said.  “Sometimes it’s all a bit much to sort out, but trust me, everything is as it should be.”  

 

            “Does Mama know about all this?” she asked.  

 

            “Um hmm, she does. It’s called “Faith” and Mama has it,” he answered. 

 

            As Andrew watched from afar, he again marveled at the understanding and commitment God’s creatures had, so much more simplified than Man. They didn’t get all bound up in theories and doctrines, they didn’t question the will of God. They simply accepted.

 

            All was well …

 

 

 

      © Rose Scott      

 

            

            

 

Rudy ...

 “Mama,” asked Puff. “You’re using the writey box but you have water combing out of your eyes. What’s wrong?”

“One of my loves has gone to the Bridge.  That’s where all God’s creatures eventually go.  Now close your eyes, and go to sleep ... maybe you’ll be able to see in your dreams ...”

Misty called to Peanut, and the two of them set off to find Andrew.  But as usually was the case, Andrew knew they needed him before they did, and the two found themselves at the Angel’s feet.

“I will never get used to that” Misty grumbled.  

Scooping her up he settled the cat on his lap, and found a tidbit in his pockets for Peanut.  He loved that pudgy dachshund, she had such a neat personality, and more than once he thought despite Peanut’s oddball explanations for things, that Peanut knew more than he did.

“What’s bothering you two?” Andrew already knew, but also knew they had to grapple with things on their own.

“Mama was reading the writey box, and Puff saw water come out of her eyes, and then Mama put him to bed, and told him to dream, and he did, and we saw an opossum named Rudy was coming here, but we didn’t know at first, and we don’t know where to look for him or what to do next”  tumbled out of Peanuts mouth, between bites of her treat.  

“He wasn’t a pet, he was a wildlife ambassador.  He had been injured, badly, but kind people nursed him back to health and for a few years he lived with these people and helped educate children and adults on what it is to be an opossum. But as with all of God’s creatures, his time on earth came to an end, and he has returned to be with his Creator.  He’s right over there, where all of you woke up, beside Crystal Creek.  He’s been sleeping in a lovely patch of clover, but he’s about to wake up.”

Misty thought about the angel’s words for a minute and then asked, “Can we go get him? Will he be afraid of us?”

“Of course you may.”

Misty and Peanut headed for the creek, and sure enough, found Rudy just waking up.  First he washed his paws, then he scrubbed his face, and groomed his fur.  Thirsty, he ambled over to the creek to drink his fill. He wasn’t particularly scared, but he did wonder where he was. 

“Um, Rudy?” Said Peanut. “Don’t be afraid, I won’t hurt you ...”

Rudy turned to see a cat and a dog looking at him.  The cat looked kind of weird, as her ears were folded forward, but both animals seemed harmless enough.

“Who are YOU, and where am I?” He asked.

“You were hurt, but people saved you, and you were an ambassador and then you were done with your tasks on earth, and you died, and you came here, and we’ll take you to Andrew and he’ll explain all the rest.” 

As usual, Peanut’s words all ran together,  Misty sighed, “Come, we’ll take you to him, he’s just over there ...”

The odd trio made their way to Andrew, who was sitting on the big rock, waiting for them. With Misty on one side, and Peanut on the other, Rudy looked up at Andrew.  “What’s an angel?”

Andrew chuckled, and pulled some fresh veggies from one of his pockets.

“I gotta find out how he does that ...”  Peanut was always up for a nibble, attested to by her plumpness.  

Andrew reached for Rudy, and settled him on his lap much as he had done with Misty earlier.  “I’m sure you’ve had an explanation of today’s events.”

Rudy looked up at Andrew. “Well, sort of ... am I meeting a group of children to tell them all about opossums?”

“No, Dear One, you are not.  You’ve done a wonderful job of that for quite some time, but your time on earth came to an end. You were no longer healthy and were in pain, so the people who care for you sent you here.

Soon we will take you to meet others of your kind.  You will never be cold, or hungry, or unwell again. Your Creator made a place for you when you finished your duties..”  Andrew stroked the opossum’s fur, and scratched right at the best spot.

Rudy looked sad. “Will I ever see them again?

“Yes, of course you will. Your creator knows when even a sparrow falls.”

Misty thought to herself she’d heard that phrase many times.  She added it to things she wanted to talk to Andrew about. And at just that moment, he smiled at her as if he had read her mind.

“Come, it’s time to meet the others.” Andrew rose, holding Rudy, with the cat and dog at his feet, and vanished. 

“So all you have to do is accept all that was promised and jump off the bridge.” Misty and Peanut did just that, while Andrew held Rudy.

Rudy could barely believe what he was seeing!  Opossums, raccoons, deer, squirrels, foxes, all looking up at him. To the side where Peanut and Misty went, there were dogs, cats, parakeets...  As far as he could see  everything was just beautiful!  

Rudy looked up at Andrew. “All right, little man, it’s time. They’re waiting for you!” And with that, sat him down on the bridge.  And with a deep breath ... he jumped!

As the animals gathered around the newcomer, Misty and Peanut moved away.  Miss Pepper joined them. Of their little group, she had become the “matriarch” so to speak.  

“I think you need to tell Mama Rudy is here and he is safe ... “ she said.  

Misty and Peanut went to the edge of the meadow, closed their eyes and sent their love and thoughts across time and space to Mama.  

“It’s okay, Rudy is here.  We greeted him, and Andrew explained, and he’s with the others ....and Mama, we love you.  We’re waiting for you to be with us some day....”

.... and in the darkened house where two dogs and a cat were all on the bed near the woman, she smiled through her tears.  She heard them.

As Andrew faded from sight he again marveled at how critters, wild or otherwise, seem to accept things with simplicity  of thought.  Man has made a mess of his world.  The animals, in their innocence wee so much wiser.  He sighed ...

© Rose Scott

Katom Khatool ...

Andrew watched as Kerry trimmed Katom’s fur.  He knew what was coming, there was no way to warn her or prepare her.  It saddened him. Angels could only do so much.

Katom was grateful for the Person who untangled him from the fence.      

“I am still afraid of people, as they have not always been kind in my life.  But she brings me food. I know she wants to pet me, but I am afraid.”

As a few days go by and only good things happen, “She has made me a soft warm place to sleep.  She continues to bring me food.  I shall follow her about the yard to see what she does ....”

“Perhaps today I will let her cut some mats from my beautiful furs. I have more time to groom now that I’m not faced with finding food.”

“I have let the nice lady catch me and take me to another.  I wonder what will be next?”

Andrew stroked the beautiful orange fur as Katom drifted off to sleep. He listened as the Vet spoke to Kerry on the telephone,  “He has feline leukemia, some abscesses, and is not a young cat.  It would be kinder if ...”

Sometimes he wished he had more power. This was one of those time.  Such a beautiful soul.  He held Katom against him, and faded from sight.

*. *. *. *. *

Tig and Storm were visibly upset, and hunted for Miss Pepper.  They knew her as one of the “elders” and perhaps she could tell them what was going on.

“What you are feeling is the anguish from the person who helped you on earth. Another comes, and you are sensing that”.

“But what do we DO about it?”  wailed Tig.

“Shhh, now, don’t cry.  It will be all right”. Pepper licked his ear as if to offer comfort.  She turned to find Misty headed her way.

“I got the message ... is he here yet” asked Misty, as she tried to comfort Storm.  “Let’s get them to Council Rock.  Andrew will be here soon I’m sure ...

The four kitties headed for the lovely meadow, banked on one side by beautiful oaks, elms, and willow trees, and across to the other side Crystal Creek, where the water was pure and sweet.

And as Pepper had said, there sat Andrew, with Katom on his lap.  “Tig! Storm!  I knew you’d be here, this is Katom.”

Andrew reached into his famous pockets for tidbits just right for kitties.

“They didn’t know what it was they were feeling. We tried to explain, but I’m not sure it helped any”,   Misty added.

“Ah, yes ... the “quickening” as I call it.   Because the three of you came from the same place, you were sensing Katom’s arrival.  You’ll learn to recognize it as it happens.”

Pepper added, “Those of us who lived with my Mama sense when she’s sad, and can usually know if someone comes.  Sometimes we know of others who did not live with our family, because we always can hear Mama’s thoughts.”

“Actually,” Andrew explained, “you’re hearing her prayers.  Because of her “writie box” as you call it, she knows people all over the world, people she’s never met except for the “box”.  You are attuned to her thoughts and prayers, as I am.  Everyone has an Angel.  I am hers, and therefore, yours.”

Katom purred as Andrew stroked his fur.  He was sad, he wished he had let Kerry pet him.

“Tig and Storm came not long ago, Katom, and now you are here as well.  Your time on earth came to an end.  The doctor who checked on you knew to allow you more days on earth would be to allow you to experience  horrible pain.  Though it broke Kerry’s heart, she did the best thing for you, which was to let you come here to us.”

“And we’ll show you how to visit her. ...”.  Misty always loved that part.  Teaching a newcomer how to send thoughts and comfort to those left behind.

“Will I be able to go back?” Katom asked.

“Not as you were, but as a spirit.  When she sits in her chair, she’ll know you are purring nearby.  When she goes to sleep at night, you can watch over her.”  Andrew continued petting the beautiful orange cat.  His mats were all gone, his fur glistened,   “She will know you are safe, and waiting for the day she comes to join all of you.”

“Don’t you think we should go?”  Pepper figured they’d sat there long enough, and the others were waiting at the Bridge.

Andrew rose, carrying Katom, with Tig, Storm, Misty and Pepper close to his robe, and they were gone....

“I see them! They’re here!”  Mouse, Mousie, Maggie and Molly were the first to see them, and the others gathered quickly.

Tig and Storm along with Misty and Pepper hopped down from the beautiful Rainbow Bridge.  Andrew gave Katom a final kiss on the top of his head, and then set him gently down on the Bridge.

“Now you must jump!  Accept the promise our Creator made to all of us, man and beast ... that one day we’d cross the Bridge to be reunited with our human family, and go through the Great Gates together for all eternity”.

Andrew smiled at Tig, who had really studied all he could find out about this place.

Katom looked at all the animals gathered to meet him. Cats, dogs, birds, wild critters like foxes, and bandit faced trash pandas, all of them as far as he could see.  They all looked at him happily ready to welcome him.

With one last look back at Andrew, Katom closed his eyes, and leaped gracefully off the Bridge.  As Andrew faded from sight, he knew all was well.  He felt the pain and sorrow of Kerry and the people at the veterinary clinic.  It was hard for them.. There were no tears here, these sweet animals would be loved, and cared for until they were reunited with the people who had loved them.  He watched as Katom went to the edge of the meadow, with Misty on one side, Pepper on the other, telling him to close his eyes, and purr as loudly as he could.

“I’m okay, Kerry, I’m here with the others.  I love you, and thank you for loving me.  Thank you for sending me here. I’ll see you in your dreams .....”

Andrew wiped a tear of his own.  All was well. It was as it should be.  As it was promised ..... “when even a sparrow falls ....”

© Rose Scott