“Um, Andrew?” Misty knew all she had to do was ask and he’d be there ... and he was, settling her on his lap, and rubbing her ears just the way she loved.
“What’s the matter, Dear One ...”
“Well, I know WE can go to the edge of the meadow, and send our love and comfort to those we left behind. But I was reading over Mama’s shoulder while she was on the writie box a day or so ago.”
“And?” The angel knew where this was going, but he also knew she had to get it all out herself.
“Well, Roscoe is here with his Mama, and she’s in Heaven inside the gates. But his Daddy is hurting. He has a new pup now, funny little thing, he calls him Skeeter of all things. But he misses Roscoe, and Roscoe’s Mama. Can THEY go back? Can they tell him they’re all right, and not in pain, and very happy here?”
Andrew petted the cat again, moved that she was so upset about all this. It’s difficult enough to know what’s in the heart of Man, but with these sweet creatures, there was often a question he had not anticipated.
“Well, perhaps we shall see what we can do.”
“Really? That would make me SO happy, and I think it would help Roscoe’s daddy too.” Misty began to purr, never doubting for a second that the angel could “fix” everything. Sometimes it was a tall order, even for an angel ...
And as they sat there, Misty on Andrew’s lap, half dozing under the angel’s ministrations, a lovely woman and a handsome dachshund joined them.
“Is this the Misty you spoke of?” She asked. “It is so sweet to learn of Ronald’s new friends, and to hear how much they care about him. Roscoe and I have peeked in on him from time to time, but I understand this kitty had to see for herself?”
Andrew fished in his famous pockets for a Roscoe sized tidbit or two. Misty stirred.
“OH!” She scrambled to her feet, embarrassed to have been caught sleeping. “You must be Roscoe,” she said to the little dog, “and that would make you Ducky Doodles!”
That was too much for Andrew, who burst into laughter. Leave it to the critters to come up the strangest things!
Indignant, Misty replied “Well, on Mama’s writie box the other night I saw a picture of this lady, and Roscoe’s daddy called her Ducky Doodles. It’s no worse than some of the names people give US!”
Sherry reached out and petted the little cat. “I suppose we should be going now?”
Andrew rose, putting Misty down beside Roscoe. “Well go on then, you know what to do ...”
Misty, Roscoe and “Ducky Doodles” (who was still chuckling at that much loved nickname) moved to the edge of the meadow. They closed their eyes, and sent their love and their thoughts to one they had left behind just a year ago.
“Now don’t you go gettin’ all weepy eyed on me. Roscoe and I are just fine, and we check on you all the time. But it seems that this little kitty friend of yours was worried about you so here we are.
“I hope with all that hammerin’ and sawin’ you’re doing that you remember to wear your safety goggles ... and you see to it you listen to that little pup. He has the makings of quite a companion.”
“Woof! I’m not sure if I should be jealous or not, Dad, but that pup sure is cute. Betcha he’s a handful!” Roscoe wagged his tail, just picturing the antics of young Skeeter.
“And where in tarnation did you come up with a name like Skeeter!” She asked.
Andrew quietly slipped away. Misty’s eyes were shining bright, watching the woman and the dog.
“Mama! They did it!! They visited, and um ... well, you know ...” she purred. “And Mama?” She said ever so softly, “I love you ...”
Andrew faded from sight, ever thankful that He who is in charge of such things gave him such a wonderful gift. There wasn’t a day go by the angel didn’t learn something new, about these animals, and the people who loved them.
... and he was thankful ...
©2/2/2021
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