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

What if ....

Misty was puzzled.  There was lots to learn, and much to understand. From a kitty’s purrspective life here was rather simple.  When something happened to you on Earth, you ended up here. To wait. But what if ...

Andrew silently scooped Misty up into his arms, and settled himself on “Council Rock” as some of them had dubbed it.  She didn’t fuss at him this time, if anything she was relieved that he knew she needed him without having to try to explain.

“I visited Mama.”  She said, without her normal enthusiasm.

“I know you did, sweetheart.”

“Of course you do. You know everything”.

It was unusual for Misty to be cranky, but Andrew understood her, and comforted her as best he could “Not everyone believes, sweetheart, but we really don’t know who does and who doesn’t.  That’s between the Creator and each person who ever walked the earth.”

“But someone comes, and I don’t know how to help her.  How will she find her way?”

“She’s already here, love ... over by the creek.  She’s sleeping now, but she’ll awake soon.”  Andrew understood what had this sweet kitty troubled.  Sometimes the answers weren’t satisfactory enough, and he had a hunch this might be one of those times, but he would do his best.

“I should be there when she wakes up” Misty said, looking over at the little dog snoozing peacefully in the sunlight.  “Peanut should be here, too.”

“I already am, Mist ...”

Sure enough, the plump little dachshund sat at their feet.  “Andrew brought me.”

Misty rolled her eyes.  Was there anything he COULDN’T do? But this wasn’t the time to go into all that.  She simply filed it away in her mind, on the ever lengthening list of things she wanted explained.

Sensing her thoughts, the angel chuckled.  She was quite the corker.  Some of his charges accepted everything across the board, with no questions.  Then there was Misty.  He stroked her head, right behind her little folded ears, just as she liked best.

“What’s up, Sis? Why the long face?”

“You’re the one with the long face. MINE is round.” She pouted.

Andrew laughed at them. They were quite the pair.  Never as close as Mouse and Maggie were, but still bonded.  Indeed Peanut DID have a long nose, as most dachshunds do.  But she was most lovable because she was never in a sour mood!

“So, what’s the plan? Do we have one?”  Peanut looked from one face to the other.  She saw a little dog by the creek, who was beginning to stir.  “Maybe we should just ‘wing’ it?!”

Andrew groaned at the pun.  “‘Wing it’ sounds good.”

With that, Misty hopped off Andrew’s lap, and together with the dachshund, headed over to the newest arrival.  As they grew close, the little dog stood up, faced them, ready to growl!

“Oh dear, maybe she doesn’t like cats.”  Misty hung back a few steps, and let Peanut take the lead.

“Welcome Mitzy!  We’re glad to see you!”

“Who are you, and who is that CAT that’s with you?”  The little dog wasn’t about to take any ‘stuff’ from anyfur, no matter what!

“Well, your length of days upon the earth has come to an end, and now you are here with us until you are reunited with Diane. But come with us, there’s someone you should meet.”  Peanut touched noses with the little dog, and after the customary sniff, the three of them headed back to Andrew.

“Welcome, Little One!”  Andrew picked up the little dog, and settled her upon his lap.  From the famous pockets came dog treats, as well as something for Misty.

“Who are you?” Eyeing the pocket for ‘seconds’, Mitzy thought to herself ‘I must remember about those pockets.’ “And where am I, and where’s Mama?”

“Peanut was right, your time on earth came to an end. You were unwell, and it was time for you to come to us.  This meadow is one of many where new travelers come.  The creek over there is Crystal Creek, which flows from the River of Life, that comes from beyond the Great Gates of Heaven.”

Mitzy nosed in the area of the wonderful pocket, and sure enough, another goodie was brought forth. “Are there more dogs there?”

Andrew smiled. “Dogs, cats, hamsters, birds, guinea pigs, as well as wild life.”

“And Chickens. Don’t forget the chickens”.  Peanut had been particularly intrigued by the arrival of not one, but two chickens in the past week.  And a visit from Grampa! He brought ANOTHER chicken.

“Yes, chickens.  Every creature who draws breath comes here eventually.  The Creator knows when even a sparrow falls.”  That was a particular favorite verse of Andrew’s. It was in the Book that man has on earth.

“But then what. I don’t want to be here, I want to be with Mama.”  Suddenly this wasn’t quite the adventure it had seemed to be at first. “How do I go back to her?”

“You can’t.  You wait here for her, with the rest of us.  When HER march of days ends, you will be reunited and go through the Great Gates of Heaven to be with the Creator for all time. This was His promise.”

“Oh.”  Mitzy sat still for a moment.  She thought about these things, and knew her Mama didn’t really believe in all this.  “What if ..”

Andrew petted her again.  “What goes on in the heart of man is between man and his Creator. We don’t always know what man believes.  We think we do, and sometimes man tells others of his kind that he doesn’t believe in all this.  All I can promise you is there are no tears in Heaven.  If your mama truly does not believe, you will not know, nor will you be hurt.”

“So, if she believes, then what?”

“When the earth was young, man wasted the gifts the Creator had given him. Man took things for granted, and forgot all about them.  This angered the Creator to the point where he put two of every living thing in a big boat, along with a family who had never stopped loving Him, and keeping His rules.  Then the Creator washed off the earth.  Destroyed it all.

“Sorry for what He had done in anger, He made a promise that He would never again do such a thing. He made a great rainbow, as a sign to all on earth of that promise.  Since then, those who believed were taken into Heaven upon their death, to be with the Creator for all time.

“Man would be united with his earthly family, including animals he had loved. All would be together again never to be hungry or cold, unwell or alone.”

Mitzy grew silent.  She had never heard her mama speak of such things.  What if Mama didn’t know of all this?

Peanut rolled over on her back for a belly rub.  Andrew knew JUST how to do it.  “That’s the best part! Your mama DOES know!  All she has to do is accept it!”

“Will I ever see her again?”

“Of course!  You can go to her when she is sleeping.  You can send your love to her whenever you want, we’ll show you how.  And if she closes her eyes, she’ll hear your nails upon the floor, or the little snuffing sound you make. She will hear your thoughts.”

With that, Mitzy perked up a little.  “How do I do this? Can we do it right now?”

“Hold on, Little One, first things first!  Come. It is time.”

“Time for what?”

“You’ll see!” The kitty with the curious ears spoke at last.

As Andrew rose, Mitzy tucked under his arm, Peanut and Misty close to the hem of his gown, they were gone from sight ....

.... and appeared again upon a beautiful Bridge made of every color of the rainbow.  The cat and the dachshund hopped off, to take their places with the other animals who were all gathered together.  Arrivals were always days of joy and celebration!  There were dogs, cats, birds, little critters, even fish carried in gourds of water!  Mitzy had never seen the likes of such a thing!  And wild animals too! Foxes, deer, wolves, and creatures she had no idea about.

“It’s time Mitzy! You must accept the promises the Creator made, and jump down from the Bridge to be with all of us!”  This from a beautiful golden retriever, upon whose ruff sat two fat hamsters.

Mitzy looked up at Andrew.  “You’re sure about this?  Is there ROOM for everybody?”

Andrew smiled. “Our Father’s house has many rooms!  Yes, I am sure. Your new friends are waiting. They will teach you all you need to know.  And I will be only a thought away whenever you need me.”

“You got THAT right!”

“Katie!  HONESTLY!.  You are totally without ...”

“Don’t fuss at her so, I know what she means.” Andrew smiled at Miss Pepper.  One of the oldest (in earth years) here, she often was the one unofficially ‘in charge’ of the others.  Katie, the large tiger cat and Pepper had lived together.  Pepper’s ‘rules of proper deportment’ were lost on Katie, who always said what was on her mind, no matter what!

“So I accept and I jump? Will Mama know? What do you mean ‘rooms’?”

“Yes.”  As Andrew faded from view, the little dog looked down at all the happy faces.  There was much to understand, that was for sure, but she wasn’t frightened, not at all.  Taking a deep breath, and closing her eyes, she hopped off the Bridge and was immediately surrounded, everyone welcoming her at once.  The birds above were all singing their best songs. It was all amazing!

Misty moved away from the others, to the edge of the meadow.  “Mama?”  She purred with all her might.  “She’s here with us, and she’s okay.  We will teach her how to send her thoughts to her mama just like we do.  Andrew says we are not to worry about the rest, that everything will be okay in the fullness of time.  I don’t know what he means, but he always seems to be right.

“I love you, Mama ... “

As Andrew faded from view, he marveled again at the bonds between these creatures and the people they lived with. He had often wished he could ...

“ANDREW! You KNOW better!”

If you listened closely, you could almost hear angel laughter ....

©Rose Scott

Laverne

 Pepper and Mouse were snoozing in the afternoon sun, when they were interrupted by a scratching sound.  And another sound they couldn’t identify.  As they awoke and looked at each other, not sure how both of them dreamed the same thing, they noticed the source of the odd sounds.  It was a chicken, scratching in the soft earth, and clucking quietly.

“Did I wake you?” She asked, though not sorry, as it had been her intent.  She needed answers. “Are you in charge of things here?”

Mouse giggled at that, and studiously licked a paw to avoid having to answer.  She knew Miss Pepper often THOUGHT she was in charge.  The others lovingly called her “Sergeant Pepper” from time to time. 

“Well, yes, I guess,” she answered, looking around to see if anyone would challenge her.  “You’re Beauty, aren’t you? You came to us last week?”

“I am.  And I don’t know how any of this works, but you see, I’m feeling kind of weird. Like I ought to be DOING something about something, but I don’t know what.”

With a startled oof, she was scooped up, and deposited on the lap of the person? Angel? She had met when she first got here. When she didn’t know was where “here” was.  

Mouse and Pepper giggled.  “You’ll get used to that.  Or not.  Andrew hears our thoughts before we even think them sometimes. And he’s always where we need him to be, and then he takes us where WE need to be, and it all works out.  Eventually.”

As Andrew stroked the beautiful feathers, Beauty calmed down.  He produced chicken size treats from a pocket, and kitty treats from another.  Beauty wondered just how many pockets he had.

“Oh, enough, never worry?”

“Huh?” If a chicken could blush ... “I didn’t say anything ...”

“You don’t have to.  He knows what you’re thinking, before you think it,” Pepper explained.  

Mouse piped up, “What you are feeling is that another comes soon from your earth family.  Maybe you would like to be there for her?”

“What happened?” Beauty asked.

“One of your Christie’s chickens developed a problem that earth science couldn’t fix, and so Christie is sending her here to us.  I think if you look toward the creek you might see her?”

Beauty scrambled off Andrew’s lap, and headed toward the creek, just as a new chicken appeared out of nowhere.  “Laverne? Is that you?”

Laverne looked up to see her friend coming toward her as fast as a chicken can go.  “Beauty! Where are we? You’re here too! Where is here?”

“We’re in the meadow, by the creek, and there’s the rock and that’s Andrew sitting on it, and the cats won’t hurt us, and then we go to a bridge, and then we jump off, and there’s other animals, but the foxes won’t hurt us, and He knows when even a sparrow falls and ....”

Andrew’s sides shook with laughter.  It was always fun to watch a newly arrived critter meet another. The explanations were perfect!!

The two chickens went back to the rock where Andrew sat, composing himself.  He reached into a pocket and produced more snacks as the two birds warily watched the cats sitting beside him.

“What is this place?” Asked Laverne.

”Everything that Beauty told you is true, though there’s a little more to it than that.  When the earth was new, our Creator made all the birds of the air, the animals on land, and the people who were supposed to care for them.  He was pleased.  Then, when the people stopped caring about themselves, or anything else on the earth, the Creator washed it all off, except for two of every living thing.  He was a little ashamed of his anger, and so he made a promise that He would never do that again, and he set a beautiful rainbow in the clouds as a sign of that promise,” Andrew explained.

Pepper added “And then we cross that rainbow, which is really a bridge, and we wait for our people, and when they come we all go through the Great Gates to be together for all time.”

“Come, the others are waiting for us ....”. And with that, a chicken tucked under both arms, two cats at the Angel’s feet, all of them vanished ...

....and appeared on the Bridge.  Pepper and Mouse hopped off, as Andrew set the two chickens down at his feet.

“Now it’s your turn! You must accept the Promises the Creator made to all of us:  That He would know when even a tiny sparrow fell.  So, jump off the Bridge!”

Maggie often helped the smaller creatures at this point, as her lovely golden retriever fur made a soft landing! She wagged her tail, and said “I”m ready!”

The two chickens tumbled off the Bridge onto Maggie’s back, and then slid to the ground. There were introductions all around, the two wide-eyed chickens trying to take it all in.  There were foxes, and deer, cats, dogs, birds of more colors than even there Rainbow.  As he faded from view Andrew thought again about these wonderful animals and birds he had come to love as his own.  They were a family, they were HIS family.

Mouse slipped away from the others and went to the edge of the Meadow.  “Mama, they’re ok, they’re here with us ... tell Cristie, ok?”

The woman smiled in her sleep.  All was well ....

©Rose Scott