Merlin and Wellie …

 “It’s quiet tonight,” Misty thought, as she watched across time and space. It wasn’t unusual for the little cat to slip away from the others to check on mama. Tonight was one of those nights. 

Misty closed her eyes, and purred as hard as she could, Sending all of her love and comfort toward the woman who sat propped up in bed, with a computer on her lap, as tears stream down her face. “Mama” she said, “I’ll round up the others, and alert Andrew. We’ll be waiting for them.  Don’t worry.”

With that little cat turned and started to run back toward the grove of trees where the rest of her friends were getting ready to settle down for the night. All of a sudden she realized she had been snatched up in loving hands, and while she wanted to be angry at him for doing so, Misty was glad that Andrew had interceded.

“ oh Andrew, it’s just awful. Not one but two of them come…“

“Shhh now, it’s OK sweetheart. It’s their time and they will be making the journey together. The others are already waiting for us by the rock.”  Andrew did his best to soothe the upset kitty. He never ceased to marvel at the bond the sweet creatures had with the people that love them. While being an angel is a pretty good job to have, sometimes he wished he could be human.

“ oh, Andrew don’t be silly. Then you’d only have had a few, but here you have all of us.”

Andrew chuckled, once again, put in his place by a little Scottish fold, who had his wings wrapped around her little paw ever so tightly. She was right, of course, but then again, she usually was.

Andrew settled on the rock surrounded by the rest of the clan as he had come to know them. More than just the cats were here this time, Pnut, the pudgy, little dachshund, and a pair of golden retrievers named Maggie and Molly, we’re waiting patiently as well. As Andrew fished in his famous pockets for just the right tidbits for each of them, he explained. “ two come together this time. Merlin and Wellie, whose time on earth, has run its course. To lose two of them at once, is almost unbearable for their people. As we keep our vigil, all of you must wrap them in love and comfort tonight. Assure them that we are waiting for Merlin and Wellie, that they will not make this journey alone. Remind them of the promises, our creator made to all living things. Remind them that here there will be no pain, no sorrow. And that time marches differently here. Remind them that they will be together again in the fullness of time.”

As the little beasts felt quiet, each sending all their love and comfort to a grieving family they didn’t know, bound to them only by the threads of the Internet, something that made all of earth, a little smaller, and brought people a little closer to each other, they began their vigil…

                                            To be continued…

Morning dawned. Mousie hurried to Andrew asking “Am I too late? It took me a bit to find these guys. Padding along softly behind the little cat were Laddie (collie), a cocker spaniel called Janvier. Gus (a Bernese Mountain Dog) with Cody the Great Pyrenees bringing up the rear. “You neglected to tell me how BIG they are,” she said, as she hopped up on Andrew’s lap.  

The angel chuckled, saying “I knew you were up for the task”, as he fished in his famous pockets for big dog sized treats. 

Gus was the first to ask, “what’s all this about? The cat mumbled something about her father’s house having many rooms.”

“She’s right. There are many meadows such as these, each having their own angel watching over the creatures there. I asked to have you come join us, as you have a connection to a good many here.”

“You’ve been transferred!” 

“Katie!  You are as tactless a cat as I have ever met!”

“Well, in a way she’s right. Today we welcome a greyhound named Merlin, and a bunny named Wellie. Their family is shattered at losing two at once, and we have kept watch over them through the night and today. As the sun sets where they live, the two have come.”

They all looked toward the patch of sweet clover where the two lay sleeping. Maggie rose, and said “I will go wake them …” and padded softly to the sleeping dog and bun. 

She nosed at the bunny first, and as Wellie stirred, Merlin awoke.

“Welcome “ she said. First have a drink, and then we’ll go meet the others.”

Merlin realized he WAS thirsty, and the little creek looked refreshing. He’d always figured water was water, but this was amazing.  

“It’s Crystal Creek. It comes from the River of Life.”

Snatching a mouthful of the sweet clover. Wellie hopped along with the two dogs toward a group of animals, of all sizes, and a man wearing a bathrobe. Well, it looked like a bathrobe. but clearly it wasn’t ‘just’ a man. 

“Merlin! Wellie! Welcome,” he said. “My name is Andrew, and there are friends of mine. We have watched over your family throughout the night and today, to support them and you on your journey. 

“Man’s length of days on earth is much longer than yours. You were no longer well. and there was nothing that could cure you. 

“You have come to us. to cross the great Rainbow Bridge, thereby accepting all that your creator promised. Here you will wait for them. When they come, you will be reunited with them, and go through heaven’s Great Gates, to live forever. 

“But, dad, and mom, do they know about all this? They were so upset .” Merlin’s tail drooped  

“They do  and though you are not there with them as you were, you will be able to send your love to them.  Your new friends will teach you.”  

“Come, it is time.”  Andrew rose, cradling the bunny in his arms, the others closing around Merlin, and they were gone …

“They’re here! Look!  Buttercup could hardly contain herself  Beside her was the rest of the Clan Kitties and an elkhound whose coat matched well with her brother Flyser!’s silver and black  The two of them had hunted for Erik in the other meadows, and had brought him to their own  

The dogs and cats who had accompanied the new comers hopped down from the rainbow, leaving Andrew with the bunny in his arms and the greyhound at his side  The two looked with eyes as round as saucers  So many animals!  Cats, dogs, Guinea pigs  tiny little mice perched on the backs of larger beasties for a better view  

Merlin gasped, “Pilgrim? Is that you??!!”

Delighted, the tiny mouse waved a paw!

“Now you must accept all that has been promised to you  Jump down from there, and meet your new friends.  They will teach you how to send your thoughts and your love to those you left behind  And in the fullness of time, you will be reunited with them.”

Merlin’s head was spinning! So much to take in! Andrew put the bunny down, and as he did, Gus moved closer  It wasn’t much of a leap for Merlin,  but Wellie could use a softer landing pad  Wellie looked up at Merlin and said “we’ll, here goes,” and tumbled onto the waiting dog’s back  Merlin followed, leaping to the ground  

As the waiting throng of animals gathered around the newcomers, a little silver kitty slipped away and went to the edge of the meadow  “Mama, they’re here, and safe  And we found Gus and the others, Buttsy and Flyser! found Eric  We’re all here together  I doubt anyfur will get much sleep tonight!  Go to the writie box and tell Neil and Treena all is well  We will teach them all they need to know … and Mama? I love you …”  Misty closed her eyes and purred as loud as she could  

… the woman paused as she typed, hearing a soft purr in the night …

©️Rose Scott

11/12/22

Stewie Fulkerson …

 “Uh oh, something is wrong. Why is Mama crying?” Pepper was usually the first to know, but this time it was Misty who sounded the alarm.

“Where’s Andr…oof.   Dang it Andrew, I hate it when you do that …”.  Misty found herself unceremoniously deposited on the angel’s lap.

“Calm down Old Girl, sometimes it’s necessary.”  Andrew soothed the flustered kitty.   “What’s got you so distraught?”

“It’s Mama.  She’s on the ‘writey box’ and there’s water on her face. But I checked, everyfur is accounted for …”

“Not quite, my Love, not quite.  See, she’s been following one of her favorite groups, of quilters with kitties.  I’m sure you remember it ….” Andrew’s soft words were soothing.  

“But … oh No! Not Stevie! NOOOOOO”

The angel’s wings folded around her for just a blink of an eye, and then she saw him.  She scrambled off Andrew’s lap and took off across the meadow to a spot she knew only so well. 

At the angel’s feet tumbled several more kitties, not quite as upset as Misty had been. 

“What’s going on?” Mittens was an old hand at Andrew’s odd way of gathering them when they were needed.  

Mouse looked across the meadow. “I think I know why, and yet I don’t.”

“While he’s not one of your family, he IS one of Mama’s extended family. “

“Yep, that would be the quilters…”.  Katie scrubbed a paw.

“Geeze Kate you’re about as subtle as. …”

“Now, now ladies, you’re better than this.  You’ve all spent time under the sewing machine, and more often than not, lounging on quilts in the frame.  They’re a special bunch of people are quilters.  Rarely do they think of their own selves, or wants, or needs, but are always the first in line at the sound of trouble.

“Stewie was a quilting cat, like all of you were.  So not only is his ‘Nana’ devastated, but so many of her friends as well.”

“You know, as far back as I can remember there was always quilting going on, long before the writie boxes came to be,” said Mittens thoughtfully.  

Katie added “And when it DID, strong bonds were made between quilters all over the world. I remember piles of blocks, and patterns, from those early days of swaps.”D

“Is Misty okay?” Asked Mousie, as she and Mouse watched.

“We will wait for her, she’s got this …” Andrew reached into his pockets for kitty sized treats as they waited and watched.

“Stewie … wake up, Stewie … “

“Huh?” Yawn. “I’m sorry, who are you and why are you waking me up, and where am I.”  Stevie sat, and studiously scrubbed a paw.  All cats learn as wee kittens, ‘when in doubt, wash’.  And Stevie was indeed, ‘in doubt’.

“It’s okay.  I’m Misty. We met on the ‘writie box’ our mamas use.”

“I remember you, you asked me on a date! But I am promised to Miss Gypsy.  And a gentletddom doesn’t trifle with two ladies’ hearts.”

“Oh Stevie, you’re ever as sweet as I thought you were.  But that doesn’t answer your question. But first, you must have a drink …”

Stewie had thought he’d heard water running, and just as she said, there was a small creek flowing.  Doing as he was told, he lowered his head to lap up the refreshing water.  He marveled at how GOOD it tasted, not like just plain old kitchen water.  He looked as far as he could see, wondering where the creek began.

“You see, a very long time ago, before ‘writie boxes’ and quilt frames, before everything you’ve ever heard about, there was a time when our Creator got real mad at the world He had built, and washed it all off save for only a few.  He was ashamed of Himself a little bit for being so mad, so He promised He’d never do it again, and He put a rainbow in the sky to remind us.

“Come with me, there are others you need to meet…”

With that the bewildered Stewie padded along beside Misty toward huge trees, shady spots, a large rock and another group of cats. ‘None of this makes any sense,’ he thought.

“Welcome, young man, you must be Stewie!” The angel lifted the bewildered cat to his lap, and offered him his favorite kitty treat.  

‘Where on earth would a guy in a white dress, on a rock, under trees, with other cats, possibly come up with churu?’ thought Stewie. 

“Um, thank you very much, Sir, but I really need to get home to Nana.  She will be worried about me, and … ”

“But that’s just it, Stewie,” Misty explained.  “You’re here now with us and you can’t go back.  Well, you can, but not like you were …”

The angel continued his comforting touch. “Stewie, Man’s time on earth is longer than that of just about every animal.  It is not yet Nana’s time to be here, but it IS yours.  These kitties who have come to greet you all belonged to ladies who also make quilts.  

“In time you will come to understand better, but for now, we must be going, as the others are waiting for us.”

As the angel rose, Stewie cradled in his arms, the gentle breeze whispering in the trees, they all were gone….

….and arrived on a beautiful Bridge made of every color of the rainbow.

Stewie’s eyes were HUGE!  All these animals! Cats and dogs, horses and bunnies, others he’d heard about but never seen.  They all looked up at him with love and understanding, clearly there to welcome him. 

Pepper, Katie, Mouse and Mousie, Mittens and Misty all hopped off the edge of the rainbow to join the others. 

“Now all you need to do is to jump off!” 

“KATE!!!  She’s right though. You accept the promise made to every living thing. Your Creator knows when even the smallest of us falls,” Misty explained.

“Even us!” as the tiniest birds he’d ever seen flew around him and then perched on the heads of two golden retrievers.  

“But, but Nana … and …. I don’t want to.”  Stewie buried his face in the angel’s arms.

“It’s okay Stewie, I’m right here.” Misty hopped back up on the bridge at the angel’s feet.  “It’s going to be okay.  We will teach you how to visit with Nana. How to tell her you are not gone, that. you still love her, and your Lady Gypsy.  We will teach you.”

“She’s right, Stewie. In one sense you are gone, but in another you are always with her, and with all the ladies who came to love you.”  Andrew ached for the unhappy cat. “But you will wait here, until her time on earth is ended, and then you will be reunited, to go through the Great Gate to Heaven forever.”

“Well, if you’re sure …” Stewie squirmed in Andrew’s arms, and was deposited on the rainbow beside Misty.  

“You ready” she asked?

Stewie closed his eyes tight, and with Misty beside him, hopped down off the rainbow bridge.

Mouse slipped away from the others and moved to the edge of the meadow. “Mama, Stewie’s here with us. He’s a little confused at the moment,  but then so were the rest of us when we came.  “Can you tell the others, and Nana, that he’s here with us, and he’s well again?”

“…and Mama? I love you ….”

            …. the woman thought she heard the softest purring as she reached for her keyboard …

Dottie

 Pnut was a dog on a mission. The others were still sleeping though whispers of dawn filtered through the tree branches. The nocturnals were  choosing their spots. Angels never sleep, Andrew was no exception. Carefully removing himself from small furry friends he scooped up  the little dog. 

“If you had hands you’d be wringing them”. Though he could already see what had transpired he thought it best to let Pnut continue. 

“Mama was up late, reading the writie box. I must find Dottie.”

“East old girl, you know how this works. Even as we speak Dottie is sleeping in the clover. You have time before she awakes.”

Peanut relaxed in the angel’s embrace. “I know, it’s just that … well … Mama has this special friend, and Dottie is her dog, and I don’t want her to be alone …”.

Andrew settled himself on the big rock.  “You know none of you are ever alone. Angels never sleep, though we do rest.”

“I think I’ll go curl up beside her so she doesn’t get scared.”

Andrew lowered Pnut to the ground and off she went. Dottie had not yet begun to awaken. She knew it was time for Dottie to leave Deb but she also knew how torn up both Dottie and Deb would be. She stretched out next to the sleeping dog, keeping her vigil. How much like Sophie’s was Dottie’s coat …

Slowly Dottie began to stir. She yawned and stretched before seeing her companion. Odd to not see Deb though …

“Hi Dottie! It’s nice to see you. Uh, no it’s not nice, because that means … oh dear, I’m making a mess of things …”

The bewildered new comer wasn’t sure how to respond to that. As she looked up, a red and white Aussie joined them. 

Pnut sighed in relief. Artie would know what to say …

“How about a drink from the Creek, then there’s this cool dude for you to meet! And keep an eye on his pockets!!”

Now totally confused, but realizing she WAS kinda thirsty, Dottie did as suggested. Once she had her fill, she followed the other two. 

“Greetings Dottie,” the angel said, as he fished in his famous pockets for just the right tidbits. “I see Artie and Pnut have filled you in?”

Pnut hung her head. “I bungled that. Artie bailed me out”.

Andrew chuckled. Those two had arrived together and were inseparable it seemed. He scooped up the newcomer. Best to start over, he thought. 

“Um, could somebody please tell me where I am and how to get back to my Mommy? I’ve been sick and she’s been worried but I feel all better now. I want to go home.”

“Ah yes. About that. Your body was tired, and you were sick. The doctors had no way to make you well, so they agreed to send you here.”

“And ‘here’ is really cool! We can run and jump and play, eat all the cookies we want and never get fat …”

“You’re already fat, Cupcake!”

That did it. Andrew couldn’t hold his laughter any longer. Pnut took a swipe at Artie, and off they went, leaving Dottie even more bewildered. 

“Don’t mind them, they’re the dearest of friends, and they did arrive together. Artie’s mom was Pnut’s mom’s daughter.”

Now TOTALLY confused, but remembering about pockets, nosed a bit at the angel’s robe. 

“Your time on earth had come to an end, and you were unwell”. Andrew pulled forth cookies. “Our Creator has provided for every living thing, and as a sign of that He created a great bridge out of a rainbow. 

“When man and beast have served their length of days, our Creator brings them Home, to be with Him through all eternity.”

“Is my mommy coming too?” Things we’re looking up!

“Not yet, Little One. She has much to do before she comes. But one day she WILL  come, and be reunited with you. You’ll never be parted again.” 

“And how long is that gonna be?”

“Time is different here than on earth. For her it will seem to be forever, but for you not at all.”

Pnut and Artie returned and plopped themselves down in front of Andrew. 

“I see you discovered pockets! You’re always thinking about food!”

And on cue, from the famous pockets came fresh tidbits. 

“I think it’s time for this little girl to meet the others.” Andrew rose, a dachshund under each arm in the ‘approved football carry’, Artie at his feet, and they faded from sight …

… and appeared upon the great bridge of many colors. 

“They’re here!”

“Yes, what took you guys so long?”

“Come down from there Pnut,” from the ever present Maggie, offering her services as ‘sliding board’ for pudgie puppies!

Molly took her cue and positioned herself for Dottie. 

Dottie looked, amazed at all the different animals all gathered to meet her. 

“And you’re sure about all this?” she asked, searching the angel’s face for confirmation.

“I am! The others will teach you how to visit,  and your mom will know you’re not really gone.”  He lowered Dottie to the bridge and slowly faded into the mist. Molly was in position, the others had told Dottie to jump, and with one last backward glance where the angel had been, squeezed her eye shut and slid off the bridge to the waiting throng. 

Andrew watched, always fascinated by these wonderful creatures. A pair of kitties moved quietly away, toward the edge of the meadow. 

“Mama, tell Debi Dottie is here with us, safe and sound. We will teach her all she needs to know. And, Mama?  We love you too. Now go to sleep! You’ve been up all night!”

Andrew chuckled. He looked down, and saw the woman sheepishly turn off her computer. He just HAD to have the best job ever!

©️Rose Scott

12-31-2021

Ken …

      “Honestly, Puff, quit pouting. It’s most un-catlike.”  Sophie was pretty peeved with the little cat. She was tired of explaining things, some of which even she didn’t yet understand.  They all had come up from Florida to live on the big boat. Storm, Puff, Mama and Daddy, and of course herself. Then all sorts of weird things happened. She and Stormy went to a friend’s house, where there was another dog who wasn’t offering the same hospitality HER mama did. There were upstairs dogs, downstairs dogs, and eventually Mama and the cat.  Puff never got to come downstairs, just herself. 

     Mama would leave every day, and come back sad.  None of all this made any sense.  There was talk about a boat, and moving it to where they all could live on it. But even that didn’t happen right away.  

     And then Misty came. Sophie didn’t get to see her at first, she spent all her time on Daddy’s bed.  He was in a hospital, hooked up to something that helped him breathe.  She kept watch, curled up beside him.  The nurses would come and go, checking this thing and that.  They were not able to see her, though one of them sensed her presence, despite being unable to really understand.  Misty was grateful that Dugan had come with her.  She knew well enough that she was safe, he didn’t come for protection, but rather to help her keep her vigil.  

     And on the sixth day, Dugan’s mama had come too.  It was heart breaking for him to see Heather sobbing, and not being able to do anything about it.    He whined a little, though no one could hear him.  

     “Two years isn’t enough” she said … “it isn’t fair.”  There was little Mama could say to make her feel any better, not for many reasons, some of which she didn’t understand either.  Then the doctor came in, and explained what would happen the next day, when the rest of the family was present.  

     “He is so still.”  Misty sighed and leaned into Dugan’s ruff.  “I haven’t  a clue how Mama is going to survive this.  She has searched a lifetime for him, and finally found her way back.  They were so happy, so full of plans.”

     “But isn’t it always that way?” Dugan sighed as the women left. “People are always making plans, and for the most part, driving themselves nuts in the process.  They ought to be more like dogs.  Living in the Moment.”

     Misty answered,  “For that matter, the entire animal kingdom. We all live moment to moment,  though the wild ones need to plan ahead for dinner when the weather turns bad.”

     It had gotten dark outside. The lights inside had dimmed somewhat, the two animals had not heard Andrew arrive.  “How are you two holding up?” He reached into his famous pockets for tidbits.  “Tomorrow will be difficult.”

     “How much will he know? Will he be scared? What can we do to help?”

     “When everyone is here, and has had time to understand the doctor, the breathing machine will be turned off.  We will leave then.”  Andrew scratched that special spot behind the collie’s ears. “There will be no pain for him, only for those he leaves behind.”

     At that moment there was a small sound, and another kitty appeared.  “Am I too late? Where have you guys been? Is Mama okay?”  All of Mousie’s questions ran together.  

     “No, we were just discussing what will happen tomorrow.  I’m glad you will be here with Mama.”

     “Well I figured you would want to go with him and Andrew. Dugan! Ha! I should have known you’d be here.  And I’m glad.  Mama’s been trying to hold it all together for everyone, not to add to their own burdens.”

     “We’re not too sure she’s really come to grips with it all herself.  We’ve watched her all week. She talks to him, reads to him, holds his hands, touches his face … and since he is between here and there, we aren’t all that sure of what he knows either.”

     “She set him free a week ago, but he has not left his body yet.  He knows she’s here, and he knows her pain.  It will be awhile before he will be able to talk to her, to any of them.  She understands this.”  Andrew had been holding Mouse as he explained.  It wasn’t so very different than their processes had been.  

     The four of them grew silent.  Misty resumed her vigil next to Ken, Mouse snuggled up next to Dugan, and  Andrew folded his wings around all of them.

     Sunday came.  It wasn’t long until the others had arrived and the doctor explained what had happened, what would be next, and answered their questions.  Misty and Mouse had retreated to the windowsill, and Dugan rested against Andrew.  Finally the moment came. Andrew scooped up Misty, Dugan pressed close to Ken.  Andrew wrapped his wings around them all and they were gone.  

     The others had left.  Mouse had hopped up on the bed and was purring her love. “He is gone, Mama, Andrew and the others took him home.  I wanted to be here with you for a bit, because I knew you would stay behind.

    “You know his pain is gone. All the bad things from disease and brokenness are over.  You know he’s been provided for, as have all of us before him, and as you will be one day.  I know you’re asking  yourself ‘how am I going to do this … to go on without him’, and you know the answer to that as well.  You’ll put one paw in front of the other, and take it one minute, one hour, one day at a time.

     “It’s time for you to put that faith of yours to the test.  You know these things. You’ve taught all of us. And we listened, even when you didn’t think we did.  Turn toward the window, Mama, gather up your things.  That’s right.  Now turn toward your left, that’s it … there’s the curtain, pull it aside and go into the hall …   

     As the woman left the hospital, no one noticed the little grey cat with folded ears padding softly beside her.  No one saw them leave. Her life would change now, some good, some bad, but she would continue to be ….     

©️ Rose Scott 7/11/21

Sissy and Tom ...

 Sissy had been at the Bridge for several months, and had reunited herself with her friends from the big house in Michigan.  Some of the kitties had been barn cats, some house cats, and there were always fresh litters of kittens.  Mama just had a big heart!  She’d go down to the barn every day to be sure that everyfur had something to eat.  Sometimes Larry visited with her, but many of the kitties had gone through the Gates with him already.  Sissy loved him, but she longed for another.  She was well into her golden years when Tom came to live with Mama and her, and she had loved his gentle ways.  And truth be told, she loved the way Tom treated Mama.  

Misty thought it would be better if she went to find Sissy, instead of having Andrew just snatch her out of the air and onto his lap.  She still had issues with him when he did that, though she had to admit it WAS helpful for him to know what she was thinking ...

“Oof.  Dang it Andrew I was about to go ...”

The angel chuckled as he cradled Misty in his arms.  It was their own special “thing”, for Misty wasn’t really mad at him and Andrew knew she wasn’t, but she’d always go through the motions of being peeved.

“I didn’t snatch Sissy, but I thought I’d help you find her, it’s a special day for her.”  Some of the other animals had gathered around to find out what was up. Andrew’s presence usually meant someone was coming, and today was no exception. 

“It looks like Mouse and some of the others are already working on her!  We’ve still got a little time yet.”And as he had spoken,  Misty saw “the girls” as he called them, all having a paw in getting Sissy ready.  Her long fur needed a lot of grooming.  At least here she didn’t have the awful mats to deal with that were so hard to comb.  Often Mama just took scissors and cut them out, but no need for that anymore.  

At first Sissy was puzzled with all the attention she was getting.  Group grooming was something they all enjoyed, but there were giggles and looks between the others, obviously SOMEthing was up! And more and more of the other animals were arriving, all of them excited, for these days were always the BEST days!  People who had lived with pets during their years on earth would be reunited with them, as had been promised. 

Putting Misty down, Andrew then reached for Sissy and held her close. “Are you ready, Sweetheart?” He asked.  As her eyes grew bigger and bigger she realized someone was coming for her!  They all turned their attention to the Great Gates which stood open. And down the hill  he came!  Larry was with him, as were some of the barn cats.  They held back a little bit, letting Tom move ahead.  He knew how wonderful it was when he first arrived, and was reunited with all the animals he had loved.  He wanted this to be Tom’s big moment.

Sissy started to squirm in Andrew’s embrace, “Put me down! It’s Daddy! He’s here!!!!” And as the angel lowered her, she leapt to the ground and took off to meet him.  Tom laughed as she launched herself into his arms. Oh what a glorious day!!!

For Tom was well and strong again. The air machine and tubes were gone. His health had been restored, just as Sissy’s had been. He’d never known her as a young cat, and  yet here she was,  no longer plagued by old age.  She purred so loud she could be heard by all who were gathered to celebrate with them.  

How soft her fur was! Tom buried his nose in it and smelled the sweetness of her. His eyes met Andrew’s as he spoke. “So You’re the famous angel I’ve heard so much about!” And with a big grin, extended his hand to clasp Andrew’s. “I am honored to meet you.”

“It is your faithfulness to our Creator, He who made you.  You have run  your course, and now you have come to be reunited with the kitty you had loved.”

Tom and Sissy turned to wave at the animals who were all there to watch. “We will come to visit, don’t worry!”

“Didn’t I tell you?!” Larry laughed as Tom’s grin grew wider. “It sure is something to see!”  The two men walked back up the hill to the Gates.  

Misty slipped silently away, to the edge of the meadow.  “Mama, tell Aunt Mary everyone’s okay. Tom was here, and he and Sissy went back up the hill.  But she need not worry, they’ll all be waiting for her when her day comes.

“And Mama? We’re waiting for you too ...”

All was well. All was as it had been promised. 

©️Rose Scott, 3/31/21

Reggie ...

 Molly just KNEW!!!  “Now, how do those silly cats ....”.

Oof! “Andrew!”

“Yes, my love.” The angel replied, with a smile, and a rub behind the beautiful golden retriever’s ears”

“Is he coming? Can I greet him? When will he get here?”

“Calm down, sweetie!  He’s already here.  In fact, he’s over on the soft patch of clover where all of your friends have been .... see?”

Molly  turned and looked, and there he was, Reggie! Across the meadow she ran, leaving Maggie behind to investigate Andrew’s marvelous pockets.  She leaned down and nosed him ... He woke up to find himself looking at, of all things, Molly! “Huh? What are you doing here?” he asked.

“Well you’re at Crystal Creek and we, Maggie and I came down for a morning swim. What are YOU doing here?” She asked.

“Um. well I wasn’t feeling very well. My jaw hurt something fierce and it’d bleed, so Mom took me to the vet and I guess I went to sleep and uh, well. Here I am. Which is where exactly?”

“OH! It’s the most Wonderful place! You need to come meet Andrew and Maggie. But first you must have a drink from the creek ...”

Doing as he was told, Reggie was surprised at how cool and refreshing the water tasted. Like nothing he’d ever found in his bowl, or the toilet ..

“Okay, now what?”

“C’mon! Race you!”

Molly took off, her golden tail waving in her wake ... with the handsome Brittany spaniel in hot pursuit. They were both laughing in happy doggy abandon when they came to Andrew and Maggie who were patiently waiting for them. Maggie thought to herself how differently SHE would have greeted him, but Molly was far more “over the top” in anything she did.

“Hello, young man! You must be Reggie!” Andrew withdrew some treats from the legendary pockets of his robe.

Reggie sat as if at attention, as a true gentleman should. Last call at night for Molly would find Reggie sitting ,very dignified at the edge of his property line [electric collar prevented him going walk-about]. She’d go over and nose to nose a bit and both would “go home” for the night. After she went to the Bridge he’d still come to the “fence line” to visit. If Maggie’s Mommy didn’t come talk to him and give him scratches he’d bark, not obnoxiously, but one knew he wanted the visit. Her daughter Martha was the one who gave him the “handsome” designation because of the way he sat. He always looked so dignified.

“I see that you and Molly are old friends!” If a burgundy dog could blush, he did. Shuffling his front paws a bit he looked at Andrew and said “I always said goodnight to my lady.”

“Your time on earth has come to an end, and the people who loved you felt it was best to send you to us.”

“That’s just it. Where is here’?”

“When the earth was new, God provided for all living things, knowing each had a different span of days to live. He knows each of you, as all of you were made by Him. When it is time, you all return to Him, to be with Him forever.

“Here, as you’ve asked, is one of many such arrival spots, all within the reach of Crystal Creek, which flows from the River of Life. In just a few moments, we will take you to the Bridge made of every color of the rainbow. It signifies God’s promise to all he created.”

Molly ever impatient added “And you jump off, and everybody’s already there, and we play with the other angels, and we’re never cold, or hungry or hurting, not Ever!”

To know Molly was to love her, and Andrew did. Mouse had told him much about Molly and Maggie who was her predecessor. She had often commented how totally opposite their personalities were! She remembered the first time she met Molly, when her people had come to visit in their house on wheels. Molly had come in the door of the house barking her head off, leaving Mouse sitting there staring at her as if to say “Who are YOU, and what have you done with Maggie!”

Andrew rose, the dogs at his feet as they walked into the mist ...

... and appeared on the beautiful bridge. Reggie blinked, and blinked again. SO MANY ANIMALS!! Maggie and Molly hopped off to join with the cats, and the other dogs who had come before him. Some of them he knew of, others ... not so much. He was overwhelmed! There were birds, little animals, some were wildlife he recognized, and a few squirrels he thought he remembered chasing.

“Now you gotta jump off!”

“Honestly, Molly, you’re incorrigible! Yes, Reggie, accept this gift of eternity, and join us!”

With a look back at Andrew, “Will my folks know where to find me?”

“Yes, Reggie, and all of you will be reunited with them when their days have ended. Until then, you’re here with us.”

With a deep breath, Reggie closed his eyes and jumped. The animals all gathered around him, everyone talking at once. Introductions, reunions. And as he faded from view, two little cats, one all grey with a few white spots, and the other a grey tabby Scottish fold slipped away to the edge of the meadow. They were Mousie and Mouse, as close as two sisters could be.

“Mama? Reggie’s here, his face is all healed up, and he looks grand! Molly and Maggie met him with Andrew. We stayed behind ... it was a ‘dog’ thing. They giggled as they looked at each other.

Andrew smiled, thinking to himself how all of these sweet creatures were tied together by a common thread - Love.

“And we love YOU too, Andrew” the kitties softly purred....

And all was well.

©️Suzie Sergeant and Rose Scott. 3/13/2021

Um, Andrew?

 “Yes, Little One ...”

“Before yesterday, there was just you, and all of us critters.  You’re an angel, but that Michael dude ... you called him an Archangel?”

“Yes.  There aren’t many of them.  Michael, the Archangel, is far more powerful than I am, far wiser, and has more of the Creator’s bidding to do than we do.  We are among the Company of Heaven, and far greater in number.”

“Oh.  I kinda thought YOU were in charge.”

“No, my love.”  Andrew settled with his back against a beautiful willow tree, whose branches swayed lightly in the breeze.  A few little birds had joined them, preening their feathers as they sat, curious about where this conversation was going.  

“We are angels, sometimes called cherubim.  You’ve seen us about, making sure everyfur’s needs are met, though needs are few here.  There are others who serve in other capacities as well.  Much like it was on earth, different people had different responsibilities.  Some of us are tasked with greeting new arrivals. Some of us even go to earth, when the transition of life to death is difficult, as escorts.  There are many meadows, and all are served by Crystal Creek, the water that flows from the River of Life. Just as all of you are tied together in one way or another, there are many many other groups, with their own angels like me, who look after them.  Our Creator’s house has many rooms.”

“Mama used to say that.  It didn’t make much sense then, and I’m not so sure it does now.  There were people on earth I didn’t like.  Like the Vet. I didn’t much like him.”  Misty studiously scrubbed a paw. “He did things to me I did not like.”

Andrew chuckled.  “It was his responsibility to keep you healthy.”

“So ... does Michael greet others than the dogs we saw?”

“There are special circumstances when Michael greets ones who come.  The dogs you saw were special, trained to work with man, and protect him, in very dangerous situations.  When it is their time to come home to us, they are greeted by others of their kind, with the Archangel. It is a special honor.”

“Mama said *I* was special.”  Misty pouted. 

“You dear sweet kitty, you most certainly ARE special.  You have not just accepted what happens here, you want explanations!  Sometimes, I’m not so sure I’m providing you all that you need want to know, but I try.  

“All of you who come to us when your number of days have run out, were special to someone on earth. Even the lost and forsaken, the homeless and strays, are loved and prayed for, and those intercession are heard and answered.”  Andrew continued to stroke Misty’s silky fur.

“Um, what’s inter ... inter-sessions?’

Michael chuckled.  “Intercession.  Prayers said on behalf of others.  Your Mama, along with millions of other people across the globe, pray for guidance, pray on behalf of others who are in need, sickness or any other adversity.  With the invention of the ‘writie-box’ as you call it, people who never knew of each other can communicate , which they could not do before.  Their efforts to help others are strengthened by their numbers.”

“But sometimes Mama said people on the writie box were bad.  And sometimes the things she saw made water come from her eyes.  And no matter how hard I purred, or how fast I licked her face, it didn’t seem to help.”

“Oh, but it did, Misty, it did.  One of the gifts you have is your innocence, as well as your silky fur, and soft purrs.  And, many nights you were joined by others who came before you, who tucked themselves against her, and purred as well.  None of you have ever been completely gone, you know that.”

Misty thought about that, and again, remembered her mother’s words when she was just a wee kitten, ‘when in doubt, wash’.  And Misty scrubbed the other paw.  

Andrew marveled at these little beings who lived with people, and made their lives better by being there. From the tiniest mouse to the biggest horse, animals who lived with people served great purpose. And the Creator never forgot any of them, not ever.

“How does the Creator keep track of everyone? 

Andrew smiled down at her, and kissed her nose.  “He knows, Sweetheart, He knows ... when even a sparrow falls ...”

©️  Rose Scott

February 2021