Angels Among Us
Losing a pet is never easy. But it's especially difficult for children. It's one of those defining childhood moments, when a parent can no longer shield their little one from the reality of life and death. So when Meredith, a 4-year-old little girl, was forced to say goodbye to her lifetime pal, Abbey, the family's 14-year-old dog, she was understandably very upset. She was especially concerned with making sure the afterlife would be good for Abbey. And so, she asked her mom to help her write a letter to God, which they then put in the mailbox. And what little Meredith got back was incredible.
Read on to hear about the angels that are among us. . .
Some of you may know that our 14-year-old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4-year-old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey. She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her.
She dictated and I wrote:
Dear God,
Will you please take special care of our dog, Abbey? She died yesterday and is heaven. We miss her very much. We are happy that you let us have her as our dog even though she got sick. I hope that you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and swim before she got sick. I am sending some pictures of her so that when you see her in heaven you will know she is our special dog. But I really do miss her.
Love,
Meredith Claire
P.S.: Mommy wrote the words after Mer told them to her.
We put that in an envelope with two pictures of Abbey, and addressed it to God/Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Mer stuck some stamps on the front (because, as she said, it may take lots of stamps to get a letter all the way to heaven) and that afternoon I let her drop it into the letterbox at the post office.
For a few days, she would ask if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had. Yesterday, for Labor Day, we took the kids to Austin to a natural history museum. When we got back, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch.
Meredith took it in and opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers: When a Pet Dies. Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God, in its opened envelope (which was marked ‘Return to Sender: Insufficient address'). On the opposite page, one of the pictures of Abbey was taped under the words ‘For Meredith.'
We turned to the back cover, and there was the other picture of Abbey, and this handwritten note on pink paper:
Dear Mer,
I know that you will be happy to know that Abbey arrived safely and soundly in Heaven! Having the pictures you sent to me was such a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.
You know, Meredith, she isn't sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me - just like she stays in your heart - young and running and playing. Abbey loved being your dog, you know. Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets! - so I can't keep your beautiful letter. I am sending it to you with the pictures so that you will have this book to keep and remember Abbey.
One of my angels is taking care of this for me. I hope the little book helps.
Thank you for the beautiful letter. Thank your mother for sending it. What a wonderful mother you have! I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much. By the way, I am in heaven and wherever there is love.
Love,
God, and the special angel who wrote this after God told her the words.
As a parent and a pet lover, this is one of the kindest things that I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is some very kind soul working in the dead letter office.
There are truly angels among us, because God can use any of us to do His amazing work.The time and effort the postal worker put into responding to Meredith's letter proved to be a beautiful blessing for the whole family, and a memory they are sure to cherish forever. When God is in control, anything is possible!
For another sweet story, check this out!
h/t: Little Things
Featured Image Credit: ThinkStock