In loving memory

Yesterday I picked up Emmitt’s ashes. It was much harder to do than I thought it would be. While waiting at the animal hospital, I could see into the room where Emmitt spent his last moments of life. A woman came from behind a closed door and said “I’m sorry to give Emmitt to you this way”, as she handed me the box. I almost lost it.

The box came with a card that had a poem in it. Although the poem was pretty cheesy, it had a big impact on me. I cried.

“Just this side of Heaven lies the Rainbow Bridge

When a beloved pet dies, it goes to the Rainbow Bridge. It makes friends with other animals and frolics over rolling hills and peaceful, lush meadows of green.

Our pets do not thirst or hunger. The old and sick are made young once more; the maimed and the ill become healed and strong. They are as healthy and playful as we remember them in the days gone by.

Though happy and content, they still miss someone very special, someone they had to leave behind.

Together, the animals chase and play, but the day comes when a pet will suddenly stop and look into the distance… bright eyes intent, eager body quivering. Suddenly recognizing you, your pet bounds quickly across the green fields and into your embrace. You celebrate in joyous reunion. You will never again separate. Happy tears and kisses are warm and plenty; your hands caress the face you missed. You look once more into the loving eyes of your pet and know you never really parted. You realize that though out of site, your love had been remembered.

And now, you cross the Rainbow Bridge together…”

See, I told you it was cheesy, but it still made me shed more tears as I typed it in to this post.

I’m sure there are some of you out there saying… it was just a dog, get over it. But, the animal lovers out there will understand. Emmitt was much more then just a dog, he was a beloved member of our family. His presence is profoundly missed.

It’s been especially hard not having an office to go to. I work from home, so I often spent almost 24 hrs a day with Emmitt. Now, I’m home alone most of the day. I am reminded of him often, like when I’m eating lunch, and a small piece of my sandwich falls to the floor. For just a moment I think… Emmitt will get it, but then realize he isn’t here. It’s been a difficult adjustment.

Life is slowly getting back to normal. I want to thank everyone who has left comments on the site, or emailed their condolences to us. We appreciate it very much. I haven’t felt like writing much, but I think it’s about time I get back to it. I’m hoping to get some new posts up later today.