I received an unusual request last evening to offer a prayer for a Sonshine friend who had the difficult task to inform a dear friend that her dear kitty had died while she was away at a conference. Dennis and Stanley were brothers boarding at the vet’s who decided to give these cats their routine shots. Somehow the "routine" procedure turned into a nightmare for Dennis had gone into shock and died. Poor Stanley would be returning home without his brother and our Sonshine friend needed a prayer for words of comfort to tell this mom that her furry friend would not be coming home. So my prayer is for all my Sonshine Friends who miss their furry friends in the hope that someday we will walk with them into heaven.Once upon a time... just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge. When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water, and sunshine and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor; those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind. They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent; his eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend (like Dennis) finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kitty kisses (feels like sandpaper) caress your face; your hands again stroke the silky head and his whiskers tickle as you once more look into the trusting eyes of your dear pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Lord, I pray for all my Sonshine Friends who brought home stranded friends like Dennis and Stanley. We miss their purrs, rolling in the catnip and holding them close on our laps when alone. Let our hearts never forget the gift these creatures great and small brought into our homes and may the happy memories bring us comfort and strength as we look forward to the moment when we will once again cross over Rainbow Bridge together.
