by Kathleene S. Baker
Shiloh awoke ever so rested. She stood, stretched, and the lush
meadow of clover beneath her paws felt velvety.
She did not understand. Nor did she grasp the beauty all around
her -- she'd been sightless for five years, although images did return
in dreams. She'd often awake saddened, yet never gave up hope that her
vision would return.
Woofs, yaps, song birds, and even unfamiliar sounds echoed
in the distance. A babbling brook nearby summoned Shiloh's thirst.
She ambled that direction.
Shortly, overcome with confidence, she picked up the pace,
exhibiting confidence she'd not had in years. She sprinted towards
the rivulet. What joy to run again!
Now and then she completed circles at full speed simply for the
thrill. Shiloh's vision had returned! Her reflection in the sparkling
water was proof! Lapping the cool water, she viewed beautifully hued
fish playing chase several feet below the surface.
Shiloh gazed about for mom and dad. She'd only enjoyed free rein
in the backyard and felt uncertain. What if she wandered into danger?
As anxiety escalated, two snow-white doves alit beside her. Finally,
something familiar! Trees at home teemed with cooing doves when she
meandered about her yard. She'd never understood their callsS but now
she did. They beckoned her to follow.
Looking up as they hovered above her, a rainbow glistened as if
each color was configured of precious gemstones. Soon an old-fashioned,
arched, stone bridge appeared glinting with gold and silver. The woofs
were closer and Shiloh realized the birds crooned Christmas carols!
Only a few paces onto the bridge, Shiloh was astonished -- Josey
raced to her side with a shower of kisses. A red ribbon about her neck
with tiny Christmas bell attached tinkled with each movement. Momentarily,
games of chase and wrestle ensued -- favorites they'd enjoyed before
Josey departed her earthly home.
Shiloh instantly understood, this was Rainbow Bridge!
Mom had described it in detail for weeks as her health
declined. Josey introduced Shiloh to family members who had come and gone
before her. Her folk's first Schnauzer, Festus, greeted Shiloh with a
high five! Tiffany, Schnauzer number two, offered kisses. Maggie and
Jack, a mom and son duo, approached with wagging tails. Unexpectedly, two
tiny Yorkies appeared -- Fang and Fancy! Yorkies, my folks had Yorkies?
They greeted her with gestures of love.
Lastly, cousin Greta excitedly arrived. Shioh's angst began to
melt in the midst of a loving family. Still, she'd forever miss mom,
dad, and her Schnauzer pal Hank. He'd guided her through the darkness
and gave her life meaning.
The pack revealed that Rainbow Bridge was eternally glorious. And
Christmastime was breathtaking to behold as they celebrated Christ's
birth -- the creator of domestic pets. He gifted them an inborn ability
to develop remarkable bonds with humans.
With holiday preparations underway, Shiloh was in awe. Red birds,
blue birds, and white doves perched in trees -- live ornaments! All sized
spiders spun golden webs of garland 'round and 'round the trees and fire
flies twinkled in branches. The weather was mild, sunny, and the few
clouds shimmered silvery, yet trees were veiled with snow.
For Shiloh, confusion reigned! In unison, the group proclaimed,
"All things are possible at the Bridge." Every tree was decorated,
none in the same manner. Covered with iridescent snow, a stately scotch
pine stood embellished with butterflies, wings aflutter, displaying a
magnificent array of color and creating swirls of snow that enshrouded
the tree with luminous motion.
Knowing her mom's love of poinsettias, Shiloh took special note of
a huge fir tree filled with vast red blossoms, goldfinch, and thousands
of fire flies. All about were gardens of poinsettias.
Tomorrow was Christmas Eve. Shiloh could only imagine what wonder
lay ahead. After a hearty warm meal the pack showed her a new fluffy
bed adjacent to theirs. It was plush beyond imagination. The family
told of how grand golden eagles soar into the skies to select the proper
sized cloud for each new arrival.
Shiloh snuggled in.
Once comfortable, an angel approached whispering, "I'm Dana and
will always be nearby, Sweet Girl." She gently placed a coverlet, adorned
with pink lace, across a now-healthy, restored body and silently vanished.
Shiloh thought to herself, "Dana! She's my aunt and mom's niece.
Greta was her puppy. Oh, I am truly safe." She sighed.
Shiloh drifted into sleep while song birds softly sang her mom's
favorite Christmas carol, The Littlest Angel. She knew it was meant
for her first night at Rainbow Bridge. Mom had always called her a
little angel.
Shiloh slept well, stirring only once to roll over.
She dreamt of the day she would sprint to the bridge and joyfully
escort mom, dad and beloved Hank to the other side.
Until then she would play, and rest, and romp, and nap, and wait...
-- Kathleene S. Baker <Lnstrlady at aol.com>
__________________________________________________
Kathleene says, "This is dedicated to sweet Shiloh. She made our
lives richer! My hope, and Shiloh's as well, is that her story might
bring comfort to those who have lost a beloved pet, a family member,
during the holiday season." You can visit her website at:
http://www.txyellowrose.com
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