Sunday, June 3, 2007

Random Kindness...

A little side note: A couple of sweet people have thought that I was the mother in this story...sorry for the confusion, but this is a story I read from a friend. I hope that presented with this situation, I would be as sensitive as the mother in this story!

I am not usually so mushy about these types of things, but this story brought tears to my eyes. Yes, I've had a beloved dog who has died, but to me, this story is about how a simple act of kindness from a stranger can affect so many. Enjoy:


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 in 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 liked to play with a ball 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

PS: Mommy wrote this for me after I told her the words.


We put the letter in an envelope with 2 pictures of Abbey, and addressed it to God in Heaven. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith 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 letter box 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, we took the kids to Peoria to a natural history museum. When we got back, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch.

Curious, I went to look at it. It had a white card on the front that said "To: Meredith" in an unfamiliar handwriting

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. 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 Meredith,

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 I am, there is love.

I love you Meredith, God

PS: My special angel wrote this for me after I told her the words.

4 comments:

Morgan said...

oh my, I totally boohoo'ed! What a wonderful, creative way to express His love...thanks for sharing that!

Gina said...

Thats awesome...what a great way to share God with your kids...Your dd is soo cute..to even think to write to him, at such a young age!

Anonymous said...

Oh my goodness... that was just beautiful!

Teresa said...

I am in awe... with tears in my eyes. xoxo to a sweet and wonderful mom.