As sad as I was today about Mini-me, after I had buried her I came back into the house and looked out of the kitchen window, just staring, as one does. As I was staring a Purple Finch and two young fledglings alighted on the feeders. The Male was trying hard to feed while the two youngsters were busy flapping their wings and demanding to be fed, the male jumped from one to the other, stuffing sunflower chips into their mouths but it was never enough, they always wanted more. It occurred to me at that moment, that just as there was death, there was life all around me, almost every bird that I have inhabiting my garden has a clutch of chicks right now, from the Red Bellied Woodpeckers to the Bluejays to the Carolina Chickadees, life is all around me, new life, new joyous life, and in the midst of my grief I smiled, smiled at the perfection of nature as she gives us new lives. More dragonflies hatched in the pond today, almost perfect in their form, and looking closer there is now toad-spawn and treefrog-spawn in the pond, life is all around me, and in the midst of life, how can one be sad about death? Life, life is what can lift our hearts.

This morning I got up and wandered out to the car to get my tea cup (its a huge travel mug), which I had left in the car after my trip to Columbus County on Thursday. As I approached my car in the driveway, I noticed that Mini-Me was asleep on the lawn, only it was raining, and no cat in their right mind would be asleep on the lawn in the rain. Much to my dismay as I approached her I discovered that she was dead. She had obviously been clipped by a car, as there was blood coming from her mouth, but other than that there wasn't a mark on her. As I was in my bathrobe I went back into the house to dress so that I could collect her and lay her to rest with my other departed pets. I didn't cry until I laid her in the ground, and stroked her and said goodbye. She was a precious kitten, and I shall miss her terribly, as no doubt will her Mum and brother. However, I am mindful that she has already crossed the Rainbow Bridge and is now no doubt playing with her brother Harry and getting a good grooming from my chow-cross Dweebe. The one thing that comforts me is that I know she is waiting for me, and one day we will see each other again.

The Rainbow Bridge

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 of 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 had 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 quivers. 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 finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....

Author unknown...

Mini-me is on the left.