by Vickie McDonald
Dear Mommy and Daddy,
I asked my guardian angel, Noel, if there was any way I could get a message to you. She said that it should be possible to whisper words into Vickie's ear, and Vickie would be able to type a letter for me. Of course, this would only work if Vickie was able to hear me. Happily, since Vickie loves me so much, I'm able to send you this message. However, I'm allowed to write only one letter to you. Then, Noel has told me my "job" is to run and play and eat and sleep. Until I see you again, I'm supposed to concentrate on things of this world. But in the meantime, there were some things I wanted you to know so that you wouldn't be so sad.
First, Mommy, I want to thank you for always taking such good care of me. I was always so well fed, and so warm. I just loved sitting with you and playing with you. I always knew how much you loved me. And, Mommy, thank you especially for taking such good care of me during my last moments with you. There wasn't really any way to let you know the time had come for us to part for a little while, but somehow you knew just what to do. Thank you for being there with me and holding me. You can't imagine how wonderful it was to feel myself in your arms, just as I was being welcomed into Heaven. Thank you for loving me so much.
And Daddy, thank you also for taking such good care of me. For all the times you brushed my teeth, gave me medicine, bathed me, and took care of all the hard parts. Of course, since arriving in Heaven, I don't need any of those things. I am in perfect health, and am running and playing and having a great time. But when I was with you, all the things you did for me helped me to feel so much better. I loved sleeping with you and laying on your chest. And, I always enjoyed teasing you by snapping at you. I know how much you love me, too. Thank you so much.
I thought it might comfort you to know what it's like Up Here. It will be hard to describe, but I will try...
My guardian angel, Noel, is actually a Christmas angel. She's just beautiful. Since I am a Christmas puppy, I get to have a Christmas angel for my guardian until you get here to take care of me once again. Aren't I lucky?
The colors are incredible here, and whatever I want at any time just magically appears to me. I know I look really cute when I play in the bright red flowers, but there are fields of flowers of every color here. And there are hundreds of rainbows in the sky. Animals of every size and shape all play together. Since there is so much to eat, there is no need to fight with each other. I can eat whatever I want, whenever I want to. There are wonderful lakes all over the place to drink from or play in. There's even a field of fire hydrants for the male dogs! I can play in a meadow, a field, a valley, or on a hillside. I can even play at the beach! There are waterfalls to hide under, and lots of trees. There is always an angel available to toss a ball, play tug-of-war with a sock, or just pet me while I sit on her lap. I can even choose to play in snow, if I want to. You know I wasn't very fond of snow on earth since it was so cold. But here, the snow isn't cold. Yet, it never melts or gets hard. I'm having so much fun!
Guess who has become my best friend? Pubby! We even share a "house" together! Since we have you in common, we were instant friends. The angels call us "Ebony and Ivory" since he's white and I'm black. (They've never said, but I'm sure they think I'm the cuter one!) We spend a lot of time exploring together. He's a lot of fun! We seem to enjoy the same activities, and we even get sleepy at the same time. He's very nice to cuddle with during a nap!
We get to keep our memories of our parents, but somehow they don't overshadow the fun we have. Since we're already here, there is no mystery about Heaven for us. Of course, when you come to get us, we'll cross to a different part of Heaven. Since this side is so wonderful, I can't even imagine what the rest of Heaven will be like! I just know it will be spectacular.
Mommy and Daddy, I know Christmas is coming soon, and I know you will miss me a lot. But when you think of me, try to remember what a glorious Christmas I will be having. It was supposed to be a surprise, but I overheard Noel talking to one of the other Christmas angels about what we will be doing on Christmas Day. First, we will be watching the "All Dogs Go To Heaven Christmas Carol". Then, the Kitty Cat Choir will be entertaining us with several songs. Then, we will all have eggnog. (I told you this place was great!) And then, the big moment will occur. God, himself, will read The Christmas Story to us. I'm so excited! Noel said God has a special place in his heart for Christmas puppies, so I'll probably be one of his favorites. I'll tell you all about it when I see you.
Mommy and Daddy, I'm so glad I was able to get this one letter through to you. I hope it helps to comfort you and keeps you from being sad. But Noel is telling me now that I really should be getting back to my playtime. I am quite popular here, and everyone is waiting to play with me.
Mommy, please remember how much I love you. I loved you the moment I saw your pretty face. Remember when I jumped up and kissed you all over? I was so happy when Daddy chose me. I could see the kindness in his eyes, and knew I was going home to a wonderful place.
I will keep you both in my heart until I see you again. Please don't rush to visit me. I will see you soon enough.
I love you, Mommy and Daddy. And, I'll be waiting for you on Rainbow Bridge...Love, Kandi
>