The Memorial Garden

As long as I can remember, any family pet, no matter the size or species found its final resting spot on the grounds of our family home. Growing up, we had an area under the two gorgeous dogwood trees that served as our sacred grounds. We even had tiny grave markers with the pets names painstakingly chiseled into the stones or rocks. Heaven forbid anyone move them or go near them with the lawn mower.

As kids growing up, our parents always ensured each pet had the ‘casket’ and proper funeral. I can remember my brother John finding a tiny robin that he tried in vain to nurse back to good health, but God had other plans. We buried the bird, and every day, until my mom found out, he went out and dug up the bird, and wondered why it did not go to heaven. Finally, it did make it out of the ground and “up to heaven.”

My kids went through many pet deaths, most of them gerbils, but I always made sure they had the finest of caskets (usually a deodorant box lined with a silk), and a suitable send off. The funerals were never elaborate, but they did help each kid get through the loss. However, the loss of these tiny pets in no way prepared us for the loss of our first family dog, Tyler.

When Tyler died, I had his body cremated and his remains returned to us for burial. When we moved into our current home, I set aside an area in the back, which has come to be known as our “Memorial Garden.” Along with Tyler the remains of Brady and Iggy (Cait’s iguana) are buried here. It’s a place I like to sit in the quiet and think about not only these lost pets, but lots of things. Having a place where have that connection to our pets has proved to be valuable to all of us.

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...