by Lucky Garvin
On the 4th of May, the waters took my beloved dog Rock Home. I wrote a short series of columns about his passing and my grieving but I still have some final thoughts to share. I no longer cry over him; I trust he knows that’s just the normal course of grief, not to be confused with not missing him each day. In the beginning Sabrina sometimes set out one bowl too many at dinner time. She would call for Rock, then, remembering, look down and sadly pick up the no-longer-necessary bowl.
Is he safe; happy? This is the thing I need to know; I not only need to believe he is, but to know, like I know the Earth is round, like I know gravity is a physical law; but such certainty is not possible temporally. This pudding is too thick for my spoon.
I typically finish each day in a room towards the rear of the house; a large area lit only by a single lamp as I read or watch the news. To my left, is a portrait of my boy, his crossed paws philosophically resting on the upholstered arm-rest where I often sit. The portrait, painted by local artist Carol Nelms, commissioned by my Sabrina, captures Rock’s somber mood perfectly. It is titled, “My Master’s Chair.”
Through the dimness in that room, my boy watches me, or keeps watch over me; not like God does, but as he is able. Although I know it’s just oil and canvass, perhaps this portrait also sends forth an octave my ears are not suited to hear suggested in ‘The Rainbow Bridge.’ [Below.] Be it true or be it delusion, it is nevertheless comforting. I fully realize that wanting with all your heart for a thing to be true does not make it so. And yet, it could be granted…
THE RAINBOW BRIDGE
There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. When our beloved pets die, they journey to this idyllic spot. There are meadows and hills enough for all to frolic freely and plenty of food, water and sunshine. Each and every animal is warm and comfortable.
Those pets that have been ill or aged are restored to health and vigor. Those who are hurt or maimed are made whole and strong. Each is just as we remember in our dreams of days and times gone by. Our pets are happy and content at Rainbow Bridge, except for one small thing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth.
So each day they run and play, but the day comes when one suddenly stops, and looks into the distance. Bright eyes are intent, an eager body begins to quiver. Suddenly, running from the group, flying over the green grass, legs are going faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and you and your special friend come together in joyous reunion. 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 the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.
– Author unknown
So I ask again, is this how it truly is or just the hoping-against-hope of the aching hearts of those of us who have lost beloved pets? I spoke to a friend the other day who, knowing I had had other pets before, asked, “So why did you love Rock so much?” Because love is love, two-legged or four; feathered or furred love is love; only rarely to be understood. But, this one thing is true: when my dying day comes, and I arrive on the other side, if my Rock is not there, I’ll know for a certainty that I’ve ended up somewhere other than Heaven…
Look for Lucky’s books locally and on-line: The Oath of Hippocrates; The Cotillian; A Journey Long Delayed.
