Today I gathered up all of Goldie’s things that I thought could be used by someone else. I brought most of them to the vet that we met at first – St. Francis Animal Hospital. I thought from the beginning that this was a very fitting name. I spoke again to one of the wonderful ladies there – and cried again as she spoke kind and comforting words. They would donate all the items to the “Paw Pantry” who gives pet items to people who are going through a financial crisis and cannot afford them. Then I headed over to the emergency pet hospital where I had met another caring doctor and where Goldie spent her last moments. As soon as I got in the car and trying to fight back the tears, I heard the song, “Praise You In This Storm” by Casting Crowns. It is amazing how many times God speaks to me through music. The words pierced my heart, “I was sure by now God You would have reached down And wiped our tears away Stepped in and saved the day But once again, I say “Amen”, and it’s still raining As the thunder rolls I barely hear Your whisper through the rain “I’m with you” And as Your mercy falls I raise my hands and praise the God who gives And takes away.” The end of the song wraps up with “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord The Maker of Heaven and Earth.” It helped me to remember how God has always been by my side, helping me through difficulties and bringing me to a better place on the other side. At the emergency vet, I gave them all the leftover medications that Goldie had. They said they would be able to donate them to people who would not be able to afford it. I was blessed to be able to pay for what she needed, but I know that others are not so fortunate and hopefully this will alleviate someone else’s burden. After Goldie had passed, they people there made an ink paw print for me which was put on a card. It was beautiful. The young woman said it could be made into a tattoo and she knew that many people did that. Tempting… When I got home, I shared the card with my parents and we teared up one more time. I don’t want to cry any more. I know it will take time. My sister who rescued greyhounds said it best to me, “It’s so hard to say goodbye. I wish animals lived longer lives so you don’t have to go through it multiple times. But they are so worth it.” I think they are God’s gift to us to help us learn to love, to realize what unconditional love looks like from them, to teach us how to sympathize, and even to be able to accept death as part of life.

I Found God today in another day of reflection, sorrow, and grace all at the same time.