Braveheart

We lost Braveheart on 11/24/08 due to heart failure. Beautiful, strong, determined, inspirational ... these are only a few of the words that describe Braveheart.  He challenged us all to keep going regardless of the obstacles.  He will be forever missed and loved.

Below are testimonials and letters to Barb and SCBR about this wonderful bird.

My heart breaks for your loss. Braveheart had the heart of a warrior to survive what he did to come to you and still be able to love, trust, care.

Your work is not done; Braveheart will count on you to keep up his work, passing his story on to others...

May time heal, prayers to you and Braveheart...

Now, find the time, to step outside, and look upwards towards the Heavens....

Can you see Braveheart flying free, feet tucked up against his body, diving and landing on a favorite tree...All healed in body and spirit...

He knew he was loved by you...and this allowed him a slice of heaven on Earth....

Again, my heart breaks for your loss...My flock and I will say a special prayer for Braveheart...

Marlene and her adopted flock

Barb,

Can't even begin to know what to say. With tears in my eyes and heart, please know how sorry I am at the loss of such a wonderful creature. I wish we got to meet him when we were up there. I know that if it were not for you and your efforts, Braveheart would not have had the love and attention he deserved. Hope you can find comfort knowing you saved him and all the wonderful memories you have of him and knowing you make a difference in these birds life's as well as those who love them.

Again, know that my tears flow with yours.

Please stay in touch.

Judy

I'm really sorry I'm not there today.  I want to be there so badly, but I unfortunately don't have a ride, and without my car, my wings are clipped, so to speak.  You're in my thoughts and prayers today...  and I want you to know I was going to bring this.  It's unfair for you to have to wait for it, so...  I really hope it does him justice.  I'm giving you the original.
 
I love you, Barb.  Hang in there.  You have a lot of people who love you and who really care about you, and the birds.

Hey guys...  not making anyone cry, but I tend to gush over Second Chance and you guys to my friends.  A lot.  :)  I told one of them what happened to Braveheart (his story, and what happened earlier this week), and she felt she needed to draw him.  Here's the letter she sent me, and the drawing.
 
Brave's touched many people, guys...  and I'm so glad, so thankful, so honored to be a part of Second Chance.  I love you guys.  And I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving.  ::many hugs::
 
Christine

I told the story of Braveheart to my friends and they all send their condolences. I have also finished up the picture I promised you in honor of him. I hope its good enough. Please send along all our regrets to the many friends that wonderful little bird has. I'm certain that he is quite happy where he is now, with feet, plenty of feathers, toy balls that jingle when he plays with them and as much fruit and nuts as he can ever possibly eat!
 
Your friend,
 
Claire

Ok I am going to start by sending comments people have sent for Braveheart....Its amazing how many people loved him.

THIS IS MY POST.... 

Saying good bye to the most special bird ever.

This is one of the hardest posts I have had to ever make, Through the years we have all lost our loved ones, and had many tears together, It is with great sorry and a heavy heart, that we all need to say good bye to one of the most special birds that have touched all of our hearts,
On Monday we lost the greatest gift we lost our Braveheart  :cry:  Braveheart showed no signs of any problems, and just peacefully passed in the night, We had a necropsy done to find out why we lost such a special boy, The vet called me last night, and it seems as if Braveheart had a vascular disease (bad heart ) The vet says this is hereditary and was passed down to him from his parents, His arteries hardened and his heart gave up, They also saw signs of blood clots in his legs from his trauma poor circulation ,The vet told me this is just like people there are no signs of heart disease until it is to late, He told me to be at peace that Braveheart did not suffer.

I can not tell you all the pain I have in my heart right now, I keep praying this was a bad dream and I will wake up from it, walking into the shelter without Braveheart here was the hardest thing to do, Braveheart is ,was the reason I fight so hard for these birds, He is the reason I found a true friend (Nancy)  This bird through the six years he has been with me, has brought many people together to fight for the ones who can't speak for themselves, He has opened many peoples eyes to reality of abuse that goes on with these helpless souls.
I don't think there has been a more devastating loss.

I ask everyone here to please take a few moments in silence and remember Braveheart, remember what he meant to so many, remember the strength this brave soul had, He is ,the true meaning of Brave ,If we could all just be as brave as he was.

He will be cremated along with his favorite toy from Aunt Nancy ,and will return home here at the shelter were he will have a memorial done, He will always be remembered here in our hearts forever.


Braveheart my most special boy, I will never forget you, you will always be in my heart forever, you touched me in such a way no other has, although right now the pain of loosing you is so deep, I know you are now free, you have feet and wings again, you can now fly and perch like a normal boy ,Please don't worry about us, be free to be flying high, were no one can ever hurt you again, you just fly in that bright blue sky and if you just keep flying you will soon find many waiting for you, many to greet you with open wings.

This is not good bye, this is I will see you again. I love you so much Braveheart and one day my tears will dry and I will be able to smile thinking of how you touched so many hearts...


Be free my sweet boy   :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:  :cry:

K&T Dad... He will always be in the hearts and minds of those who were fortunate to ever be in his presence! He is a great loss, but through the pain he endured opened up many of minds to the awareness of abused and neglected Parrots. He helped so many of his own kind and now will be looking over them up in the Rainbow Sky.. Fly Free Brave heart, you will never be forgotten!

Oh now I have big tears in my eyes from reading that, at least the last 6 years of his life he was loved and well taken care of... take comfort in knowing that, I am so sorry for your loss.

Aw, that makes me cry!!! Poor Braveheart, rest in peace. At least he had a very good home for the last portion of his life. You guys are in my thoughts.

Oh my god... That's so sad! The screen is blurry due to tears... He always was a fighter, even through the roughest of times. Fly free, little one!

I'm very sorry to hear of the passing of Braveheart. He sounds like a very special parrot who made a big impact on the many lucky enough to meet him and will be greatly missed.

I'm so so sorry about your loss Braveheart never met him. But from your testimony he was a special bird. May your heart be comforted during you great loss........

I'm sorry for you loss Chance, what a special guy he was! Fly high Braveheart, you'll be missed by MANY!

 omg how sad...big beaky kisses from me and my flock chance we feel for you (((BIG HUGS)))

I'm so sorry chance but like you said this isn't a goodbye forever. Right now little Braveheart is watching over you and the birds in the sanctuary waiting for when the time is right for you guys to rejoined. I'm terribly sorry that for now you have to say good bye for now but now he's flying high and proud. I'm terribly sorry.' But I'm also glad I could meet such an amazing little African grey and I know he was amazingly well loved in your sanctuary care. Rest in peace little Braveheart.

I am crying right along with you...I am very sorry you have lost such a beautiful boy.

I am so glad the last 6 years of his life were with people who loved and respected him. He looked really happy in that picture

When you are able to; please post a picture of the memorial you will make for him.

I will most definitely take a few moments to think of Braveheart and all of you who are grieving.

Juley

I'm so very sorry that you lost such a special bird. I know it will be very hard for you, but you do so many amazing things for birds, and you should keep on for Braveheart. I know that you gave him an amazing life while he was with you.

I'm so sorry!!! He was truly an amazing spirit!! You will be reunited with him again someday!!!! Fly high dear Braveheart you touched so many lives!!!! Fly high!!! You will be deeply missed!!!! 

Sorry to hear about little Braveheart. You did everything that you could for him and gave him all the love that he could want. Sounds like he died peacefully as a happy bird.

Oh Barb, I'm so sorry. There is some real wisdom in his name - a gift for you, to help you get through the sorrow. That is what you have to do now, have a brave heart and look forward to being able to remember the good times and what came of his time with you.

((((((Big hugs))))))

I'm so sorry to hear about Braveheart's passing. You will all be in my thoughts.

I echo Kara's sentiments. My bird, Tiberous, is on my shoulder right now and it breaks my heart to think of the day that I will have to face the pain you are now experiencing.

I feel for you and the special fellow you lost...

I am so deeply sorry for your loss. I'm a licensed vet tech. If you have any questions, or if I can be of any help, don't hesitate to contact me. You and Braveheart are in my thoughts & prayers!

Although we did not personally get to know Braveheart, we, upon visiting your page, felt the love and compassion you felt for this beautiful soul and are sure that he was happy and had found all the love and happiness that any soul could ask for in this life. I truly believe that you have given him the courage to go on when others did not and he was not the only Braveheart at SCBR. Life is a give and take...you gave as much of yourself as he gave you and for that your tears are half joy and half sorrow... He will be missed, but also will miss you as you filled his heart with joy... He is free, whole and truly at peace.

We are truly sorry for your loss...and his.

Hugs and comforting thoughts to you,
Deb and Misha

We at the Olive Branch Parrot Rescue morn your loss. Loosing a parrot that holds such a special place in your heart is very difficult. We lost our most beloved African Gray Sergeant on Sunday, and we are deeply aware of the pain you are feeling. Our thoughts and prayers will be with you during this difficult time.

This is heartbreaking. It doesn't heal the heart any faster but take comfort in the fact that the end of his days were so much more fulfilling and happy and love-filled than the beginning and if he had to go. He went loved and cherished.
I'm sorry.

I am so sorry to hear about Braveheart. He was such a special and wonderful bird and his name truly represents who he was. He will never be forgotten

Words cannot express how sorry I am for your/the worlds lost of such a great little guy. The first time I read his story I could not stop crying. He touched my heart in such a way to know what he had overcome. Watching the video of him on the floor and throwing the ball with such attitude just like my little guy makes my laugh even now. I will be remembering you and the rest of the family over the next few weeks and will say special prayer for ya'll every time I think of you and him. Bless you

I am so sorry to hear about your loss, losing a bird (any pet really, but birds are one the hardest to lose) is so difficult. It sounds as though you did all you could though, so at least he passed with a loving caretaker.

I am so so sorry for your loss!

Fly free Braveheart!

Hugs and strength to you Barb.

Barb & friends:

I am deeply saddened to hear of Braveheart's passing. May you find comfort in knowing you showed him what it was like to be loved... REALLY loved... This special angel is free now... watching over you and the shelter. His spirit will always remain within you... Bless You all...

Robin

I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my first little Senegal in June and it just broke my heart. I still miss his snuggling. I'm sure they are at the Rainbow Bridge together flying free and happy.

I am so sorry. Braveheart was such a great example of the courage and adaptability of birds and of their ability to survive all of the evil we can throw at them. He may have lost his talons, but he never lost his spirit. Fly Free Braveheart!

That's terribly sad. Sorry for the loss of Braveheart. I'm sure he'll be as happy where he is now as he brought to others.

Wow, I just came home from work to read this!  I don't know what to say?  I am very sorry for the pain you must be feeling!  At least he is in peace, and touched so many..  Through his brave spirit Brave heart has helped many of his own kind, and helped bring out the awareness of abused Parrots.  He was a one of a kind, brave Parrot!  He will be greatly missed.

Oh my gosh... I am so sorry! He has definitely lived up to his name... At least the last few years of his life he was happy.

My deepest sympathies. I am so sorry.

Fly free Braveheart..

This certainly brought tears to my eyes this morning. Thank you for taking him in and loving him for the time he was with you............

gary

OMG! That is horrible! I'm glad he got to spend his last years with you.

I'm in shock. Braveheart was a very special bird and Barb was remarkable with him. RIP my feathered friend, you will never be forgotten.

Barb I'm am so sorry. Know that you made his life very special and he died knowing what it is like to be truly loved. He will forever live in your heart and I would bet he is still hanging out keeping an eye on things.

Lend to You a Bird

"I will lend to you for awhile, a bird" God said.
For you to love him while he lives and to mourn for him when he is dead.
Maybe for twelve of fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you and should his stay be brief,
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I can not promise that he will stay, since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught below I want this bird to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true,
And from the folks that crowd life's land, I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain,
Nor hate me when I come to take my lovely bird again.
I fancied that I heard them say,
For all the joys this bird will bring, the risk of grief you'll run.
Will you shelter him with tenderness?
Will you love him while you may?
And for the happiness you'll know, forever grateful stay?
But should I call him back much sooner than you've planned,
Please brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand.
If, by your love, you've managed, my wishes to achieve,
In memory of him you've loved, be thankful, do not grieve.
Cherish every moment of your feathered charge.
He filled your home with songs of joy, the time he was alive.
Let not his passing take from you those memories to enjoy.
"I will lend to you, a Bird" God said, and teach you all you have to do.
And when I call him back to heaven, you will know he loved you too. 

Fly free, Braveheart. You were an ambassador for every bird in need while you were alive; now you are an Angel to every bird that needs you. Barb, Braveheart will always be on your side. Know that when you feel a whisp of air on your cheek or in your hair, it is Braveheart saying "Hi, thank you and love you." Or it may be his way of telling you another bird in need of your tender loving care.

Barb, I'm so sorry. Braveheart will live on through you and your work. He is one of so many who have had the good fortune to find their own special angel here on earth, an angel named Barb who gave them that second chance. I wish there were something I could do to ease your pain, but only time can help with that. Be at peace knowing that Braveheart knew your love and dedication while he was with you, and I know he'll be waiting to meet you again some day at the bridge. In the meantime, treasure those other lives that you hold in trust, that they will also have the love, happiness and security that you gave to him. Bless you Barb, my thoughts are with you today.

I'm so sorry Barb. Braveheart was so special. Thank you for being there for him. He knew comfort and love in your hands. Fly free Braveheart.

He truly was a Braveheart. My most sincere condolences to you. Fly high free bird!

Although I did not know his story, the brief summary and picture was all it took for me to realize what a special bird he was. Thank you for doing everything you did for him. I am so very sorry for your loss.

Braveheart:
We thought of you with love today, but that is nothing new.
We thought about you yesterday and days before that too.
We think of you in silence. We often speak your name.
Now all we have is memories, and your picture in a frame.
Your memory is our keepsake, with which we'll never part.
God has you in his keeping.
We have you in our heart.

Fly free now Braveheart.

Deepest sympathies fly free Braveheart.

Fly free dear Braveheart - your wings work again.

By the edge of a wood, at the foot of a hill is a lush, green meadow where time stands still. Where the friends of man and woman do run, when their time on earth is over and done. For here, between this world and the next, is a place where each beloved creature finds rest. On this golden land, they wait and they play, till the Rainbow Bridge they cross over one day. No more do they suffer, in pain or sadness, for here they are whole, their lives filled with gladness. Theirs limbs are restored, their health renewed, theirs bodies are healed, with strength imbued. They romp through the grass, without even a care, until one day they start, and sniff the air. All ears prick forward, eyes dart front and back, then all of a sudden, one breaks from the pack. For at just that instant, their eyes have met, Together again, both person and pet. So they run to each other, these friends from long past, the time of their parting is over-at last. The sadness they felt while they were apart, has turned to joy once more in each heart. They embrace with a love that will last forever, and then side-by-side, they cross over....together (Author Unknown-Inspired by Norse legend)

Oh Barb! God bless your sweet heart and give you some comfort. Remember the bible says that not even one sparrow falls to the ground without the Father. I am thankful that he had you and knew love and kindness for his last years. I hope he can meet up with my Gipper (tag).

You showed him compassion, taught him trust and gave him love.
I'm so sorry your Braveheart is gone, but his last memories are of the peace and contentment you gave him...and they are with him still. Perhaps, someday, the peace you gave him will return to you too.

First off let me say that I didn't know the story of Breaveheart until I read the previous post. I need to wipe my tears right now. And tell you that you are a wonderful woman for taking him in and caring for him for so many years after what he went through with his previous owner. That is why god made people like you. Your thread has touched so many hearts that I can't even begin to explain. Rest in peace Braveheart.

I am so sorry for your loss, but so very glad that Braveheart found love and a purpose in his life. He is whole and unfettered now and still knows the special place he holds in so many hearts.

Fly free, Braveheart.

Oh, Barb, I'm so sorry. Braveheart truly earned his name. I can only echo the others who have put it so well. Fly free, little one.

Oh my heart just goes out to you...gosh as I was reading your story, I had tears in my eyes, could hardly read the rest...

(((((((((((((((((((hugs)))))))))))))))))

So sorry for your loss. Braveheart passed away knowing he was loved, you can be sure of that.

Morena

Bless your heart! I know it hurts.....

You poor thing - I know Braveheart will not be unhappy now & I know you wish him, even now, all the best. Be like him - be brave and heal after you grieve. You did a wonderful thing giving him love & dignity in his final years.

My sympathies.

My heart goes out to you, Barb; there just isn't any words that can explain how we feel loosing a special companion. Know that seeing him when you close your eyes is a good thing, he is an angel and is with you. Our loved sweet babies are always with us if we never forget. I also wish that every one of us would love and skirch our fids everyday so if it happens to us, we will know that we loved them every bit as much as we could.

Barb,

I'm so sorry for your loss and I know through the tears im crying that he had a wonderful life and finally knew what it was to be loved because of you. All the pain and confusion that was inflicted on him through what those horrible people did to him, is finally gone and he is free. Fly free sweet boy and remember that Barb loves you always and forever.

I am so so sorry Barb. He was a special boy who will never be forgotten. RIP little angel...

God, I'm so sorry Barb, my heart goes out to you....fly free Braveheart...you can climb and play and be wild and free...we will miss you, and remembers you forever.

Good bye for now Braveheart, I will miss hearing you knock on your cage and the cute little wave I would always get from you. You finally let me stroke your head, Thank you. Fly Free, you will be greatly missed.

Fly free Braveheart


You will not be forgotten.

Barb I had to keep reading this post over and over. I can not believe Braveheart is gone. But he is not gone. He will live in our hearts forever. Fly free little man. Nancy, I know how hard this is on you as well. Thank you everyone for loving this special soul. My thoughts are with you all.

Take care,

Sandi

I am shocked....so sorry Barb, what a special brave boy he was. He knew so much love while he was with you. He is now flying free with Max and I know Max will take care of him.

Oh Barb, I am so sorry! I can hardly type through the tears.

Fly high and free with the angels little one!

Bless you girl.

Hugs, Kim

OMG I am so sorry Barb. I will send you and Braveheart a special card.

Barb, I thought about you all day.........praying for you to have strength.....hoping so hard you could feel my hugs to you from long distance, wishing like you said that we didn't live so far apart........
The lump in my throat fighting back the tears all day just about choked me..........Barb... I lost a piece of my heart and soul right along with you.......

Visions of Braveheart with each closing of my eyes, memories, seeing the first pictures of him, fond memories of my visits with him first at your home, then at the shelter flashing thru my mind............ I love him so so much, he was a treasure never to be had again, letting me touch him the first time I met him in person, you warning me, "you'll lose a finger doing that"............lol................he just let me touch him. The fun we had on the living room floor, biting my shoes, tossing his crinkle ball...............the trust and love he showed in you.

He brought me to you, I could never thank him enough for that..........

I thank you so much from the bottom of my heart for sending a "part" of me with him................ I love him so so much.

I will miss you with tears, fond memories and the feel of your nubbins on my finger tips. Eventually I too will be able to smile, knowing how brave you were, how trusting you were and being such a special part of my life.

I will never forget you my sweet boy................you will live in my heart forever, giving me the strength to carry on here at home, with your cousins............ I think of you daily when I look at my flock, making me think of Barb, and back full circle to you..............

you are the reason I'm here BH, we will never let you be forgotten..........

I love you sweet boy, I love you..........................xoxoxoxoxoxo

Oh Barb, I'm am in tears. I know how special that little guy was to you. His life was tragic, but you loved him and gave him a true home.

My heart feels heavy for you. I am glad I was able to meet Braveheart in person and he even let me touch him. I feel special that I had that encounter with him, now more than ever.

Please know that you are in my thoughts and prayers today.

Fly free Braveheart!

I know its hard Barb, but it will change. I don't like to say it will get better, but it will change to something different. One day at a time my dear, one day at a time.

As long as we remember him, he will never be forgotten.

Please remember you made his last years on this earth the best. If Braveheart could tell you thank you, he would.

I pray this day his hand extends to welcome home a flier...
Fly free Braveheart...

Gosh, Barb, I wish I could make it easier for you, but you just have to somehow work through all that pain.

I felt the same way when Max was gone...like my insides were ripped out. When I felt I couldn't cry another tear, more rushed out. I wished so badly I could have that one extra day with him to treat him so very special....

Just let those emotions out and one day you will start to be able to focus more on the wonderful times you had with him....you gave him a wonderful loving life...you should feel proud of yourself and blessed to have had those years with a special grey named Braveheart.

You are such a special angel B, we all know how hard this is....... I love you.

I'm so sorry Barb for everything you've gone through with this. Daisy and I send our love and support.

Barb,
(((HUGS)))
I am truly sorry! I remember the day you were asked to pick up Braveheart..............

He is with you more than you know..........he helped mold you into who you are today............YOU are the reason he had such wonderful years....... he's still with you B, he always will be. He wants you to take care of yourself so you can continue to help his friends.

MISS ME, BUT LET ME GO.

When I come to the end of the road,
and the sun has set me free,
I want no rites in a gloom filled room,
Why cry for a soul that is free?

Miss me a little, but not too long
And not with your head bowed low.
Remember the love that we once shared;
Miss me, but let me go.

For this journey that we all must take
And each must go alone,
It's all part of natures plan...
A step on the road home.

When you are lonely and sick at heart,
Go to the hills we both know.
And bury your sorrows amongst the trees;
Miss me, but let me go.

(Author unknown)

Until we meet again..

You say that all you have left are memories but this is not so. You see, when I took leave of my earthly body I left a little something behind for you. You can't touch it, hold it or examine it, for what I left behind is far too uninhibited for confinement. I left in your tender care a piece of my soul. I placed it right next to your own which is quite fitting as we were always side by side in our earthly life together. I love you too much to have left you with nothing but memories that tend to fade and grow cloudy as the years go by. I love you too much to have vanished without a trace. How selfish it would be of me to remove love and light from your life.
I understand your tears, each one you shed is testament to your love for me and I am honored and humbled. But don't forget the good things we shared - remember and smile. This is an honor for me as well. When you need me I will be here. Close your eyes, relax, take slow, deep breaths and picture me in your mind. Shut off the world and your notions of what you think death is and give me a chance. Look for the subtle signs I send you. Don't stop being proud of me, I am a friend to be proud of, I am still your friend and soul mate. Don't memorialize the death of my body but instead honor and celebrate my never-ending life for it is eternal and forever as is my love for you.

Until we meet again...

LOVE ETERNAL

I am the feeling of sunshine,
my presence the kiss of a dream.
I am happiness and tranquility,
My spirit, the flow of a stream.

Reach out! Can you feel me?
I'm with you, I'm here.
I surround you, I touch you,
I am always so near.

Look with your heart, you will see me.
I am warmth, I am trust, I am true.
You will hear me when you hear silence,
I am night, I am day, I am you.

I am the past, the present, the future,
I am peace, I am love, I am free.
I'm your hope, I'm your prayers, I'm your angel so sweet,
I am one, I am all, I am me.

A.M.Kenyon.

"You were his angel while he was on earth, now he is your angel''

I'm Still Here I was near you, by your bed last night; I came to have a peek. I could see that you were crying, you found it hard to sleep. I chattered to you softly as you brushed away a tear, "It's me, I haven't left you. I'm well. I'm fine. I'm here." I was close to you at breakfast. I watched you pour the tea. You were thinking of the many times your hands reached out to me. I was with you at my grave today. You tend it with such care. I want to reassure you, that I am not lying there. I flew with you back towards the house. As you fumbled for your key, I gently touched you with a feather, I smiled and said, "It's me." You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair. I tried so hard to let you know that I was perching there. It's possible for me to be so near you everyday To say to you with certainty, "I never went away." You sat there very quietly, and then smiled. I think you knew In the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you. The day is over - I smile and watch you yawning And say, "Good night, God bless, I'll see you in the morning." And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide, I'll fly across to greet you and we'll enter side by side. I have many things to show you. There is so much for you to see. Be patient, live your journey out... then come home to be with me. - Author Unknown -

Beyond The Rainbow


As much as I loved the life we had and all the times we played,
I was so very tired and knew my time on earth would fade.
I saw a wondrous image then of a place that's trouble-free
Where all of us can meet again to spend eternity.

I saw the most beautiful Rainbow, and on the other side
Were meadows rich and beautiful -- lush and green and wide!
And running through the meadows as far as the eye could see
Were animals of every sort as healthy as could be!
My own tired, failing body was fresh and healed and new
And I wanted to go run with them, but I had something left to do.

I needed to reach out to you, to tell you I'm alright
That this place is truly wonderful, then a bright Glow pierced the night.
'Twas the Glow of many Candles shining bright and strong and bold
And I knew then that it held your love in its brilliant shades of gold.

For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart.

Remember Our Love

I was chosen today
I'm learning to fly
the world took me away,
but please don't you cry

And I chose you today
to try and be strong
so please don't you cry
and don't say that I'm gone

When you're feeling alone
just remember our love,
I'm up near the stars
looking down from above.

Remember our love
In a moment you'll see
that I'm still here beside you
when you're thinking of me.

Julie Epp

A Place for Us
I know what you're thinking.
You think I'm dead. Because you cannot see
me with your human eye, cannot feel me,
with your hands or hold me in your arms.
You think I am gone forever.
You recall how I looked when I left this place
and you cannot remotely imagine that I could
possibly be alive in another place.
You are racked and torn by the pain of our
separation and it blinds you to that
which is right in front of you ... me.
How many times since I left your immediate
sight have you been told that I'm dead
and you should "get over it"...
How many times have you cried yourself to sleep
because you feel like an outcast,
believing you're supposed to get over me because
that's what people say is normal...
but somehow you can't and no one seems to understand?
How many times have you put yourself through
such excruciating pain because you aren't
willing to consider that I am not, by any means, dead.
I want you to do me a favor and go back in time with me.
Remember the glorious day I came into your home-
was I not the most intriguing creature you'd ever met?
Did I not make you laugh and giggle?
Did I not look at you with such adoration that you
wanted nothing more than to spend the rest
of your life with me? I wanted this too.
Remember the days when I was in my prime and
we did many things together. You were so proud of me!
I was a good friend and I took care of you
when you cried, were angry or felt down and unhappy.
When you didn't have a lot of time for me
because of your obligations, I waited patiently for you.
I was always there when you needed me.
Did I not look at you with such acceptance and patience
that at times you felt perhaps a bit unworthy?
You were never unworthy in my eyes.
Remember when age crept up on me, my bones became
stiff and my movements slower.
Still I met you at the door when you came home
and followed you around the house.
We'd been together for so long,
I was your very best friend regardless of what you
were doing, saying, thinking. Did I not look at you
with such kindness and understanding that you felt
overwhelmed? I couldn't get enough of you.
Remember the last time we saw each other with
earthly eyes? You tried to be brave but I knew
you were crying ...
I know you so well. Better than anyone else
in the whole world.
Did I not look at you with such pure trust and love
that you yearned only to hold me close
and keep me with you always?
Did you not promise that you would love me forever?
I believed you. If this is so then why have you let me go
by thinking I no longer exist?
Remember the depth in my eyes all those times
I looked at you with adoration, acceptance,
patience, trust and love.
Who created this depth and love?
Would the Creator diminish the song of our laughter
which was created in the name of love?
I am no longer an earthly figure, this is true.
My body was only part of who I really am.
My body would have been but a mere shell on earth
if it were not filled to overflowing with my soul,
my spirit, my loving light.
When we met you thought I was cute, sweet, pretty
and adorable. But what kind of relationship would
we have had if this is all that I'd been?
How could you have loved me if I'd had no spiritual
substance? We are all made up of energy which
resides far deep down inside of us, it is our core,
our soul, spirit and loving light.
It is the energy that is all of life ...
it has no beginning,
it has no end. It simply is and always will be
and without it there is no life.
You can't see it with the naked eye
nor can you hold it in your hand,
it is simply a certain knowing that this energy does exist.
It's a knowing just as you know
that our love existed on earth -
you couldn't see our love in a solid sense,
you couldn't gather it all up and confine it to one place.
But you *knew* it existed.
There was no doubt in your mind.
They demand you get over me, insisting that I'm dead
and you'll never see me again
because animals don't go to Heaven.
Oh really? I'm here to tell you different.
You were worthy of my love and undying devotion
on earth as I was of yours.
Do you really believe this love would be
snatched from us *forever* by a loving Creator
simply because I wasn't human? Was I not a living,
breathing creation with personality?
How could I have been so if I didn't possess
the energy of soul, spirit and loving light?
And if this energy is and always will be,
then how can it be that I am dead?
If my core is not of the energy that is all of life
then I was never alive to begin with.
But you know better. You cry because you miss me,
this I understand. I miss you too -
I miss the belly rubs, hugs and kisses that we shared.
But life does go on beyond these wonderful,
fulfilling physical connections.
I came to this place to live a whole new life,
not because I didn't love you anymore
or because I wanted something better.
I came here because it was time for me to go
to the next phase of my existance,
something all living creatures must do eventually.
It is the normal progression of life.
I was not taken away from you because you cannot
take away that which was never owned.
My presence in your life was and is a gift
to be cherished and honored
just as I cherish and honor you.
Life is not simply about being born into a body,
living a certain number of years and then dying.
Energy cannot die. We are blessed with time in a body
so that we can learn, share and grow.
It prepares us for the next phase of our eternal life.
The body holds within it the true life force
of our existence...our soul, spirit and loving light.
Without these our bodies would be empty, blank,
and void of feeling and expression.
Without our energy we would indeed be dead
and could never have experienced our love for each other.
You say that all you have left are memories.
Not so. You see, when I took leave of my earthly body
I left a little something behind for you.
You can't touch it, hold it or examine it.
For what I left behind
is far too uninhibited for confinement.
I left behind a piece of my soul.
I placed it right next to your own which is quite fitting
as we were always side by side in our earthly life together.
I love you too much to have left you with nothing but
memories which tend to fade and
grow cloudy as the years go by.
I love you too much to have vanished without a trace.
How selfish it would be of me to remove love
and light from your life.
I understand your tears, each one you shed is testament
to your love for me and I am honored and humbled.
But don't forget the good things we shared -
remember and smile. This is an honor for me as well.
And when you need me I will be here.
Close your eyes, relax, take slow, deep breaths
and picture me in your mind. Shut off the world and
your notions of what death is and give me a chance.
Look for the subtle signs I send you.
Don't stop being proud of me, I am a friend to be proud of,
I am still your friend and soul mate.
Don't memorialize the death of my body
but instead honor and celebrate my never-ending life
for it is eternal and forever as is my love for you.
Until we meet again...

Written by...Terri Onorato

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