We have a new Church, with a lovely patio area, between the old and the new.
They usually have refreshments and tables for some of our ministries out there.
This year, they decided to try a new tradition, people could remember their loved ones, with an ornament on the holiday tree that they put out on the patio. I have seen things like this before, but I have never participated...until now.
I decided to buy one for my Mom and my Dad. People who, of course, mean so much to me.
They made me who I am, for better or for worse and I love them and miss them so much.
They also decided to dedicate a tree, to our beloved pets.
This year is particularly poignant, because as much as Makenna makes me happy, it also brings back 15 Christmas' in the past that we shared with our Jessica and then later, our only Christmas with our Flower.
I have ornaments for both cats at my home, but I decided to give a donation and get one, for this tree.
I didn't think it was going to be a big deal, but I did manage to go to the dedication evening, the other day. They had hot chocolate and desserts there.
Then the priest came and first talked of our loved ones and how the holidays are the time we remember them the most.
With people, we believe that we will be reunited with our loved ones, but then when he went on to speak of our pets.
He said that a pet teaches us to care for something besides ourselves.
We take care of them and our reward for that, is their unconditional love of us.
That much love, the love between a pet and an owner, can't just disappear.
Hopefully on that final day, we will be reunited with them, too.
I cried. I admit it. :-)
If there aren't dogs and cats in Heaven, I ain't goin'. However, since "God" is "dog" spelled backwards, I'm not too worried... ;-)
ReplyDeleteAmen!
ReplyDeleteLeave to my sister to come out this this blog. by the way I liked what Piglet,MPH said also is a great statement. As I said before anyone who can make me smile is alright...:-)
ReplyDeleteah, can only agree. and i had tears burning when reading this blog, geez, blame it on this season :-)
ReplyDeletegot some catnip for Souris today... amazing... cats can get legally high lol. she was pawing into our vinyl albums instead of her play center.. i got this catnip spray and yesss... it helps :-)
Gina: Mine attacked the toilet paper the other day and reminded me of your little "mouse" Souris. I got Makenna a catnip mouse. lol
ReplyDeleteMartha: I hoped you would like the photos. My only worry is that I left the ornaments on the tree and today it is blowing a gale out there.
I get to keep them at the end of the season, but it may be a new ball, if they blew away.
I *like* this idea a lot, I think that I will share it with my work pastor.
ReplyDeleteSorry I have not been around much - crazy days and trying to stay anchored in Advent. Also I was asked to preach again and that took a lot of my thought, prayer and writing time.
Piglet - thank you for the *beautiful* comment that you left at my blog the other day, thank you.
Peace, blessings and pure joy of Christmas to all.
Angel - I am so glad that we reconnected after so many years. God bless the blogs!!!
Glad you liked this, Fran. It is similar to the blessing of the animals that your Church does...which I liked. :-)
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas to you and yours.
Cathy