Christmas at Rainbow Bridge..

This is for my beloved Barney and Patch...I will never forget you my darlings...

As the midnight hour approaches on Christmas Eve, a tremendous celebration begins. If you listen closely you will hear the exuberant sound of Bridge kids preparing for the remarkable moment that comes but once a year. Puppies romp through the tall green grass, chasing butterflies and rolling over and over until fits of giggles bring them to a tumbling stop. Kittens, cats, tigers and lions purr in pure delight while the wings of snow white doves gently caress the air.

The babbling brook overflows onto the edge of mossy banks and fins of treasured aquatic life quiver in anticipation of this most joyous event. Nestled in the midst of this happy choir of Bridge kids are the littlest angel tots staring in awe at the majestic Christmas tree adorned with flowing strands of angel hair. Effervescent, twinkling stars seesaw elegantly from the sky and land in glorious harmony upon the stoic limbs of Heaven's most perfect Christmas tree. Swaying to and fro in nearby rocking chairs are grandmothers, grandfathers, parents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters. The sound of their whispered lullabies permeate the air as they sing to tiny angel babies resting quietly in their arms.

Like magic, a great stirring is heard. Each Bridge kid stops and listens, knowing the time is near. The roar of purrs drops to barely an audible hum, the brook ripples hypnotically and the flutter of downy feathered wings fall silent. Heaven's spirited toddlers climb expectantly upon the laps of angels while babies coo in tranquil unison. Amidst the warm glow of candle light rising from the earth below, the arms of the Bridge Keeper envelop the heavens. Into the precious hands of each child and in front of each animal a holy gift is placed. With grand exuberance the ribbons are removed and left to fly on a tender breeze.

As the golden lids of these heavenly gifts are raised, an amazing aura fills the sky, reaching down to the very core of the earth. Ascending from each and every box is the greatest gift of all ... unending, unconditional, all-encompassing love. This blessed love gently wraps itself around the cherished souls of heaven, warming their hearts with beacons of radiant light and bringing forth from angels an exquisite chorus. The distance between heaven and earth has vanished. At the moment of midnight, the Bridge Keeper, His children, angels and Bridge kids send a message to their earthly loved ones on the wings of this unbridled love. Listening carefully with an open heart we will hear the familiar voice of our own angel whisper softly into our ear their Christmas message, "Let me share with you this love of mine, always and forever. When you need me, know that I am here. I have not left you for I am in your heart where I belong. Our love is eternal as is the brilliant glow of candlelight that illuminates the path to the heavens and Rainbow Bridge. I wait patiently as do you for our inevitable and glorious reunion. I love you, I love you, I love you." Author unknown