We have one dog, two cats and a hamster. One cat and the hamster were compliments of my son who loves animals. He has asked for just about every kind of pet in the world, over the course of his life.
Once the excitement dies down and the work of taking care of them comes in, that usually ended up with me. Good thing I love animals too.
Last Saturday, I went in to say good morning to “Peachy” our hamster. (Notice the OUR – hihi). I generally started by adding food and then offering a blueberry or raspberry that she would take out of my hand. That morning, she was still warm, but lifeless.
I justified in my mind, “Hamsters don’t live long. It has been about 2 years now. It’s just part of life”.
Over the past couple of days, I’d remember a memory and think of her. Something was definitely off with me.
This morning, when I went to my Lord and asked him for his thoughts, all the grief I was feeling for that small hamster, came pouring out. The cleansing of my tears comforted me and helped me to realize that death, no matter how small, affects me.
To hold a creature or loved one so close that I feel his breath, the warmth of his body and see the memories made each day, it becomes a part of me.
Once gone, I keep the memories forever.
God created animals for pleasure – just because he loves me and you. To make our days brighter, to show unconditional love and to give us a glimpse of the wondrous love he has waiting for us in heaven.
Psalm 35:14 (NIV) I went about mourning as though for my friend or brother. I bowed my head in grief as though weeping for my mother.
Thank you dear Lord for “Peachy” and thank you for knowing I needed tears to cleanse the hurt away as I rest today in your arms. Love Donna
TEARS CLEANSE
