“Aminals”, frogs, bunnies, dogs and now hamsters. Somehow God instilled a love of all things cuddly into my little girl. So much so that even today I hear, “awwwee a baby”. Screams of delight when rabbits bound across yards, deer cross the road, or frogs in the driveway, and that’s today. Mel was delighted when Lauren’s big brown eyes glimmered with the shine of joy when goats or ponies, pigs, or squirrels were to be seen at a distance, but uh, “not in the house”. When Lauren was born we had “children” prior to her arrival. Babe was my companion from my days in the academy. A beautiful Boxer with a gentle heart and a spry spirit who won Mel’s heart and was right at home when we married. She bounded with enthusiasm when Lauren came home and couldn’t contain herself at the sight of her new buddy. She was Lauren’s first pet, or maybe Lauren was hers, it’s funny with Boxers that way. But as Lauren grew older so did Babe and eventually the day came when we had to say goodbye. It was summer 1996, Lauren was almost four; it was an emergency trip to the vet, and there was nothing that could be done. I cried bitterly at the loss of my friend, and all our hearts were broken. I suppose it was the first loss Lauren had ever experienced. But even in the grimmest of situations God finds ways to bring us joy. My little girl with tearful eyes asked so hurtfully, “why did Babe have to die”. Oh, the anguish of parenthood at such times. My mind whirled, and I looked at her and said, “God wanted a good dog”. She looked down, then back up with confusion, “why would God want a dead dog?” The memory is precious, but a telling sign of the girl who would grow to a special woman. Yesterday she visited her mom’s grave for the first time by herself. She wrote wonderful thoughts about the visit that only a believer could write. In the list of memories I share in this life, most with Mel and now some without her, it’s those that touch the heart and remind me of God that give me strength. And I may be wrong, but I still think God loves a good dog…otherwise he wouldn’t give us so many wonderful stories about them.
Posted on: Fri, 07 Jun 2013 21:55:55 +0000
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