Joy Angel, Frankie

I recently ran across this poem about losing a dear beloved pet. It resonated with me on many different levels. I especially loved this line, “Stop thinking, and just feel it. And let love do the rest.”

One thing I continue to be so grateful for before Frankie passed away, is exactly this. I was in the moment of each second, minute, and hour before she passed away. It was a gift to hold her in my arms and thank her for everything she did for me. I set aside the pain and sadness I knew was coming. I knew I would feel it and move through it soon. But in those hours I just wanted to BE with her. Our souls touching, connecting, feeling. Not for one last time, but so that I could recall it and feel it when I need it most.

Frankie, like all animals, truly are Joy Angels, if we can find the courage to let them be just that. Enjoy the poem.

Joy Angels

by Lisa Dingle

I sat still, in the waiting room
My old dog at my feet
Another tear had made its way
Haltingly down my cheek.

I heard a voice, from ‘cross the room
And I realized that she
Was speaking, so very softly
To the old dog, and to me.

“Ah, he’s an old boy, and you’re sad,”
With that much, she had surmised
What we were doing here today
I looked up, into her eyes.

She smiled, just a little bit
She asked me if I knew
Where he was going after this
And my head and heart withdrew.

“I don’t believe in bridges
Made of rainbows.” I softly said
Reaching down to lay my hand
Atop my old dog’s head.

I heard her rising from her chair
She came and knelt beside my boy
And she said she had to tell me
About angels filled with joy.

“Ever since I was a little girl
I’ve been able to see
And talk to those who’ve gone before
And they have talked to me.”

“When a child leaves this world
They have a special place
In the next world they become
‘Joy Angels’, filled with grace.”

“Joy Angels have their pick of roles
And the one that they love best
Is as Greeter for the Animals,
All of whom are blessed.

“For every single animal,
Whether wild or quite tame
It works out every single time
And it’s always just the same.”

“When an animal is entering
The bells begin to chime
And a Joy Angel is right there for them
Every
Single
Time.”

I searched her eyes for some sign
That she did not believe
That she was telling me the truth,
Or that she was naive.

She looked at me, and then my boy
“Can I just suggest… “
“Stop thinking, and just feel it.
And let love do the rest.”

And too soon I was cradling him
Gently in my arms
I told him not to be afraid
Not to be alarmed.

I loved him so very much
He was such a good, good boy
And he had someone waiting for him
An angel, filled with joy.

And when I got home I whispered,
In a house quiet and still,
“Take care of him”, and I swear I heard
A small voice say, “I will”.

Shared today in special memory of friends who have recently lost their beloved pets: For Mary and Weaver, Jodee and Sargent Harvey and Scotty and Maggie.