To Ms Sandra From Mom

Mom will be doing a post today so you will have to wait to hear from us til tomorrow:

Ms. Sandra,

I have been thinking and thinking about what to say to you. I know a lot of time has passed and I hate that I am just now posting a blog to you. 

When I read the horrible news I cried. I broke down and sat on my couch and held (my) Shelby and cried my eyes out. It broke my heart. And, still, writing this to you I have tears in my eyes.

You are a strong woman. I am so in awe of you. What you lived through is my worst nightmare. I mean that. Fires are my biggest fear. I know that your life changed in an instant. I simply cannot imagine and for that reason I am truly at a loss as to what to say. I feel like words are so inadequate. 

I want you to know that I admire you. I admire your strength and bravery. I admire you for what you did to help (your) Shelby. You changed her life. You made her whole. You brought her in and showed her love. You gave her the life she deserved and she knew what love was because of you. You opened your heart and your home to her. It breaks my heart that she is gone- that they are gone- but I know that they knew true love. That is so important to remember.

I do not know you. I don't know if you believe in someone higher than ourselves or not. But, I do. I believe in a loving God. I also believe in a God I will never truly understand, but have learned to trust. I truly believe that He has great things planned for you. 

I found the poem below and wanted to share it with you. It was really written about children, but it has been changed to fit. I read a quote one time that talked about how we don't really own pets, but we lease them and if we're lucky we have a long lease. I believe that pets are here to teach us things. I have learned a great deal from my girls and I know that many of the good changes in my life have come about because of them. I am truly a better person because of the MilShelb. I also read a quote once that said something like, "It is a fearful thing to love what death can touch." It sure is. It is scary. But, in the end, it is always worth it. 

Here is the poem. May it touch your heart and bring a smile to your face. Please know that you and your family are in my daily thoughts and prayers. 

"I'll lend you for a while a pup of mine," He said.
"For you to love the while he lives and mourn for when he's dead.
It may be six or seven years, or twenty-two or three,
But will you, till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you, and should his stay be brief,
You'll have his lovely memories as solace for your grief."

"I cannot promise he will stay; since all from earth return,
But there are lessons taught down there I want this pup to learn.
I've looked the wide world over in My search for teachers true
And from the throngs that crowd life's lanes I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, not think the labor vain,
Nor hate Me when I come to call to take him back again?"

"I fancied that I heard them say, "Dear Lord, Thy will be done!
For all the joy Thy pup shall bring, the risk of grief we run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may,
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay;
But should the angels call for him much sooner than we've planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand!"

Adapted from Edgar Guest