My Dog Died

            Picture her standing there. Talking on the phone. Very pregnant. Her first child will arrive soon. Grief showing in her now dry eyes. A bit of anger in her voice.

            “. . . . I feel like God is making a trade with me. I guess I am getting the better part of the trade, but, . . .”

And God speaks to me:

          “I do not trade. You do not have to pay for your child with the life of the dog that has been your companion since you yourself were a child. He was old. You gave him the best that could be expected from you. Your responsibility to him was the care and love you gave him. It was his time.

            If it makes you feel better, you can believe that God did this with a purpose. If it makes you feel better, you may believe God gave you the child because God knew your dog would die. But now, you have a new task. Your responsibility to your child begins now.

            Feel the joy that this change in your life brings. Keep in mind that you yourself will someday be mourned, and so will the child you have been given. Each generation, your grandchildren, and great grandchildren will all be mourned when it is their time. It is your life now that is important. Live it.