Monday, February 27, 2023
He will wipe away all tears from their eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. ~ Revelation 21:4 GNT
I knew that my two youngest granddaughters’ visit would hold the challenge of a visit without their best entertainment, Kiko. He was a part of the family before either of them was adopted. I was a bit anxious about how I would keep them occupied, and also aware that they would have questions about Kiko’s death.
I had planned for a couple of activities they might want to do as a way of acknowledging the loss. Counselor and Pastor Nana knew just what to do. I think that was more about my own grief than theirs. Kiko did come up a lot in their conversations, and we would tip-toe around talking about him for a short while, then Marie-Hélène would say, “I don’t want to talk about this,” and we’ve move on to something else.
So, I was surprised when I discovered that the pawprint the vet made after Kiko died had been decorated. The clay imprint was on a small filing cabinet in my office at home, and I’d put his dog tag nearby. seemed drawn to it. I didn’t notice until after they returned home that she had taken three heart-shaped stones that were sitting on a piece of driftwood on the same cabinet and Marie-Hélène had placed them like a lei around the pawprint.
The Bible promises that someday God will wipe away all the tears from our eyes. There will be no more death, no more grief or crying or pain. But until that day we are left to process grief in our own time and own ways. Marie-Hélène was processing it in a very concrete way, creating a memorial without words.
Until that day, I am grateful for the many lessons I learn from little girls. ~ Anne
P.S. – I discovered lots of notes from little girls in the Worry Jar about Kiko. I’m glad they have a place to hold those feelings. Maybe I need to follow their lead.
P.P.S. – I’ve been busy working on a writing project not related to writing meditations, but writing notes of gratitude. I plan to be more regular going forward.
Wayfinding 