Monday, June 20, 2011

Raindrop

At about 2:25am this morning Raindrop, Mia's precious little hamster and best friend, went to be with Jesus. It was probably one of the saddest things I have experienced. This was Mia's first real experience with loss and grief and pain. I was stunned at how her pain was so incredibly painful for me. I felt like I was losing one of my little ferrets all over again. The pain I felt for Mia was so strong.

Jesus is so incredibly kind. He reveals that side of Himself to me over and over again. Mia and I had gone to bed. I awoke at 1:55 and felt like I was supposed to check on Raindrop, as she had not been doing well all day long. When I found her, it was obvious that she had very little time left. I decided at that moment that I would hold her until she died. I really think no one, not even a little animal, should have to die alone. I spoke quietly to her, prayed for her, stroked her little face. Then I woke Mia, knowing that she would be devastated if she did not get to say good bye. We laid in the bed, loving on Raindrop, crying and praying for her. When I brought Raindrop back into our little den, the rain started to pour down from the sky. I told Mia that I believed that God was weeping with her, because He knew how brokenhearted she was feeling. He has that kind of heart, you know...He really does. Raindrop breathed her last breath while we held her.

This morning, I will bury this little creature. I am sure it will be a tough time for my baby. She's never done this before. Yet, I am certain that when we get back from our trip to the mid-west, we will get a new little friend. Somehow, in the end, the beauty and joy that these little pets bring to our lives makes the pain of their death worth it.