The next time you see a post office employee, think of this true story. A family’s 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, the four year old daughter, Meredith, was crying and talking about how much she missed her dog. She asked if she could write a letter to God, so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. Her parents said that they thought it was a good idea, so she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is coming to heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog, even though she got sick. I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her, so when you see her, you’ll know that she was my dog. I really, really miss her.
Love, Meredith
Her parents put the letter in an envelope, with a picture of Abbey and Meredith, and addressed it to God in Heaven. They put their return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope (because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way up to heaven). That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. Her mom told her that she thought he probably had.
Then, the next day, there was a package wrapped in gold paper left on their front porch, and in an unfamiliar hand, it was addressed ‘To Meredith.’ Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers, called ‘When a Pet Dies.’ Taped to the inside front cover was the letter that Meredith had written to God, in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey and Meredith, along with this note:
Dear Meredith,
I want you to know that Abbey arrived safely in heaven. Having the picture was a big help. I recognized her right away. Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me, just like it stays in your heart. Abbey really loved being your dog. Since we don’t need our bodies in heaven, I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you, for you to keep to remember Abbey.Thank you for your beautiful letter, Meredith, and thank your mother and father for helping you to write and send it to me. What wonderful parents you have (I picked them especially for you). I send my blessings every day, and remember, I love you very, very much. By the way, if you ever wonder where I am, I’m easy to find. I am wherever there is love.
Eternally yours,
God
