TRIBUTE TO MAGGIE

Dear Friends,

I am writing to let you know that this past Wednesday I had to make the heart-wrenching decision to have my beloved Boxer, Maggie, put down. It was painful for me but a blessed relief for her and her 8 month ordeal with diabetes, pancreatitis, and who knows what else. She tried so hard but I could not let her continue to be in pain. I know there is a place in heaven for a dog's soul for if there isn't there wouldn't be a place for any of us.

She has been my constant companion for almost 10 years. She was with me all through seminary and curled up on the footstool between my legs as I read hundreds of hours of theology, church history and the like. For my four years in ministry she often went to the church with me. She spent untold hours sitting by my side as I read for, prepared for, and wrote my sermons. Her boundless energy, enthusiasm, optimism and love inspired me daily. Her zest for life and new experiences challenged me to live life to the fullest. The unconditional love she gave provided me a small sliver of insight into how it is to feel God's love. She was one of my windows into the divine.

She would be hanging over the couch watching out the front window for me to come home and greet me with a toy and the wiggliest body I ever saw. She knew me so well that she could tell immediately if I was upset or frustrated and would coming prancing over with one of her toys to make it better. She would lick my tears when I cried, curl up next to me when I was sick, and was ready for a ride or walk at a moment's notice. She was my confidante, my counselor, my spiritual director - she ministered to me in the way only dogs can. What a gift she was to me.

There is a dog-shaped hole in my heart that aches with an emptiness and loneliness that only time and God can heal. I just wanted you to know because I may not be my usual efficient and up-beat self for awhile. I cannot distract myself with the details of life 24 hours a day. I must make the time and space to grieve this love of my life so that I may move through the pain to the wonderful memories we created and shared. Perhaps then God will have another dog for me to love and care for while it fills my heart once again - as only a dog can.

With thanks and praise to God for all the creatures who have loved and been loved by me,

Pastor Linda

02/05