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After the Rain
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After the rain
when the washing of my soul
has renewed the Light
within my heart
and made God’s love my goal
~
After the rain
when the tears have ceased
and faith’s restored
my broken heart
and joy is now released
~
After the rain
when the sun brilliant shines
and hope has birthed
a mended heart
and peace again is mine.
~
After the rain
when I’ve shed this burden
and He’s given Love
so my heart now full
is ready to believe again.
~
Wendy ❀ 2014
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~
I lost my dog, Sushi (my Pupcake).
He died during the last week of April
from the same illness he had beat once before.
( Immune Mediated Hemolytic Anemia )
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~
Pets have a way
of not just climbing into your lap—
but into your heart.
They love, trust, and believe
with a depth that shows ours often shallow.
~
~
Grief often accuses the bearer
with words that wound
even deeper:
You could have done more.
You could have loved more.
~
~
But the tears fall
and flow like a river
as I long to ride these rapids
after the one I lost
and bring him back to this side…
(this shore of life that we shared).
~
~
I waited on God.
I made a choice to look for His comfort.
It came.
~
~ ❀ ~
Many of you may recall that a lot of my flower pictures were taken
while I was outside with my little dog (some of these were).
Have you ever lost a pet unexpectedly?
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~
The picture below is one taken
after he’d started recovering in September.
~ ❀ ~
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‘Don’t cry for me
I’m in the Father’s garden
waiting for you’
~ ❀ ~
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Blessings of Loving Comfort ~ Wendy ❀
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Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ,
the Father of compassion and the God of all comfort,
who comforts us in all our troubles,
so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves
have received from God.
2 Corinthians 1:3-4
~ ❀ ~
Sorry to hear about your dog. Pets do have a way of wiggling their way into our hearts.
They sure do–thank you, Karen. ❀
So sorry to hear the sad news about Sushi. I’ve seen a friend loose his cat unexpectedly… it was very sad. Pets become very important members of the family. Very beautiful photos, poem, and thoughts Wendy!
Elina, thank you for your kindness. It’s the everydayness of pets that make it hard for people to lose them. Time heals the heart. I love the ‘green’ theme pictures you’ve recently posted. ❀
So true, time heals the heart. Thank you Wendy for your kind words and your visit on my blog!
Beautiful poem and photos 🙂 have a great and blessed day, sis Wendy 🙂
Thank you, dear Karina. ❀
Beautiful pictures and words, Wendy. I am so sorry about you losing your cute little dog.
Thank you, Bill. There’s an empty spot beside me as I type–but my heart is full of God’s peace. ❀
What beautiful words from you Wendy and I feel deeply for your loss. I have lost pets, both cats and dogs and it is heartbreaking beyond words. It is so easy to say they will always be in our hearts, but it is true and in time we can accept this and contentedly keep them forever close. But the “now” of it makes this difficult to see and it just doesnt seem enough. So we let ourselves go through the grieving and eventually we have peace. Im thinking about you and sending love x
Thank you, Christine. xo It always amazes me how grief refuses to take shortcuts even though we’ve been this way before. But as you so wisely say–we eventually reach the place of peace. ❀
Sorry Wendy I forgot to mention your photos which are outstandingly beautiful as always. X
Wendy,
You are an amazing and inspiring photographer! Thank you so much for sharing your talent. I learn so much through your eyes.
Thank you, Irene. I think we all inspire each other in bloggerville. You’ve just affirmed an idea I have for my next post. ❀
Beautiful, gentle words flowing from a grateful heart! I’m so sorry for your loss, I wish I’ve got eloquent words to offer but none, so I’ll whisper a prayer to God for His peace! I believe your dog is at peace now, and in a better place Wendy!
Love and hugs!
Seyi, thank you for your comforting presence here. Love & hugs back to you as you walk through the much deeper grief of losing a father. I’ve been there–and it is a much more profound place that thankfully also leads to peace. ❀
wow…breathtakingly beautiful! 🙂
Thank you, Geraldine. ❀
Lovely tribute the whole way through. I’m sorry for the loss of your dear 4 legged friend.
Thank you. I appreciate your kindness. Peace has come. ❀
So sorry to hear about your wee dog….
Thank you. ❀
Absolutely magnificent Wendy. You have such a gift with your photographs and words. So inspirational. Thank you.
Thank you, Don. I’m honored by your words–especially since your writing always encourages me to delve beneath the surface. ❀
Wendy,
I shall believe, always…especially after the rain! Beautiful picture! Your poems bless my heart!~Zoey
Thank you, Zoey. Your visits and your blog posts bless my heart–especially the Mother’s day one. ❀
My heart to yours, my friend ~ <3
I’m so sorry for your loss, Wendy. Thanks for sharing your heartfelt poems and photos…
Thank you, Karen. My little blogging buddy is missed–but we’re remembering him fondly. ❀
So sorry to hear of your loss Wendy. Pets are like family. And I’m sure that taking pictures without him will be hard at first. Your pictures are stunning, as always. Beautiful flowers with the tears that you must be feeling! many blessings to you.
Linda, you’re right. I haven’t been taking as many pictures around the garden. But today my daughter pointed out a dear little ladybug and then I went on to photograph a wee bird. Thank you for blessing me with your understanding. ❀
So sorry for your loss. May your memories of your little pup comfort you. Thank you for sharing your beautiful photos and words! Peace.
Thank you, Barbara for your words of comfort. Peace has come. ❀
I’m so sorry for you loss! Pets are so near and dear to our hearts. Unexpectedly, my cairn terrier passed away this February. He was our faithful watch dog for 11 years & the only dog I knew who smiled:). He was such a joy. Your heart is beautiful. God is the greatest comfort. He will provide joy❤️
Madi, your cairn terrier sounds like he was a sweetie. Thank you for your kindness. God has been faithful to provide comfort through blogger friends (like you) and in my community. ❀
I am so very sorry for your loss, Wendy. This was an absolutely beautiful post. <3
Thank you, Skye. Sushi was a gentle little fellow. ❀
Oh I’m so sorry you lost your precious companion. Our pets are like family members and the loss is agonizing. Blessings and hugs and love, Natalie
Thank you, Natalie. Blessings & hugs to you also. Grief is not a congenial visitor; thankfully it mellows with time. ❀
So sorry for your loss. It’s hard to lose a friend. Peace.
Indeed it is. Thank you. Bill. Peace has come. ❀
Fully identify with your sadness; and having read your words and looked at your pictures, I know your companion felt, still feels, a heart full of love.
Thank you for your kind words, Steve. It’s a risk to love–but we lose so much more if we don’t. ❀
I miss the little rat and his quirks. He’s left a few Sushi-spots around the house empty. Comfort-hugs for you!
Ian, I appreciate every one of your comfort-hugs. xo
It was your reaction to this post that blessed me most. A burden shared is easier to bear. ❀
It’s inevitable to loose something and somebody along the way. Great, you have found peace and have accepted the loss of your pet-friend. Your writing is soothing and healing. Pictures are always beautiful. I’ve been recently thinking a lot how come that there’s so much pain and very few really happy moments. The balance sheet is not right. As time passes, the future gets shorter and shorter. It should be filled with very valuable content, I hope, it will. It’s amazing that your writing has such a strong impact.
Inese, I agree that there is so much pain on this planet. Your kind comment and those of others here are all part of the rainbow of promise that joy comes after the storm.
I am trusting that there is a place of peace that will make up for every raindrop of grief. The bible promise of a tear-free heaven is what keeps me going on the hard days. ❀
Love and hugs as you grieve the death of your sweet dog. The poem and photos were just so beautiful . . .reflecting the beauty of He who is in you.
Debbie, you are an angel of comfort and encouragement ~ Thank you ❀.
Dearest Wendy, I sit here with tears in my eyes … I am so sorry … no one but God and a pet lover could know what you are going through. May the Lord comfort you and dry your tears.
Liana, thank you for your sweet empathy. Pet lovers know that it’s the loss of someone who was there everyday that are grieved the greatest. I’ve lost grandparents and even my dad–but I didn’t see them everyday. My heart especially aches for those that have lost a child or a spouse. ❀
I understand what you are saying Wendy. It feels like a part of you is missing. My heart aches too for those who have lost loved ones, whose presence in their lives ‘completed’ them.
How very sad. We hold these little ones so close to our hearts don’t we? And the hole they leave is huge.
❀ Thank you so much for your empathy; it sounds like you’ve been here.
Not personally for a long time but I think our little cat may be nearing the end.
I hope your dear little cat has many more good days left than you expected. ❀
I do hope so. She still seems happy.
Blessings to you as you savor the sweet memories and sigh at the missing. Hugs~ Laura
Thank you, dear Laura. xo It gets easier as each week passes. ❀
So sorry for your loss… Your words and photos here are beautiful xo
Thank you, Christy, for your kind words. ❀
Having lost too many pets over the years I weep with you. A pet is a gift from God that reminds us God is love – unconditionally. I wrote on Aug 14, 2012 how we buried our last pet during the rain, at night. Your imagery brought that back. Our life choices do not leave room for a pet right now, but who knows…
Peace
Thank you for weeping with me. It will be awhile before I will be ready or able to adopt another little dog. I’m giving extra love to my daughter’s cat; however, it’s just not the same. ❀
Yes, I can identify with what you say.
so sad to hear about Sushi…those little fellows work their way into our hearts …beautiful photos Wendy…love the “tear drops”on the flowers!!!
Thank you, Heather. I remember taking those pictures just before his relapse. At the time I thought I’d write a poem titled ‘After the Rain’–I had no idea it would be about him. ❀
Oh, goodness, what a beautiful poem! Absolutely covers it all about hope birthing a mended heart and peace returning again! Loved reading it very much.
So very sorry about your pet. Just today, I was at the beach and was enjoying the view of watching so many different kinds of dogs, big and small, walking along with their owners. But it was just a dog like yours that was practically hopping along so happily, that it made me smile! So very sorry to you for missing your pet very much now. What a joyous day it will be when you get to see your pet again someday in His care.
Thanks for stopping by my blog today and leaving a lovely and encouraging comment. :oD
You’ve just brought back a lovely memory of watching our little dog hop through a farm field of grass with our daughter. Those little ones really do ‘hop’. Thank you. ❀
God bless Sushi… I am sorry dear Wendy…
I love your poetry and these verses are a beautiful tribute, without any doubt.
“After the rain/
when the sun brilliant shines/
and hope has birthed/ a mended heart
Sending you hugs, Aquileana.-
Thank you, dear Aquileana. I have a small dog in my WIP that I characterized after Sushi. It’s not exactly the same dog–but it’s one way I can still have him around (It’s just a small role that I had written before he was sick). ❀
I truly admire how you are looking to the Lord for comfort during this difficult time, Wendy. These beautiful words stood out to me: “I waited on God. I made a choice to look for His comfort. It came.” Amen.
Love, Hugs, and Blessings,
Danielle
Thank you, dear Danielle. xo I’ve learned from previous valleys that He always comes to comfort in his own timing. It’s pointless and even wrong to impatiently demand his attention or his answers. God is God. He’s not a cosmic Genie. I suspect you also greatly revere his holiness and delight to wait for his will. ❀
Beautiful
Thank you. ❀
Wendy, I was so sorry to read of your loss. Our pets can become our most loyal and loving companions; is it any wonder we miss them so terribly when they are no longer with us? A beautiful post for a sweet little dog. xx
Thank you, Jennifer. I know that you’re also a pet lover. It’s getting easier to see the empty spot beside me as I type. I habitually leave it free for him. We are loving up my daughter’s cat since it was friends with him. I suspect she misses their hide and seek games. ❀
Oh, Wendy, I am so sorry Sushi has left your side. Your photos and words are so very beautiful and just go right to my heart. Yes, I have loved and lost pets (at age 73, the list is long), but when my sweet Bo, (Bilbo Baggins) died in my arms in 2007, my heart just broke. He was a cat, but looked quite alot like Sushi – he was a blue eyed himalayan, so soft and loving. Peace to you, my friend.
Mary Ann, I love the name you gave your dear cat. Our family loves everything related to Tolkien’s books. Thank you for your kindness and wishes for peace. ❀
The rain gives here a +touch
Thank you, dear Marylou. ❀
Wendy wendy…what a sad time for you my friend. I said, I would never get another pet for the pain it caused in our life. She died of breast cancer. I told my husband I can’t go threw it again. Two years later, here we are with another furry friend sitting beside us. They come and steal our hearts…but only the Lord can get us threw it. Your an amazing woman. God will see you to the end.
Laurie, I can really relate to what you’ve said. My heart doesn’t want to be broken again–but I know that if the right circumstances were to come about, I’d want to fill the empty spot beside me. ❀ Thank you for your kind words.
Wendy, I am SO sorry for your loss. I still grieve both my dogs. They are like people– irreplaceable. Actually they are better than people. I pray you feel better soon. The hole will never go away but you will feel better.
Ellen, I love your honesty. You made me smile as I agree that in so many ways dogs are often better than people. They are so forgiving and willing to ask for affection as well as give it. ❀
I have never lost a pet but your beautifully inspiring piece here brought so much joy. This dear little dog will be waiting for you. The love we share with pets is deeply spiritual and adds another lovely dimension to our life experiences.
Mary, I appreciate your empathy and kind words. The only regret that I have about pets is that they don’t live as long as we do. ❀
Praying for peace and comfort to come swiftly into your heart.
Thank you, dear Teresa. ❀
Beautiful! Gorgeous!
Thank you. ❀
Wendy I’m so sorry for your loss. May you be comforted while you heal. Bless you!
Thank you, Rhonda. I really appreciate your kindness (& your beautiful paintings). ❀
So sorry for your loss. My little kitten is at the vet right now, having swallowed something. These little precious souls are missed when not beside us. And yet the love is still here. _/\_ Much love to you.
<3 Laurie
Thank you, dear Laurie. xo I’m sending get well wishes for your little kitten. They are like toddlers–sweet and vulnerable. Your blog is lovely, as always. ❀
As is yours. Thank you for wishes.. much love back to you.. <3
♡
So sad, we just lost our favourite chicken and the kids are missing her deeply but a dog is something else Wendy, sorry to hear this.
Thank you, dear Kath. Any pet loss is hard for children. I remember being distraught over a budgie that escaped out of our home when I was a teen. I’ve seen a child cry over losing a goldfish. Children sure know how to love deeply. ❀
Thank you, Wendy. I’ve been riding those rapids lately as well. A character in “Call the Midwife ” said something that helps me :”You just keep living until you are alive again.” Healing is in that faithfullness to life for me.
Rita, I’m sorry to hear that you are riding the rapids of grief. I love the quote you shared. It really says it well. Last evening I began to feel ‘alive again’ as joy is returning along with the May flowers. Grief seems to dull the senses for a season. ❀
Wow, beautiful flowers. You are a wonderful photographer.
Thank you, Nancy. I’m really appreciating your helpful blog, and I hope to read one of your mystery novels soon. ❀
Your photos and poetry are exquisitely beautiful, tender and soul-searing in a blessed, comforting and healing way. The beauty here is breathtaking. I am so very sorry for the loss of your dear Sushi. Over the years we’ve lost our darling dogs and cats and it is excruciatingly painful every time. They are part of our family after all and bring us so much joy, love and pleasure. This tribute to him is fitting indeed. Blessings to you dear Wendy… Sherri x
Thank you, Sherri. It’s better to have loved a dear pet than to live risk free. He adored being held. I will treasure the memories of his silky fur in my arms. It’s so nice of you to return my visit to your blog. Blessings ~ Wendy ❀
My pleasure Wendy, I’m honoured that you came over to my blog and as soon as I saw yours I knew I wanted to stay! It’s wonderful that you have such precious memories of your beloved Sushi…never to be forgotten 🙂 God bless you always…Sherri 🙂
Reblogged this on Lianne's Picks – best of the blogs and commented:
These are simply stunning – as is your prose and poetry. My favorite kind of blog that combines beautiful phrasing with emotions that can only be expressed in images.
Thank you, Lianne, for your kind words and for the reblog. ❀
What a fantastic serie of photo’s
Thank you, Marylou. ❀