Friday, August 17, 2007

Crossing the Bar


Crossing the Bar

Alfred Lord Tennyson


Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,

But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.

Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;

For tho’ from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.
Cranford's Miss Mollie is a sweet, special girl. Yes, I have photos of her, but that's the portrait a friend did, which Mark and I gifted to my sister and her husband for Christmas last year. Like my boys, Molls is older - 13 - but the last year has been one of a rather steady decline. Today's the day my sister and her family will help Mollie find the Rainbow Bridge, and on the other side, she'll be able to walk and run again, and her barks will be more than senile frustration.
It's not easy, being a pet owner. I will cry again next week when Fred and I visit Dr. Nancy, knowing that Mollie was carried in for her final visit today.
I'd wanted to to this yesterday, for dogs on thursday, but first we had no internet service at home, and then the hour after hour of severe thunder storms came. We'll miss you Mollie, but you'll never be forgotten.
Nicole sent me the most wonderful little "share-mail" earlier this week, and it's a longer than this, but here's the closing comment:
"People are born so that they can learn how to live a good
life -- like loving everybody all the time and being nice,
right?" The five-year-old continued, "Well, dogs already
know how to do that, so they don't have to stay as long."

12 comments:

Sue J. said...

The tears are flowing. My heart goes out to your sister and her family. May they find peace in their memories of their dear, beloved companion. And may they hold on to those memories as time passes. I have always loved that poem and used it on more than one occasion. Perhaps Wolfie and Molly with find one another as they play across the Rainbow Bridge.

Lapdog Creations said...

Many hugs to you and your sister & her family. Miss Mollie will surely be missed, but rest assured she'll be playing like a pup again when she crosses that Rainbow Bridge.
Wiping the tears from my eyes......

Nancy @ the Jersey Shore said...

Eyes are tearing as I read and comment. Love to all. They're lots of company for Mollie over that bridge.

Anonymous said...

Aw :( I'm so sorry hun. That's just heartbreaking, and I wish there were words to make it feel any better, but I know there aren't. Maybe Mollie can play with Maddie :( And I'll keep your fred in my thoughts and prayers too. Please howl and such at him for me and see if it makes him feel better. he's a very good howler. Arrooooogghhh ArrARrooooohhhh

Tibbers said...

my thoughts and prayers to you and your family.

Devonshire said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Miss Mollie! May she be in a place that she has all she needs - fun, sun, water, toys, others to play with. I can only imagine the pain you and your family are going through during this difficult time.

Cass said...

Oh there's just no words.
I'm so sorry.

Alana said...

Oh how our doggies wrap themselves around our hearts. Tears rolled as I read your words. My heart goes out to you all.

Surviving said...

(Hugs)

Paula said...

Awww, what a beautiful poem and tribute.
I also really like saying and the childs quote that Nicole sent you.
I think it could be said of a few people that have passed on too.

NH Knitting Mama said...

Aw, hugs to you all. These times are so hard.

vegasangelbrat said...

No words ever seem to help when it comes to this...Hope my first "Lady" will show her around...Prayers out for all! Always have memories!