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May 23, 2005
Good and Faithful
Jeanne and Gail’s dog Kindred died this morning, at an undetermined — but quite advanced — age. Kindred was a precious friend, a trusted member of the family, whose body could not sustain her any longer.
Our sympathies go out to our sisters in Maine. When Pearl’s afflictions overbore her strength, nine years ago now, our hearts broke; Margaret especially missed the puppy she’d chosen fourteen years earlier, and had raised into a wonderful friend to our college and seminary communities. I didn’t know Kindred very well, but I know Jeanne and Gail, and I know their love for Kindred, and I didn’t want her life and death to pass by unmarked.
Posted by AKMA at May 23, 2005 08:56 PM | Threadorati
Comments
“Blessed are you, Lord God, Maker of all living creatures. You called forth fish in the sea, birds in the air and animals on the land. You inspired St. Francis to call all of them his brothers and sisters. We ask you to bless the family of Kindred. By the power of Your love, enable them to remember her life, and be thankful for the blessings she has been. May we always praise You for all Your beauty in creation. Blessed are You, Lord our God, in all Your creatures! Amen.”
Posted by: Monk-in-Training at May 23, 2005 09:40 PM
Thank you for acknowledging and honoring those individuals of other species who become our valued and trusted friends. One difficult aspect of our relationships with these friends is that their life-spans are often much shorter than our own, and we must wrestle with the pretty-sure knowledge that we will live to see them die; and that very often our friend's comfort, health and very life are in our hands. It's a burden only love can bear.
Posted by: Dash at May 24, 2005 03:11 PM
