Last night, we stood outside watching the Lightening and electrical shower that was all around us. It was intense, powerful and mysterious in it’s unison with the wind and eventual rain. It was a small example of the magnificence of Nature. A reminder that we are visitors on this planet and not the ones in charge!

It is impossible for me to experience thunder and lightening, without thinking of our dog ‘Chance’, who died just over a year ago. He was playful, obsessed with a ball, and a very sweet Welch Corgi. He was more interested in you throwing him the ball (endlessly), than he ever was getting patted or cuddled. His brother Archie is the one who wants all the attention. Except… During a thunder storm.
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It seemed that Chance would always know when a storm was approaching, even before the sky revealed its intentions. He would disappear into the master bedroom closet where there are no windows or doors to the outside. He would stay hidden until the first crack of lightening or roar of thunder. Then he would be next to me wanting to come up into the chair with me, so that he could bury his head in the arm of the sofa, wedged between it and me.

I would have to pick him up to get him into this position, because his little legs were shaking so. And this is where he would stay until the storm had passed. And mind you, neither of them, Chance or Archie normally get up on the furniture. It was also during these times that Archie, who insist on being the center of attention would back-off. He sensed and knew that his brother needed the comfort of this routine.

Our Animal friends and furry family members are a constant reminder of the love that is available to us in any given moment. They remind us of our true nature and the symbiotic relationships that we are meant to have with the rest of the Nature. They are our strongest link to All-That-Is, other than one another. And even then, for many, their animal companions may be the only way that they experience ‘unconditional love’.

There are a few of our friends who have lost beloved pets recently. They are grieving the loss, while celebrating the beauty created by their faithful companions. It is hard to say goodbye when so many routines remind us of them. When you open the door as you first come home and they are waiting there. The way they get your attention when they want something. How and when they like their food. The ‘look’ they give, to get just one more treat. Finding their favorite ball or toy in the strangest place. Even having to walk around them, because they lay in the middle of a busy area, just to be near you.

Yet, just like the people who have died and left an open spot in our hearts, our pets never really leave us. They are there in our memories and visit us without notice. Perhaps like Chance does.., in the middle of a storm. If you are mending your heart from a recent loss; please know our thoughts and prayers are with you! And we celebrate the beautiful relationship that the two of you co-created! Know that the Light that they brought to the world is now alive within you!

With Light, Love, and Laughter
Charles