In Sweet Memory

Do not stand at my grave and weep
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamond glints on snow,
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning's hush,
I am the swift uplifting rush
of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry,
I am not there;
I did not die.

~  Mary E. Frey
 

	Milagro   **  April 16, 1998   (20yrs old)  My Milagro, my love.   It's been years since you passed, and still I miss you - every day.  If a pet can be our soulmate, you were mine.  I may have given you a home, sweet little one, but you gave me a life.  I hope yours is the first face I see when I get to Heaven.
	Misty  **  June 1, 2004   (17yrs old)  You are my little baby girl and were with me for more than half of my life; I miss you dearly. I'll never forget your scratches on the door and your kneading on my back. I'll never forget when the cable went out because you were chomping on the cable--sometimes it seemed you were a dog at heart. I hope you are experiencing as much joy and love that you brought to our lives.  George and I will never forget you and know that you are in our hearts forever.
	Daniel   **  August 6, 2 004   (14yrs old)  Daniel was with us only 4 weeks after we rescued him from the pound.  But we loved him as if he'd been with us a lifetime.  He was a quiet little boy with a very sweet spirit, and all the seniors loved him.  I hope the short time you shared with us was happy, Daniel, and I hope you know you were loved dearly.
	Monet   **  March 18, 2005   (6yrs old)  Monet, my heart still aches for you.  I loved you more deeply than I've ever loved anyone or anything.  How unfair that life took you from me.  But how beautiful and quirky you were - what happiness you brought to our home - and what precious memories remain.  I'll always keep you alive through my memories.  I look forward to the day I can hold you tight again, my Monet.
	Jonah   **  July 8, 2005   (17yrs old)  Jonah, my little champion.  The shelter vet said you wouldn't live another two weeks.  My friend said I just paid $75 for a dead dog.  You gave me almost two years.  Two wonderful years - guess we showed them about the power of life and love, didn't we.  People said you were lucky I found you . . . truth is, I'm the lucky one.  You can't buy memories like the ones between you and me.
	Misha   **  November 1, 2005   (24yrs old)  Misha, my love.  You were with me longer than anyone else in my life.  We were as close as best friends get.  How strange without you here.  Remember how we'd close our eyes and dance, you on my shoulder, to "Forever in Love" ...
	Jamaica   ** December 16, 2005   (13yrs old)  Sweet little Jamaica.  You were only with us for 4 days after we rescued you from the pound . . . not even long enough to learn your new name.  But hopefully long enough to recognize that you were safe and loved, and your life mattered to us very much.  I hope I get to see you again some day - we have lots to share that we weren't given time for.  I love you, Jamaica.
	Lacey   **  2005   (19yrs old)
	Kachina   **  March 16, 2006   (11yrs old)  We committed to rescue Little Kachina from an area shelter, but sadly, she died before we could even bring her to Milagro.  Still, we acknowledge you as one of our own, Kachina.  We grieve your passing, and we send you all of our love.
	Jordan  **  April 22, 2006   (17yrs old)  Sweet Jordan.  Yours was one of the more heartbreaking life stories of all our seniors.  I sure do hope your time at Milagro made up for all the sadness and suffering before.  God, I loved you so much.  You were like the sweet presence of a little old mother in our house.  I miss snuggling with you and sharing quiet couch time together.  Be at peace, my love.
	Malachi   ** July 3, 2006   (15yrs old)  Sweet Malachi died quietly this morning, July 3, 2006, at home.  I miss you so much, little man.  You were a precious, precious gift, and I know it was selfish of me, but I'm glad you stayed with me in Arizona.  I'll remember you every day, and I'm comforted knowing you're with Misha and Milagro again.  You missed them so much when they left you.  Godspeed, my love...
	U.S.   **  October 21, 2006   (19yrs old)  You are not only my baby boy but also my Mom's and Greg's and George's.  You brought joy to our lives for so many years!  You had to fight for your life when you were a young kitten against the neighborhood bullies;  and you fought so hard to stay with me when you were an old man.  I love you and miss you so much and will never forget your purrs even when you weren't feeling well. I'll also never forget your loud "yowls" when you came home after a night of gallivanting! You were a joy and a love and we thank you for making our lives fuller.  I treasure all of the wonderful years we had together; you will be in our hearts forever.
	Hannah  ** January 4, 2007   My little Hannah Banana Bread – I’m so sorry you didn’t get to live long enough to be considered a senior.  My sweet baby, who smothered me with Hannah kisses – Spit & I miss you so much, and hope you’re waiting for us at the Bridge, because we’ll be looking anxiously for you.  I love you with all my heart, HB.
	Rachel  ** November 18, 2006   (15yrs old)  Sweet Rachel passed away quietly today in the arms of the one who cared for her in her last days.  She loved to curl up in Lori's arms and watch TV, and that's how she chose to spend her final moments - in Lori's peaceful loving embrace.  Godspeed, little treasure.
	Phoebe  ** April 2, 2007   (15yrs old)  Phoebe never quite got over the passing of her sister Rachel.  Phoebe spent her days sleeping on her pink pillow in her mommy's room snuggled in the blanket her sister loved to lay on.  This is where she spent her final moments snuggled close in the embrace of her sister.  They now play together always without any pain.
	Julia  ** June 16, 2007   (11yrs old)  Little Julia lost her battle with heart disease this morning.  What a precious gift she was to us here at Milagro.  She was a gracious little champion and fought her illness very bravely, a testament to the power of life and love.  We are missing you dearly tonight, Julia.  I will never forget you, sweet little one.
	Sammie  ** August 4, 2007  (15yrs old)  Sammie crossed over the Rainbow Bridge this morning in the arms of his Milagro guardian.  What a little champion you were, and what beautiful energy you brought to our home.  The seniors are quiet right now, missing you, Sammie.  Roman, your best friend, is especially still.  The house will seem empty for awhile, but we know you'll always be close.   You're a part of us.
	Charlie  **  September 4, 2007   (11yrs old)
	April  **  December 10, 2007  (11yrs old)  Sweet little April crossed over the Rainbow Bridge this morning, in my arms.  I didn't want to let you go.  We grew so close in these three short weeks, and my heart sang to watch you find new joy in your life again.  The greatest thing was when you got tickled and twirled, even with the arthritis through your whole body - you still danced.  God, I'll miss that.  And your kisses - your little kisses were precious and sweet.  I miss you, April, so much.  Thank God for bringing you to Milagro where you shared your last moments with us.  No greater gift...    All my love.  All my heart.
	Jack  **  January 23, 2008  (16yrs old)  My precious Jack very graciously gave up his fight with cancer today.  He looked into the face of God and said, "It's ok, I'm ready now."  I can't imagine not having you with me anymore, Jack.  You were the best little dog I've ever loved, and my heart hurts without you.  I hope you know how much you meant to me, and I hope you'll be crowding Heaven's gate to meet me when my journey comes.  What a gift you were.  Rest well, my love.
	Minnie  **  July 12, 2008  (10yrs old)  Minnie came to Milagro to spend the very last day of her little life.  She was in the end stage of diabetes, and didn't want to die alone in the shelter.  Milagro took her in our arms and sheltered her for the journey home.  She got to meet the other Milagro seniors and spend a peaceful evening in comfort, acceptance, and loving company.  In only 24 hours, Minnie leaves behind with us her legacy of a gentle and sweet soul.  We'll remember you, Minnie, with tenderness.  Go with God.
	Nathaniel  **  July 13, 2008  (13yrs old)  Nathaniel quietly crossed over Rainbow Bridge this morning at home in my arms.  I hope the beauty that you brought us lasts forever.  My life is richer for having loved and cared for you.  Be at peace, Nathaniel.  We miss your sweet face.

 godspeed, precious ones . . .