I am sorry for all the recent losses I've seen on various boards in this forum. I can relate because we put our cat to sleep just over a week ago -- it was very sudden and she was only 11. We never saw it coming and the loss is profound.

She was cremated and my sister picked up her ashes the other day. (Misha was actually my niece but she lived with me a few months out of the year and we were very close.) The ashes were beautifully boxed and thoughtfully came with a memorial certificate and a poem called "The Rainbow Bridge". We all found the poem very comforting and I thought I would share it with you here. There are different variations on this poem over the internet -- this is the version that we received.

My deepest condolences to all of you who have suffered losses. I hope you find comfort in the poem, as we have.

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge there is a land of meadows, hills and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There is always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play with each other.

There is only one thing missing. They are not with their special person who loved them on earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly stops playing and looks up! The nose twitches! The ears are up! The eyes are staring! And this one suddenly runs from the group!

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross the Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be separated.

-Author Unknown