Rainbow Bridge for Rescuers

Unlike most days at Rainbow Bridge, this day dawned cold and gray, damp as a swamp and as
dismal as could be imagined.  All of the recent arrivals had no idea what to think, as they had never
experienced a day like this before.  But the animals who had been waiting for their beloved people
knew exactly what was going on and started to gather at the pathway leading to The Bridge to
watch.

It wasn't long before an elderly animal came into view, head hung low and tail dragging.  The other
animals, the ones who had been there for a while, knew what his story was right away, for they had
seen this happen far too often.

He approached slowly, obviously in great emotional pain, but with no sign of injury or illness.  Unlike
all of the other animals waiting at The Bridge, this animal had not been restored to youth and made
healthy and vigorous again.  As he walked toward The Bridge, he watched all of the other animals
watching him.  He knew he was out of place here and the sooner he could cross over, the happier
he would be.  But, alas, as he approached The Bridge, his way was barred by the appearance of an
Angel who apologized, but told him that he would not be able to pass.  Only those animals who
were with their people could pass over Rainbow Bridge.  

With no place else to turn to, the elderly animal turned towards the fields before The Bridge and
saw a group of other animals like himself, also elderly and infirm.  They weren't playing, but rather
simply lying on the green grass, forlornly staring out at the pathway leading to The Bridge.  And so,
he took his place among them, watching the pathway and waiting.

One of the newest arrivals at The Bridge didn't understand what he had just witnessed and asked
one of the animals that had been there for awhile to explain it to him.

"You see, that poor animal was a rescue.  He entered rescue just as you see him now, an older
animal with his fur graying and his eyes clouding.  He never made it out of rescue and passed on
with only the love of his rescuer to comfort him as he left his earthly existence.  Because he had no
family to give his love to, he has no one to escort him across The Bridge."

The first animal thought about this for a minute and then asked, "So what will happen now?"  As he
was about to receive his answer, the clouds suddenly parted and the gloom lifted.  Approaching
The Bridge could be seen a single person and among the older animals, a whole group was
suddenly bathed in a golden light and they were all young and healthy again, just as they were in
the prime of life.

"Watch, and see.", said the second animal.  A second group of animals from those waiting came to
the pathway and bowed low as the person neared.  At each bowed head, the person offered a pat
on the head or a scratch behind the ears.  The newly restored animals fell into line and followed him
towards The Bridge.  They all crossed The Bridge together.

"What happened?"
"That was a rescuer.  The animals you saw bowing in respect were those who found new homes
because of his work.  They will cross when their new families arrive.  Those you saw restored were
those who never found homes.  When a rescuer arrives, they are allowed to perform one, final act
of rescue.  They are allowed to escort those poor animals that they couldn't place with families on
earth, across The Rainbow Bridge."
"I think I like rescuers", said the first animal.
"So does GOD", was the reply.

~ Author Unknown
Tears In Heaven

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Would you hold my hand
If I saw you in heaven
Would you help me stand
If I saw you in heaven
I'll find my way, through night and day
Cause I know I just can't stay
Here in heaven

Time can bring you down
Time can bend your knee
Time can break your heart
Have you begging please
Begging please

Beyond the door
There's peace I'm sure.
And I know there'll be no more...
Tears in heaven

Would you know my name
If I saw you in heaven
Will it be the same
If I saw you in heaven
I must be strong, and carry on
Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

Cause I know I don't belong
Here in heaven

~ Eric Clapton and Will Jennings
NOTE:  To see and hear some of our
page contents, you may have to "allow
blocked contents"