.JPG) |
| Joshua's dog Heinrich~12/11/2000-08/04/2011 |
Dear readers,
David writes:
"When I cry unto thee, then shall mine enemies turn back: this I know for God is for me." KJV
How many of us have had sons or daughters die by suicide and we are left with their pets? My husband and I inherited our son, Joshua's, dog Heinrich and cat LiahNora. At first, I ignored the animals except to feed and water them. However, I became grateful to have something of our son to hold onto. Joshua never married or had children, so his animals were all that was left of him, besides his belongings.
Joshua died in 2004 and Heinrich became ill in 2011. A surgery showed cancer, and at eleven years old, we cared for him at home until he took his last breath. Putting Heinrich down at a vet's office was not an option for us. We couldn't do it. Maybe it was because we were home when Joshua died. All I know is, we needed God to intervene for us on behalf of Heinrich.
Because Heinrich was lingering and suffering, I began to pray, and cry out, "Please, Lord, take Heinrich, so he won't suffer any longer." I prayed that prayer several times a day, until four days later, God relieved us from a difficult decision.
Over the last nine years since Joshua's death, I've felt death itself an enemy to battle against. It has turned me inside out and made me see another side of myself. So I cry unto the Lord and He softens my sorrows. I know He is for me.
Leave a comment if you'd like to share your story of how you dealt with the loss of your child's pet. We parents have different challenges and what works for one does not work for another.
God bless you, dear readers.
Father, You are kind and You know how much we can bear. You heard my cry over Heinrich and made his death easier for him and us. We miss him and are grateful for his many years of service to our family. In Jesus' holy name, I pray. Amen.
Until next time . . . know God will hear.
.JPG)