The Rainbow Bridge

I had to do just one more post on Dread because of a very special moment yesterday...........

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As I mentioned in my previous post, Dread's passing was extremely difficult for our family. But, I would definitely say that the circumstances in which it occurred made things a million times harder. Dread passed away while I was in New Orleans for a work conference leaving Jep to deal with everything at home alone.  After burying him, Jep had to leave for a 2 week training with the National Guard.  So, for two weeks we had to grieve separately and apart from one another.

Yesterday, after almost three weeks of not seeing each other, Jep returned home! After Lilah went to sleep for the night, we were finally able to really speak in depth about what happened. When we went out to visit his resting place in our yard, we looked up into the sky and saw this....

If you look closely, it is actually a double rainbow! The one on top is a little harder to see, but it was definitely there.

It was so emotional seeing these two rainbows as we stood over Dread's burial site. I instantly thought back to the sweet poem my grandma shared with us.

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 rail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day 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! Their nose twitches! Their ears are up! Their 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 or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again an 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.

Our Dread

It's been awhile since I've updated our blog. A large part of my absence is due to the fact that I've been avoiding having to write this very difficult post.

Our sweet boy, Dread, passed away on July 10th. Our little family has felt a huge void since his passing.

Dread was the perfect dog. He brought so much happiness to our lives--as well as to those who knew him. He was the type of dog that even non-dog lovers grew to love. He also made those who doubted him (since he was a pit bull) fall in love with him.   He was just that sweet of a dog. He loved being around people and although he weighed over 80 lbs,  he thought he was a little lap-dog.  He was a big snuggler.

Looking back on pictures, I realized that our "fur-baby" sure did live a great life. He travelled everywhere with us. He actually was quite worldly. :) He made many visits to the Emerald Coast with the family. He loved the beach.

He's also been to Jacksonville and was brave enough to tackle the waves.

Of course, he'd go back with us to Auburn for game days.

Dread rolling Toomer's Corner



War Eagle!

Tailgating at the 2007 Iron Bowl

He was a big Auburn fan!

We celebrated many holidays with him and he would cooperate so well when I'd dress him up!

Mardi-Gras Puppy

Happy New Year. 2009

He loved water! It didn't matter if it was a pool, a lake, or the ocean. Swimming was one of his favorite things to do.

 

 

In 2010, he was diagnosed with a very aggressive cancer but he defied all odds and pulled through an extremely invasive surgery and several rounds of chemotherapy. He surprised all of his doctors. He was our little fighter.

 

He grew up to be such a great big brother.

He would let curious Lilah climb all over him, pull his ears or tail, sometimes even poke him in the eye. In turn, she would love to feed him Puffs (or whatever she was eating) out of the palm of her hand. It was so cute watching them interact with each other. They were great friends.

Dread was was the sweetest, most loyal, playful dog I've ever known. 

Dread, you are so very much loved and missed!! We know you're having a great time running, swimming, and playing up in heaven.

Brother & Sister

Over the weekend Lilah and Dread had a lot of playtime. :)

Our sweet boy, Dread, took a little turn for the worse on Sunday evening. Please keep our little buddy in your prayers.

Mother's Day 2012

On Friday, Lilah's school hosted "Muffins for Mom." Along with a yummy spread of breakfast, all the moms were given a sweet handmade gift from our little ones. Below is my first homemade Mother's Day gift from my baby girl.

I feel so incredibly blessed to be the mother of this little angel. :)  My sweet Lilah Belle has brought so much joy to my life. She is such a smart, happy, and energetic little girl. She keeps me on my toes and always keeps me laughing! I love you baby girl and I'm so proud to be your mama!

I had such a wonderful first Mother's Day. My morning started off just right with an iced caramel latte and heart shaped chocolate donut from Dunkin' Donuts delivered from my sweet husband and daughter. So cute!  I also got a homemade card from both him and Lilah, a gift certificate for mani/pedi, two candles and some bubble bath! What a perfect gift!! I cannot wait to cash in on a relaxing day of pampering!

After I opened my gifts, we headed off to church. The service this Sunday was extra special because it was recognizing and celebrating each child born within the congregation and within the Child Development Center during the annual "Blessing of the Infants." Each child's name was called and then blessed.  It was a very special ceremony.

Then after church, we had a delicious lunch at Cajun Steamer and came home and relaxed!  I can't forget to mention how lucky I am to be the mama of a precious furbaby named Dread!

Love these two!!!

I also wanted to send a very Happy Mother's Day to my own mom, who is my very best friend and a fantastic Grammy!  She has been the perfect role-model for me and I can only hope that I can be half as great of a mom as she has been for me!

And, Happy Mother's Day to my mother-in-law, Beth.  I couldn't ask for a sweeter and more thoughtful mother-in-law (and nana to Lilah)!  Thanks for being so wonderful!!

Fun Weekend!

Grammy came in town for a visit this weekend!

As always, she brought lots of presents for Miss Lilah including an early Easter basket. Here is Lilah with her big stuffed bunny from Grammy and Grandpa.

After a day full of shopping for party supplies...(we have started preparations for Lilah's 1st birthday)...we had some fun playing in our pool.

Swimming beauty

Sunday was another beautiful day so we spent a lot of the day outside doing some more playing while Papa did yardwork.

Lilah just loves her big brother....while, Dread is still pretty much annoyed with her. :) Hopefully, he'll come around when she gets a little older and knows better than to pull at his tail and ears.

Dave Ramsay Would Not Be Proud...

Last weekend I lost my debit card. We couldn't find it anywhere so I cancelled it and requested a replacement. Well...last night it turned up. It was in the lint collector from our dryer! What a crazy place to find the thing! My old card has become one of Lilah's favorite things to carry around.

I think we are in big trouble!!

Not letting the card out of her sight...she was crawling all around the house with it in her hand

Sharing with Dread. How sweet!

Baby girl looks like she is excited to head off to the mall!