In Memory of Bell
To Touch the Sky
Once Upon A Time...
There was a beautiful, happy dog named Bell. She lived with her best
friend (human) and as the years went by they had many wonderful adventures
together and became the closest of friends.
Many evenings Bell would walk to the park with her best friend and she would
play to her hearts content. She would run with all of the dogs at the park
and would go home so very happy, tail wagging and eyes shining. Bell loved
their evenings together where they could walk and think of their day and
feel the evening breeze. Sometimes at night they would lay together on
the grass and watch the stars and dream of new adventures.
Bell loved to dream of jumping and running, but most of all, Bouncing.
You see, Bell's very favorite thing in the world to do was to BOUNCE.
She loved to bounce straight up, as high as she could, almost touching
the sky. When her friend asked her why she loved to Bounce so she replied
"Everyone must learn to bounce someday, you will see" Her friend was
puzzled at this answer as they walked home.
" Maybe next time I will bounce just high enough, just that little bit
more and I WILL touch the sky!" Bell told her friend.
All in all they were very content.
There were some days Bell's human friend was sad because her brother
and father had gone on to heaven. When Bell saw that her friend was sad
she would go sit so very close to her. Bell's eyes would shine, her tail
would wag and her heart would open to her friend. Her friend always felt
better after Bell's "gift" and that made Bell truly happy. Bell wanted
so very much for her friend to heal and maybe someday her friend would
even learn to bounce with her.
The gift Bell gave so freely was love. All who met her knew this was a
dog with great heart. So full of love and joy that it radiated from every
part of her being. Bell knew her special gift could heal her friends
heart and every chance she had she gave her "gift" to her friend.
One day came when Bell had to see the doctor because she did not feel
well. After taking tests the doctor said Bell was very ill. Her body was
not working like it should. Bell would need to rest and take medicines
for her illness as it was very serious.
Bell's friend was so very worried about her as she loved her so much.
She was also very sad that Bell could no longer do what she loved to
do - bounce.
What Bell's best friend did not know though was that Bell still bounced
every day. Although her body no longer could Bells spirit knew no bounds
and even as her body failed, her spirit would bounce and Bell would soar,
almost, almost, touching the sky.
As time went by Bell felt better some days, others she would be tired and
sore. Her friend would talk to her and massage her sore limbs praying Bell
would feel better. Even on her bad days Bell always made sure to wag her
tail to let her friend know she was ok for now. You see, her friend still
did not know that Bell's spirit could bounce and that Bell was coming closer
every day to touching the sky.
Bell's body was now failing her but her tail still wagged, her eyes still
shone and her heart was still full of love.
One day, not too long ago, on a beautiful spring morning, Bell's spirit
bounced just long enough and just high enough and, yes, Bell touched the
sky that day.
Oh, what joy and freedom.
In that instant she left the earth. She was released from her failing body
and her spirit soared. Bell was free to run and bounce and touch the
heavens any time she wished. She could feel her spirit mingle with the
winds and felt the breath of God upon her soul. Her only limit was her
concern for her friend. Her friend did not yet understand.
Not knowing what truly happened Bell's friend was so very sad. She missed
Bell every day and the house seemed so empty without her beautiful friend
there. Bell had given her so much. She cried and cried and could not
understand why Bell had to go so soon. Had she failed Bell somehow?
Was there something more she could have done for this being that she
loved so much? She agonized and doubted.
Then one night she looked into the sky and saw a star she had never
seen before, It shone so much brighter and stronger than any of the other
stars. As she watched the shining, twinkling star she had to blink.
Did that star that shone so bright bounce? Just a little?
In that moment a peace came over her and she knew her friend Bell
had never really left for they had each given a part of their heart
and soul to each other. She felt Bell watching over her and the
loneliness disappeared. Bell, with that great heart and soul.
That shining spirit that had so often given the gift of love
and courage to her human friend.
Bells friend felt that peace settle over her own soul.
She knew from that moment on that they would never be apart and that
someday, her own spirit would bounce just long enough and just high
enough, and she too would touch the sky, to soar with Bell through the
heavens, never to be apart.
In loving memory for my dear Bell.
Silberthals Once Upon A Time.
December 8, 1992 to May 23, 1998.
Be well my brave Bell. We miss you.
Stacey Goodman & the Bouncing Berners
Ft. Collins, CO