In Loving Memory

 



 November 20, 2014

Since we made the mistake of having Jake cremated and the kids just didn’t understand why we didn’t bring him home to bury him, we knew without a doubt we would be bringing our girl home.  I was dreading them coming home from school and having to tell them.  Thankfully Tom was home because when they walked through the door they instantly knew something was up and started asking where Sterling was and I couldn’t bear to tell them again, just 16 short months later, that we had lost our other sweet weim.  I had cut out some pink hearts for each of the kids to write what Sterling meant to them. 

 

Here is what they wrote:

Dear Sterling,

You are the best dog in the world.  I love you so, so much.  I will miss you so, so much.  (on the back she wrote I love you so, so much and drew a picture of her throwing the ball to Sterling).

Love, Berkeley

Oliver didn’t want to write one so Jerry helped him and wrote:

To our Best Friend Sterling

Love, Oliver & Jerry

Sterling,

I had so much fun with you and fun with Jake.  I love you Sterling & Jake.

Love Finley

Sterling,

I only knew you for a short time, but I loved you.

Love, Cooper

I wrote: I love you Sterling.  So much.  You  had such a personality-everyone fell head over heels for you.  I will miss your happy smile, your warm little body close to mine, and those glorious ears running through my fingers.  You were my first baby and you’ll always be my “forever puppy”.

Love you, Mom

 

We took our stack of hearts and tucked them underneath Sterling’s heart.  The kids decorated Sterling’s box with some pictures and hearts and then we placed her in the ground next to Jake's spot.  We said a prayer and read our special poem:

The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge.  There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together.  There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor.  Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by.  The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance.  His bright eyes are intent.  His eager body quivers.  Suddenly he beings to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again.  The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

­­–––Author Unknown

 

(Berkeley has had a rough time.  I knew she would.  Oliver adored Jake and Berkeley adored Sterling.  Every night before bed she draws a new picture of Sterling and hangs it on her wall.  It’s pretty heart breaking.  Finley has asked a few times if we can “unbury Sterling so she can come out and play”.  We just keep trying to explain that she is in heaven, running and having the time of her life with Jake.  We told them she would be comfortable there next to Jake and this summer when they play outside, she will enjoy hearing them laugh and play. )

 

Sterling Potts
October 27, 2002-November 20, 2014