Rainbow Bridge and Angelic Pranksters

Saying goodbye to our Darwin

The noise startled me so much that my heart began to race. I couldn’t pinpoint its source. My daughter Sky brushed her teeth while I folded laundry in her bedroom. I wondered if the noise was her electric toothbrush but quickly dismissed that notion because it was far too loud. I ran to the living room and then the kitchen. Finally, I spotted it. The vacuum cleaner! It had mysteriously turned on by itself. Or rather, was turned on by an unseen presence who was trying to get our attention. What was the meaning behind this electronic anomaly?

Moments earlier, I’d been having a difficult conversation with Sky about our cat’s longevity. Darwin’s health had been rapidly declining, and I was mentally preparing her for the inevitable. She was obviously heartbroken but took comfort in knowing I have a unique connection to the spirit world. I assured her that Darwin would be in good hands. My dad, grandparents, and other cat-loving people would ensure Darwin’s peaceful transition. I told her we’d likely get a sign from Heaven as a spiritual pick-me-up in Darwin's final days. After shedding a few tears together, that’s when she went to brush her teeth, and I began folding laundry.

I never expected the vacuum would put smiles on our faces. But I suppose we should expect the unexpected by now. Spirits can easily manipulate electronics and devices. Anything with a button, cord, or battery source is fair game for them to control. I knew it was my dad who turned on the vacuum cleaner. Surely, he’d heard our conversation moments earlier. Getting our attention in such an unusual manner was his way of saying he was around… comforting us, giving us strength, and helping to keep Darwin as comfortable as possible.

Later that night, I tucked Sky into bed and read her a bedtime story. As always, Darwin was present, lying on my chest and purring like a motor. We reminisced about the past and funny moments Darwin has given our family throughout the years. We laughed a little. And we cried a lot. I hardly slept a wink that final night. I was too worried about missing out on the cuddles, the purrs, and feeling his stomach expand and contract with each breath. At one point, I walked into the bathroom and looked at my tear-filled eyes in the mirror. Most of the tears contained sadness, but a few contained joy from the thirteen wonderful years he’d given us.

The next morning was a surreal mix of emotions. Darwin sat on my lap as the doctor administered the required shots to help him pass peacefully. And peaceful it was. The house was still and quiet. Darwin was calm and purred throughout the entire process. While the drugs took effect, I whispered reassuring words to him, insisting he’d soon be with our beloved Zico - his canine companion who passed two years ago.

I’d never held an animal as it transitioned into the afterlife. And while I wouldn’t wish it on anyone, I’m also grateful for the experience. Witnessing a soul coming into this world (or departing it) really grants perspective on how precious, fragile, and miraculous life truly is. As Darwin’s soul exited his body, the energy in the room was suddenly different. As he left me, he took with him all the anxiety, worry, and guilt I’d been feeling since scheduling the euthanasia appointment. What he left behind was a treasure trove of memories that filled my heart with gratitude. In a space where love is so abundant, sadness cannot thrive for long.

Yesterday, I held Sky’s hand as we aimlessly walked through a store to distract ourselves. We came upon a toy bin containing a stuffed kitten. She turned to me and said, “Dad, I really miss Darwin.”

I pulled her a little closer and wrapped my arm around her. I explained we’ll never stop missing him. It’s just that doing so becomes a little less painful with each passing year. He’ll always occupy space in our heads and hearts. Just like Zico. Just like my dad, grandparents, and so many others who have gone before us. We carry them around like a scar that’s a permanent part of our life story.

It hurts to lose a pet. That’s the truth. It’s the price we pay for loving them so completely. Yet, there’s an indescribable beauty in parting ways with a furry family member. When we let them go, it’s a testament to our faith that we’ll one day see them again. You, me, all of us will someday be reunited in the afterlife with the creatures we adored. It’s a certainty that I don’t just believe. I know it to be true.

Until that day, rest assured that your dogs, cats, parakeets, hamsters, and fish will be waiting to greet you just beyond the Rainbow Bridge. For them, crossing over it was the easy part. The hard part is watching us grieve once they’re gone. So, let’s all make a pact to carry on the best we can. Love the pets you still have. Spread happiness every chance you get. Laugh, smile, brake for squirrels, and donate to a pet charity if you have some loose change. Doing so honors their memory and keeps us in good spirits. This is so important because they are happy when we are happy. The same goes for the humans we’ve lost along the way.

Give your pets a scratch behind the ears from us here at the Myers Manor. And don’t you worry about Sky and me. We’ve still got our stray rescue cat Eggnog, and we’re holding him a little tighter this week. Our house is still filled with love, laughter, and plenty of cat hair. What more could a person ask for?

-Andy

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For more stories involving signs from Heaven and angelic intervention, consider reading The Sky Diaries: A True Story of Reincarnation