Kleenex alert…
We memorized a whole lot of things in my 9th grade biology class.
You probably remember the one about the very educated mother who just served her crowd nine pickles, in which case I suspect you’re still missing Pluto, too.
The entire kitchen patrol company of Girl Scouts business by which we learned the classification of animals and plants wasn’t my favorite. Especially the part about spelling them all in Latin.
I was however, a big fan of Roy G. Biv, also known as the colors of the rainbow.
That was before I knew the legend of our dear fur kids crossing the rainbow bridge when they leave this life.
We had one of those episodes this week when our beloved Sarah passed on. And writing this is hard because Sarah never met a stranger. She loved everybody and many, many of you loved her.
Honestly, I’m not up to all the details just yet. The important part is that the fear and the pain are past.
And, because we live in a house built before the “discovery” of seasonal affective disorder, which we’ve attempted to solve with lots of filtered skylights, there have been what feels like even more rainbows than usual.
There are two things I’m counting on right now. The first is a vision of Sarah romping under the rainbows on a gorgeous beach with a whole tribe of Newfoundland friends.
The second appeared in some words of wisdom from the young man who lives next door and is a paint buddy and a big fan of the studio angels.
“I don’t think you should be sad,” he said. “Sarah won’t hurt anymore.”
“I think you should be happy because of all the people she helped.”
While I’m practicing his particular form of wisdom, I’m painting and then, blessedly, heading off to spend a few days painting and baking and gluing buttons to things with my girls. There will also be swim team involved!
For today, a rainbow for you. And huge hopes for whatever comfort and peace you might be seeking.
Phoebe and Luther will fill you in when they rest up after Camp.
The painting pictured above is a Heart of Gold process known as Our Lady of Flowering Earth, gone completely rogue. I suspect Sarah is in charge!