Michael was doing well at his new job. He was one of the youngest train drivers and had worked hard for his promotion. No matter what shift they offered him he took it. ‘Got a hungry lad at home to feed now,’ he told them.
Jennifer had asked for permission to bring Josephine to their home every few weekends. Billy and Josephine had become close over the last year and Jennifer wanted them to stay friends.
She was ready by ten even though they weren’t due to collect Billy until noon. She had made sure that everything was ready for him. Billy’s favourite meal was in the oven, ready to be heated up when they arrived home. She couldn’t wait to tuck him into bed for the first time and read stories. I do hope he likes his room, she thought.
Billy sat in the parlour with a brown suitcase beside him. He was wearing his best clothes and cap, waiting for his mummy and daddy to come and collect him. Nancy was sitting beside him, chatting. She had done this many times so why she was feeling nervous today, goodness only knew.
There was a knock on the door and Billy reached for Nancy’s hand. She squeezed his and continued chatting. ‘Your new clothes are in the case, Billy, along with your books and the train. You can put your train in your new room tonight and remember us all. Your new mummy and daddy are bringing you to chapel on Sunday so it’s only a few days before we see you again. Mr Bell is coming to lunch at your house afterwards. Did you know that?’
Now Michael and Jennifer were walking towards him. ‘There you go now. Give me a hug, then off you go and have fun.’
Jennifer ran over and took her hands. ‘I don’t know what to say.’
‘Best say nothing,’ Nancy said. ‘Go on, get away with you and have a wonderful life together.’ She reached for the corner of her apron but it was for herself. Today there were only happy children and no tears to be dried.
Michael looked down at his son. ‘You all right, Billy? Is there anything you want before we go?’
Billy thought for a moment. ‘Can I ride on your shoulders?’ he asked.
‘Indeed you can, son,’ he said, and swung Billy up. They collected Oliver from the cottage and told Mr Bell they would come back tomorrow when Michael returned to work. Billy would be off school for another couple of days to let him settle in at home so he, Jennifer and Oliver would pop over.
As they made their way up the driveway, Nancy stood at the window with Josephine whose plaits were standing perfectly still.
Halfway up the driveway, Jennifer paused and looked back and saw Nancy and Josephine were watching them leave. Michael stopped and turned, following her gaze.
‘Michael?’
‘Yes?’
‘About Josephine …’
Michael chuckled. ‘One at a time, darling,’ he said, ‘one at a time.’
They jumped on the trolley bus at the end of Sandyford Road. ‘Where are we going, Daddy?’ Billy asked.
‘It’s a surprise, son,’ he told him. ‘Just you wait and see.’ On the way there Billy told his mummy and daddy all about the day he’d run away to Central Station. Michael smiled but Jennifer began to fret about keeping an eye on him.
They got off, to Billy’s surprise, opposite the station and once more Michael hoisted Billy onto his shoulders. As soon as they got into the station there were cries of ‘Hello there, Michael! Is this the young lad then?’
‘Give them a wave,’ Michael said, and Billy waved at all the people who were calling to them.
‘How does everyone know your name, Daddy?’ Billy asked.
‘Just you wait and see, son,’ Michael replied.
They walked onto a platform, hearing the trains hissing and smelling the smoke. ‘Want to look even closer?’ Michael said.
‘Yes, please, Daddy,’ Billy replied.
Michael felt choked. He would never tire of being called ‘Daddy’.
The train in the station was billowing smoke and Billy heard a whistle blow somewhere. Just like his own train, he thought. They walked all the way down the platform to the locomotive. Billy’s eyes were as wide as saucers. He was so thrilled he wasn’t sure he could speak.
‘Want an even closer look, Billy?’ Michael said. Then, when Billy didn’t answer, he lifted him into the driver’s compartment and jumped up beside him. Jennifer and Oliver climbed up, too, and they all stood together.
Billy looked at Jennifer, who smiled at him, then at Oliver. Finally he looked at his daddy. ‘You’re a train driver, a real train driver?’
‘So they tell me, young man.’
‘My daddy is a train driver!’ Billy yelled at the top of his voice.
Michael took off his hat and placed it on Billy’s head. ‘Well, son,’ he said, ‘where in the world would you like to go?’
Billy smiled at his parents and patted Oliver. ‘You know,’ he said, ‘I rather think I would like to go home.’
Afterword
For this book, there are two groups of people I wish to thank. First, there are the mothers who, for whatever reason, had to hand over their child for adoption, which gave another family the chance to be parents. My mother, Nancy, always told me that giving up a child was one of life’s greatest sacrifices. Her heart hurt for those who had no choice other than to relinquish their child. She prayed constantly that somehow the future would bring such mothers more understanding, kindness and solace.
People called Nancy a remarkable woman but to me she was just my mother. She was the most kind, loving, giving soul I have ever met, and I loved her for every single moment of our lives together. Had it not been for the sacrifice my birth mother made, Nancy would never have been a mother. I hope they both got a huge high-five from God when they returned home.
The second group of people includes my wonderful friends, who have shared their stories of love and friendship. May God bless you and your furry friends. Over the years, as I listened to people sharing stories about their animals, my heart was always warmed as they told me all about the joy, fun, companionship and unconditional love those animals offer every day.
The wagging tail they see and the bark they hear when they arrive home that say, ‘I love you, and I’m thrilled to see you because you are my world’, have brought joy to so many hearts.’
I would like to share some stories with you from people whose lives have been not only changed but saved by these beautiful animals we call dogs. I read recently that ‘dog’ is ‘God’ spelled backwards. How appropriate.
I dedicate this book to all of the furry friends who have brought comfort, joy and love into their lives.
Max
Some years ago, before my daughter, Gemah, was married to her husband, John, they often stayed with John’s grandparents, Norma and Brian, who had a dog called Max. Gemah’s fondness for Max quickly turned to love, and Max would follow her everywhere. I was amazed to learn that when Gemah was working late (it would sometimes be two in the morning before she got home), Max would leap up, bound down the stairs and be at the door waiting for her about five minutes before she arrived. When Gemah was carrying her first child, Seamus, Max would sit beside her and lay his head gently on her stomach, gazing up at her. Gemah wept when Max crossed the Rainbow Bridge, and remembers him with love today.
Monty
Nicola’s story of unconditional love began when she was twenty-three. She was living with her boyfriend when Monty, a Pomeranian, came into her life. The moment Nicola saw him for the first time she was in love. They say Pomeranians are immensely protective and possessive of their family and Nicola was told, ‘You don’t own a Pomeranian, they own you.’ It was absolutely true.
‘It’s hard to describe the bond,’ Nicola said. ‘There simply aren’t words to begin to explain the unconditional love that we shared. He was my best friend. He was there to share the joys and a constant by my side to see me through my challenges.’
When Nicola was expecting her first child, many people wondered how he would react to sharing her, but Nicola ignored them. She knew better, and she was right. When Gracie came al
ong, Monty extended his protection to the baby, and again when Harvey arrived.
As the children grew up he became as much a part of their lives as Nicola and Ian, their parents, were. Wherever the family went, Monty went too. In the summer of August 2016, after a visit to the vet to have some teeth out, a routine blood test showed signs of kidney failure. Monty’s time with his family was drawing to an end. It was a devastating blow. As Christmas approached Nicola knew this would be the last they would share together. For fifteen years he had brought her happiness, love and understanding.
On 4 January 2017, Monty was in Nicola’s arms as he took his first steps onto the Rainbow Bridge to skip in the fields of Heaven, leaving his heartbroken family behind. They will never forget him. God bless you, Monty.
On 18 January 2017, after Nicola had spent the morning talking about her beloved Monty to me, she returned home to find a piece of Monty’s fluffy hair on the landing, where he would sit and wait for her to return home. The carpet in that spot had been vacuumed many times since his passing. I hope it helps to ease her pain to know that Monty really is still around, popping in to remind her of how much he still loves her.
Lola
The first time Gillian saw Lola, a British bulldog, she reached down and stroked her. ‘Hello,’ she said. Lola lifted her head and her big sad eyes looked directly into Gillian’s. There and then their journey of love began. Lola was suffering quite a few health problems and wasn’t expected to live much longer, the vet told Gillian, but they hadn’t reckoned on the healing power of love. Gillian had never before owned a dog and had little idea of how to look after one. However, she is not one to give up easily and she got the expert advice she needed. Lola not only received the necessary treatment but the kind of love every animal should experience. Lola, I have to say, had been well looked after previously but in Gillian’s care she began to thrive. Ruby, a sweet little Shih-tzu, lived with Lola, so naturally they both moved into Mama Gillian’s home. Ruby was fun and bouncy but Lola was getting old and often Gillian wondered how long she would have her.
As time passed, Lola became slower and slower. The vet said it was only due to Gillian’s love and constant care that Lola was still with them. There were nights when Gillian would lie beside her on the floor, comforting, stroking and talking to her. ‘I’m here,’ she would whisper. ‘Mama loves you.’ Lola would lie there quietly looking straight into Gillian’s eyes.
Early one morning, Gillian was upstairs in the bath, getting ready for the day ahead, when there was an almighty howl from Ruby downstairs. Gillian called down to Ruby saying Mama was on her way down in a moment. It was then Ruby began to cry, a heart-rending sound that made Gillian’s heart freeze. Her heart was racing as she hurried down the stairs to find Ruby sitting crying next to Lola. Gillian took a deep breath, went to Lola and lay down beside her. ‘Mama loves you,’ she whispered, as Lola took her last breath and crossed the Rainbow Bridge.
Dottie and Rocky, Murdo, Paddy, Bodie & Doyle and Solo, always remembering Colin the bulldog who has now crossed the rainbow bridge
When I hear these stories my thoughts always turn to my friend Sandra Hopper. Sandra has been sent many angels disguised as dogs. Never have I seen such complete dedication to animals as I have seen from Sandra. At one time she and her husband, Theo, had many cats and a Scottish terrier, Murdo. She knew all of their characters, their likes and dislikes, and would happily have gone without to ensure her animals were always taken care of. Her family has grown now and she has more dogs: Dottie and Rocky, the pugs, Colin, the bulldog, Murdo, the Scottish terrier, Paddy, the yellow Labrador, Bodie & Doyle, British bulldogs and Solo the spocker, who all live in a home filled with love, understanding and compassion.
Sandra’s furry friends not only changed her life, they saved it. Sandra had suffered loss, grief, fear, deep loneliness and, at one point, had almost given up hope. That day she had woken and felt a deep need not to go on; the pain was too great. The dogs and cats she loved so much had other ideas, though: they decided to invade her bedroom. The cats purred and jumped up beside her and the dogs wagged their tails and gazed into her eyes. They knew how she felt and they not only cared about her, they loved her. Sandra’s soul was warmed that day as she got out of bed surrounded by her furry friends who loved her so much.
Hunni and Brewster
This pair came into Caryl’s life at a time when she was struggling with health issues and brought fun when she needed it most. Holding Hunni and Brewster comforted her, and soon the whole family loved them too. Their little acts of love moved Caryl beyond words.
Caryl’s eyes sparkle when she tells her stories of their antics. It is plain to see the love they have for her and how much she loves them too.
To our beautiful furry friends: you are angels disguised as animals and we thank God for you every single day. This poem is for you.
As God looked down upon us,
He watched his angels fly
To every corner of the world,
Then slowly, by and by,
He saw the sad and grieving,
Alone and saddened too,
Praying for a friendly hand
To guide and see them through.
Those lonely days with no one
To share a thought or talk,
To sit awhile beside them
Or simply take a walk.
So many hearts were damaged,
Too many souls cried out,
‘Is anybody listening?’
Such disbelief and doubt.
Too many tears from children;
It wasn’t what He’d planned,
To see the grief of these young souls
On His beloved land.
God gathered all the angels –
He stilled the Heavens too.
‘We all must think together
And see what we can do.
‘I need something quite special,
Gentle and yet tough,
To bring back love and laughter.
I haven’t done enough.’
A young boy crept upon God’s knee.
‘Got just the thing.’ He smiled.
The angels gathered round; God said,
‘Come tell me now, my child.’
‘Something really cuddly
That stays right by your side.
It makes your heart go warm
And then all tickly inside.
‘Eyes so big and loving,
You simply couldn’t fail
To laugh out loud and then, I think,
A strong and waggy tail.’
The angels gathered round him.
‘How wonderful it sounds,
A sweet and happy creature
That skips and jumps and bounds,
‘With eyes that see for others,
To guide and watch each day,
Then gently steer them onwards
And help them on their way.
‘Then most of all a heart so big
To conquer all their fears,
Take and throw them far away
And dry up all their tears.’
They all looked up and waited.
God paused and then agreed
It sounded rather wonderful.
‘Let’s do it,’ God decreed.
A drop of love and laughter,
A bucketful of love,
A heart and soul of gentleness,
To you from God above.
A sprinkle of enchantment,
Then mixed into the bowl
A drop of pure compassion
To heal your very soul.
A waggy tail as promised,
A love that knows no end,
Eyes that look into your own,
A soft and furry friend.
God looked and He was happy,
‘I quite like what I see.
Hello there, little fellow,
Come here and sit by me.
‘Well now, what can I call you?
I’v
e many newts and frogs,
Horses, zebras, lots of cats –
I know, I’ll call you dogs.’
Then over earth from Heaven
There came a shooting star.
‘Now make a wish,’ God whispered,
‘No matter where you are.’
The tiny little puppy
Looked up, and with a bark,
Said, ‘God, I think I’m ready.
It sounds like quite a lark.
‘Except when I grow tired
And can no longer roam.
After all my work is done,
How then will I get home?’
‘Little one, I’ve made for you
A Rainbow Bridge so bright,
A million different colours,
A truly wondrous light.
‘The moment that you fall asleep,
The colours that you see
Will dance before your very eyes
And lead you back to me.’
The stars were shining brightly,
The moonlight and the sun
Rejoiced alongside angels,
And so God’s will was done.
Acknowledgements
To Fiona Crosby, editor, with grateful thanks for your belief in me and my storytelling. Your constant support and encouragement help to make the writing process a joy. Again, I wish to thank Daniel Bunyard and Punteha Van Terheyden: I will be eternally grateful for your belief in me and my stories. I wish to thank Frank McChrystal for his technical wizardry and infinite patience with me. You really do deserve a medal.
Many thanks to Beatrix McIntyre for all your help and guidance through the editing process and for your kind words which helped keep me on track and eased the process.
I would also like to say thank you to Carol Anderson for making my story flow and her thoughtful and kind words along the way.
To my wonderful daughter Gemah, son-in-law John, and my precious grandchildren, Séamus and Finláy, how loved you all make me feel. I cannot help but think how extremely proud your grandma and great-grandma, Nancy, would be of you all.
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