Posted in Occasional Observer
Meredith’s Letter from God
I want to thank Kay Bennet Andrews for sharing a true and absolutely lovely story about Meredith Scrivener, a four year old girl from Texas, USA, who sent a letter to God after her 14 year old dog, Abbey, passed away in 2006. Meredith even included a photo of Abbey so God would recognise her. What happened next was unexpected and incredibly moving.
This is a heartbreakingly beautiful little story of love and loss, and then even more love – I cried my eyes out.
Whilst raised as Christian, I am certainly not the most religious person, that’s not my reason for posting this story. Philosophically I am bemused and conflicted about anyone sending a letter to God or replying on God’s behalf. However I was moved to tears because I was reminded how much I adore my own dogs, and the special people in my life and, more importantly, how a modest act of kindness can make such an incredible impact.
In an age when it is getting easier and easier to become cynical and lazy, I am enormously grateful to live in a world where even a few people care deeply about others.
BTG
“ Our 14 year old dog, Abbey, died last month. The day after she died, my 4 year old daughter Meredith was crying and talking about how much she missed Abbey… She asked if we could write a letter to God so that when Abbey got to heaven, God would recognize her. I told her that I thought we could so she dictated these words:
Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to play with balls and to swim. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her You will know that she is my dog. I really miss her.
Love, Meredith
We put the letter in an envelope with a picture of Abbey and Meredith and addressed it to God/Heaven.. We put our return address on it. Then Meredith pasted several stamps on the front of the envelope because she said it would take lots of stamps to get the letter all the way to heaven. That afternoon she dropped it into the letter box at the post office. A few days later, she asked if God had gotten the letter yet. I told her that I thought He had.
Yesterday, there was a package wrapped in gold paper on our front porch addressed, ‘To Meredith’ in an unfamiliar hand. Meredith opened it. Inside was a book by Mr. Rogers called, ‘When a Pet Dies..’ Taped to the inside front cover was the letter we had written to God in its opened envelope. On the opposite page was the picture of Abbey &Meredith and this note:
Dear Meredith,
Abbey arrived safely in heaven.
Having the picture was a big help. I recognized Abbey right away.
Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with me just like it stays in your heart. Abbey loved being your dog. Since we don’t need our bodies in heaven, I don’t have any pockets to keep your picture in, so I am sending it back to you in this little book for you to keep and have something to remember Abbey by..
Thank you for the beautiful letter and thank your mother for helping you write it and sending it to me. What a wonderful mother you have. I picked her especially for you.
I send my blessings every day and remember that I love you very much.
By the way, I’m easy to find, I am wherever there is love.
Love,
God ”
Meredith Scrivener, aged 4 + Abbey, aged 14
