In Loving Memory Of WILLY

Twilight settled over the Rainbow Bridge. The sky deepened into hues of lavendar and the deepest blue

 Eatbugs had ever seen. One by one the stars twinkled their first light of the evening. Eatbugs sat by

the edge of the Rainbow waiting for his friends. He and Tinky and Imbri were going to dance amidst the stars

tonight. Eatbugs nodded to Grandpa Max and Picnic as they strolled by, off to find a spot in the high grass

 for snoozing. In the distance, Eatbugs could hear the peepers arguing with Pris and Miss Kitty that there

was certainly enough light for ONE more game of chasies. Eatbugs chuckled, they never won the argument, but

 it never stopped them from trying. Beethoven and Ebony were finishing up their dinner and danced their tails

in greeting. Eatbugs waived back and wondered where his friends were.

He was beginning to become worried when Boo Boo came running up, out of breath and in distress.

 "Eatbugs, Eatbugs....Tinky and Imbri won't be here...can't stay...got to get back..." he panted.

"What's the matter? Can I help?", said Eatbugs trying to catch up with Boo Boo, who was trotting off towards the Circle.

"Can't talk...got to hurry...have to be there" huffed Boo Boo flying across the field. Eatbugs ran after him,

 his heart heavy and his brow furrowed in worry for his friends. He pulled up short at the edge of the circle.

In the middle sat Tinky and Imbri huddled close to each other as Boo Boo settled in beside them, encircling them

with his tail. Their eyes closed tightly shut, they lifted their purrs in concentration. Over them stood Virginia and Isolde

and the rest of the Circle of Elders. Eatbugs bowed his head, for he knew the reason for their meditation. Another

was coming. He joined his purr with that of the circle and sent thoughts of comfort and love towards the earth.

Tinky purred forth the joy of life on the Bridge, of being well and being whole again. She pictured in her mind's eye

the beautiful fields of grass and the companionship that filled her days. Imbri purred forth the comfort and easing of pain.

 He reached out to his brother on earth and touched his pain and gently helped it slide away from him.

Boo Boo purred forth peace and tenderness and gently put aside his brother's fears. And over them, the Circle of the Elders

 lifted their voices as one and purred forth the Great Promise. They filled his heart with the knowledge that all love is

 eternal and bonds that held his still to the earth would not shatter with his crossing, that love is, as the Creator of

 All Things had promised, immutable, everlasting and as real and true upon the Bridge as ever it had been upon the Earth.

Tinky let out a gasp and a tear trickled slowly down her cheek. Imbri wrapped her in his enormous paws and looked up

 at the Circle. "It is time" is all he said. Slowly, the gathering rose to their paws and in solemn silence they made their way to

 the Gate. In the breeze above the willow branches, the Welcoming Song started it's bittersweet refrain. One by one, from

every corner of the Bridge, the Company of Kiddens gathered once more to welcome another into their fold.

Rocky walked with Spunkie and Ebony, Katie and Nickie walked with Beethoven and Smokey.

Miss Kitty and Mister were helping the peepers along, as were Josefina and Grace who carried

the smaller peepers in their paws.

Kiddens of every color and size drew near and settled into the circle. Tails were linked and purrs raised into the

 wind to join in the Welcoming Song. Tinky, Imbri and Boo Boo moved silently to the center of the circle and linked

 their tails. Overhead, the Welcoming Song reached a crescendo of such sorrow and beauty that

 Eatbugs could barely stand it. A tear rolled down his cheek.

As the song danced it's way to earth, the now too familiar flash of blue appeared in the Gate.

As it faded the kiddens of the Company saw a elder sitting quietly. Willy blinked and looked around him,

 his eyes barely resting on the myriad of faces as his eyes sought his beloved siblings. He let out a gasp of joy as he

 saw Tinky running towards his. Imbri and Boo Boo were just a step behind. They threw their paws around their brother

 and washed his face and gave him headbutts.

"There, you see? We told you it would be all right", said Boo Boo.

"Yes, and I will get to see momma and papa again? Really and truly?".

"Really and truly", said Imbri nuzzling her ear, "and we will wait together for them."

Willy turned his eyes to the Company of Kiddens. His eyes grew wide, there were so many of them.

 Imbri laughed and took him by his paw, "come along now, it's time to meet your new friends".

And with that, he led him into his new home.

In Loving Memory of WILLY who will be greatly missed