An Angel In The Post Office

So, it's the day after Christmas. This brings out the eternal penny pincher in me. Thus, I'm purusing craigslist and looking for people who might have gotten, oh, say a new Sirius radio they don't want. I hope this person may then post it on CL for, oh, say, a dollar. Then, my cheapskate self can get one! But alas, I found nothing I wanted and started looking at the Best of CL section.

For non-CLers, the "Best Of..." section truly is. Usually, it's someone writing an especially funny rant at a driver who cut them off in traffic, or a persoal ad with wistful bewilderment at lack of options, that sorta stuff. Today, though, I found the following. Try to get through it without getting teary. Go on! I dare you! Merry belated Christmas, friends!

AN ANGEL IN THE POST OFFICE------------------------------------------------------------

This is one of the kindest things I've ever experienced. I have no way to know who sent it, but there is a kind soul working in the dead letter office
of the US postal service. 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 am wherever there is love.

Love,
God