:heart3:
WILBUR JOE :heart3:
October 3, 1998 - July 29, 2013
I sit here not knowing how to start this story, this astonishingly miraculous story. So I will write from the heart. This will be a very, very long but worthy read if you will. I am going to try to make it as short and easy to read but as long as it will take for the parts to fall into place. I will be adding in pictures along the way with this story according to the timing and miraculous synchronicity of these events. The dates and timing of the following are still uncanny, mysterious and unbelievable to us. I can tell you we are in awe of the extraordinary connections.
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"This is For Wilbur, this is From Wilbur, and this is proof to me and Larry that Wilbur is FOREVER and that there is hope, light, love and continuity in the circle of life".
Wilbur came into our lives on December 22, 1998 as an 11 week old puppy. Wilbur was the ONLY pet brought into our lives by Larry's hand. At the time we had Charlotte, Wilbur's aunt, and heard about two puppies that were born to Charlotte's sister. One had already been sold (which is Henry whom we have now but at the time never knew we would.) There was one puppy left. We stopped by on the way home from the horse barn to just see the puppy at this lady's house. . He was quite cute, I mean very cute. We stayed a short time and left. Larry stopped at the stop sign leading out of the subdivision and looked at me and asked "Do you want that puppy??" I almost fell out of the car and into the snow. I never thought I would hear those words come out of Larry's mouth. It was his idea!!??. So back we went to get "Wilbur".
I am not going to go into all of the special things Wilbur's life bestowed on us here. But just know, that my life with Wilbur was more special and filled with more joy, heartache, worry and love than I could have ever anticipated was about to begin on that cold December day back in 1998.
In May of 2006, Wilbur was diagnosed with a Mast Cell tumor on his front right leg. OMG I was crushed. He was only seven years old. Miraculously after all of the staging, treatment, etc. Wilbur survived. At that time back in 2006, I contacted the lady who bred Wilbur asking about his only brother and if she knew of any mast cell in her dogs. She said "Funny you should have called, because the people just called me and are looking to get rid of Jack (Wilbur's brother)" She said that he was not good with their young toddler. I soon found out that it was probably not that excuse but the fact that Henry has major, serious separation anxiety and phobias. Anyway, I was floored, just shocked. Called them up, the people who had Wilbur's brother, telling them that we would LOVE to have "Jack" and explained about Wilbur's cancer. They said that "Jack" had not lumps that they were aware of. It didn't matter anyway, I knew that Henry was a gift. So, we went to take home Wilbur's brother on July 7, 2006!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HENRY was to be his new name. Jack Henry. :heart2: The brother's were to have seven wonderful years to share together.
This was only to be the start of the little miracles that Wilbur brought to our lives. I look back now and realize that if Wilbur did not have that cancer, then we would not have Henry. I was grateful at that time to have his brother in case we lost Wilbur to this cancer. Well, Wilbur went on to overcome many health obstacles - he came back from the brink at least four or five times. His work was not done with us, his blessings and his gifts. Which will fast forward to now and the miraculous events that unfolded right before our eyes and our hearts.
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On Sunday, July 7, 2013, (which was surprising to me because it was seven years ago to the day that we brought home Henry) Wilbur was rushed to the E-vet due to high respiration for most of the day and I thought this was it for sure. It was time and I thought it fitting only because of the July 7 date. We saw a rainbow on the drive there. I saw it though my tears as I was holding Wilbur and had to blink to make sure I was seeing what I saw. It was a double rainbow. Took this picture. It made me cry even more.
Wilbur was diagnosed with CRF - dilated cardiomyopathy. The vets seemed hopeful for Wilbur and that medication would give a quality of life. We decided to leave him there at the E-Vet in the oxygen cage overnight. It was the longest and most unbearably painful night of my life, leaving him there. He made it, yet again, and was able to come home the next morning. Looking back now, I know we made the right decision because what follows could only happen in accordance to time. Wilbur knew he had to come back home and fight on for a bit longer. He had some really happy days in the three weeks that was to be his last. We had many more joyful moments that I am grateful for. The last two and a half years have been up and down with daily care and nurturing of my boy. Sleepless nights for those years as he needed to go out almost every three hours. Neither Larry nor I ever complained about caring for our boy. Not once.
This was taken a few days before he passed. He loved his "cool bed" and laid by that window on that bed most of the day.
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Sunday, July 28 was a perfect day. The heat had broken and it was in the upper 60's for most of the day. We were able to take Wilbur with us in the truck for the day knowing it would be safe and easy on his heart because of the cool weather. Larry and I took the boys to a nearby horse barn and they waited in the car with windows down while we went on a trail ride. This was the first time I have ridden in two and a half years. I rode by our truck to say hi to Wilbur/Henry. Wilbur loved the horses and he could see how happy I was to be riding again. For many years each day, Wilbur would come with me in the truck to the horse barn so it was pretty special for him to be able to see my ride by the truck once again. After the ride, we took the boys to the park for a long walk. Wilbur in his stroller, of course. It was so cool that he made part of the walk on his own. We then took the boys to Dairy Queen for a lick or two of our cones. It was the perfect day and I was so glad to see Wilbur feeling good. I had no idea that would be his last day with us. Looking back, I realize it was the perfect "last day" if I had to choose one. :heart2:
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WHAT IS TO FOLLOW - are Wilbur's gifts, signs and messages from beyond.
On Monday, July 29, 2013 Wilbur's respiration spiked again. The lasix did not help this time. I knew that "today was to be the day". I looked into my babies eyes and could see that he was telling me. Yes, today is the day, momma. I called Dr. Molly and called Larry at work. On this day at 3:33 p.m. appx. Wilbur was being set free from his tired, old weak body. That time has significance meaning to me. "333" means a sign of trinity. Mind, Body and Spirit. This last year I happened to glance at the digital clocks and see 3:33 p.m. quite often and thinking that was a good sign from the angels. Never 3:33 a.m., always 3:33 p.m. We did not plan the time of his death that day. I had to wait for Larry to get home from work and the vet to come to the house. Dr. Molly arrived at about 3:20 that afternoon. We began right about 3:30 p.m. I held him, I cried, Larry tried to hold it together but could not. After the shot in the hip on the cool bed to help him go to sleep, I held his head and kissed him. I picked him and the cool bed up and placed him at the foot of our bed where the vet gave him the final shot. Wilbur left so very quickly, she barely even started before he was gone. It was very peaceful, serene and extremely painful all at the same time. I am so very grateful he was home and we were together for his final moments.
After Wilbur passed on and took our hearts with him. I was crushed beyond belief and could barely move. Larry let Henry out to go potty. He yelled for me to come quick. This is what we saw. FIVE sprouting flowers.. Just popped up out of nowhere. They were not there before Wilbur's passing. I spend much time pulling anything that pops up from the pea gravel because Wilbur would eat them. I kept the dog pen area free of weeds and new growth. See that window in the background? That is where his cool bed was and where he laid most of the day. When I saw these new buds/sprouts, I screamed and cried at the top of my lungs. Larry had mega tears too. We couldn't believe it. My daughter's theory is that the FIVE means.... Me, Dad, Herself, Wilbur and Henry. My theory is that Wilbur came back from the brink five times OR the five pets (Winky, Jazz, Jafar, Potsie and Charlotte) that have passed to the bridge during Wilbur's lifetime with us and sent us a message that they are all together. We really do not know what the FIVE means - but it is something special.
Can you see them? There are five all different heights!!!
I found out a few hours later after I emailed my now friend, Margaret, whom recently sold the house to us eight months ago about the flowers. She told me that these flowers are called Resurrection Lilies and that they had not bloomed last year, at all.
She thought they were dead.
The night of Wilbur's passing, Larry woke up at 3:16 a.m. Another sign ?? JOHN 3:16 in the bible. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 Wilbur will have eternal life, I BELIEVE!! :heart3:
The next night when we were getting ready to go to bed, Larry turned on his radio to check the alarm! He called for me again!! I came running in and listened with eyes popping out. A very special song to us and Wilbur was on the radio. "MIRACLE - by Jefferson Starship.
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Here is a picture of the Resurrection Lilies as they are beginning to bloom: See our stone angel on the stump in the background. That angel was in a different spot on the property and Larry brought the angel to the dog area to watch over the lilies.
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On with the story. Larry was also able to call and find out from the Pet Crematory approximately when Wilbur was to be cremated. It was going to be Thursday, Friday or Saturday the same week he passed. They would call us when it was done.
The fourth night I had a vivid dream, a glimpse of a brown Chihuahua with a white background. Just a few seconds that was it. I awoke wondering what the heck that meant. Could not figure out WHY I had that dream. :dk: Friday morning, four days after Wilbur's death, and I was still sick with grief, I decided to go on the internet and try to pick a shelter to go and dole out dog cookies and bring some donations. Maybe that was what the dream's message was. It was a very random pick only out of about 15 shelters in a 25 mile radius. So off we went, Larry and I.
Just as we were pulling into the shelter parking lot my phone rang. It was the crematory. Wilbur was just cremated. With tears, I got out of the car and went into the shelter. Around the corner to the dogs, and saw a Chihuahua sitting in a cage.
Quiet as can be. Calm, no shaking, just staring at me. Larry was off looking at some of the other dogs giving out cookies. I YELLED OUT when I saw the date on the Chihuahua's card. OCTOBER 3, 2012 That was the day this dog was found as a stray and received vaccinations. "THAT IS WILBUR'S AND HENRY'S BIRTH DATE!!!!! So of course we at the very least thought we should meet this dog in the bonding room. We asked to see the dog. This dog was adopted out last October and returned on July 20, just two weeks prior to Wilbur's death because he was not good with the kids. (which - adding in now - my daughter reminded me that on july 20, we went to see her and her new apartment and that was THE LAST DAY she ever saw Wilbur alive.) Henry was not interested at all. Henry was still quite depressed and withdrawn over losing his brother. It was breaking our hearts to see Henry so lost. 
We were hoping this would bring him out of his sadness. It did not. So we left. Went home. THIS IS WHAT WE FOUND IN THE DOG PEN WHEN WE GOT HOME
Can you see it?? To the right?!! A brand new single sprouting Resurrection flower popping up about two feet from the patch of five. :shocker:
Could this be from Wilbur being cremated OR from us meeting this Chihuahua?? Well, that night, I tossed and turned trying to make sense of all that has happened. And, not knowing there was more to come. Much, much more.
The next morning, Saturday morning, I woke and opened the blinds to the dog area to look at the flowers. I was feeling somehow a bit better that day. I said to myself "LOOK at how those beautiful lilies just "poppied" up!!! I SCREAMED AT MY WORDS. Yelled for Larry. Told him what I just said and asked what he thought. He looked at me and said. "OH WOW, OMG, that dog's name was POPPY, that Chihuahua. I heard those words once again from his mouth, the words I thought I would never hear again about adding another pet. "Maybe, we are supposed to adopt that dog".
OK - how many more signs do we need. One I pick a random shelter to go and give cookies. Two: The October 3 date on the dog's cage Three: coming home to find a new flower sprouting out of no where and Four:: the dogs name was Poppy - "flowers popping up" WOW - We knew that this dog had to come home to us. I was petrified though, scared out of my mind about doing it. I did not feel ready, but Wilbur thought otherwise.
So that Saturday morning, we left for the shelter and on the way, I wanted to stop at another shelter - just to see..... On our way driving... the phone rings. It is the vet's office. They tell me that they have Wilbur's cremains and he is ready to be picked up. I tell them to keep him safe until Monday that we are out on our way to a shelter. Shortly after that call, we pull into the shelter parking lot (the one I wanted to stop at "just to see"
Get this. THE SHELTER WAS CLOSED FOR THE DAY!!! Vaccination clinic and they only have it ONCE A YEAR!! :lol3: Larry and I both looked at each other and laughed. OMG Wilbur was letting me know ...."NO MOMMA - you CAN'T go looking for another dog. How many signs do you need, MOM!!! I already picked the dog for you!" So on we went to the shelter where Poppy was waiting. And waiting he was. :nod: Even Henry was happy to see the little guy unlike the day before. Henry was "Henry" again, happy-go-lucky.
This dog has been too good to be true. I am not really fond of Chihuahua's and had fostered one years ago and said never again. BUT, this dog, whom we named Herbert, fits in perfectly. He loves the cats, he is housebroken, good in a crate, very, very obedient, listens well and loves car rides. It almost feels like he has been with us for a very long time. Unbelievably good. I know he is not Wilbur, and Wilbur could never be replaced, ever. Herbert is a gift from Wilbur and was brought into my life from him to help me go on and live without him. Herbert does help to bring me out of my grief and has breathed new, joyful, young life into the house. Heavenly Herbert, as my sister Linda calls him, is a real goofball. Makes us laugh. OH, and Henry LOVE his new little brother. Henry is once again happy and beginning to play. But, there is more heavenly events to come.....
SO.... on Monday, exactly a week after Wilbur's death. I take Henry and Herbert in the car to get Wilbur's remains. I walk into the vet's office and she brings me this beautiful green tin. And, on the lid is this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FIVE PINK RESURRECTION LILIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and if you look closely. There is a sixth that is not fully showing or blooming. (meaning Herbert is coming!!! ) I broke down and cried in the vet's office... I couldn't believe it. My vet couldn't either. She knew about this story unfolding and was going to meet Herbert later that day for his vet check. Obviously, I will NOT be getting a different Urn for Wilbur. We are in shock and awe over this.
I compose myself enough to drive home. And this is what goes when I get home and show Henry his brother's remains and show Herbert the remains.
Henry circling the tin, wagging his tail. I couldn't believe his response.
Herbert sniffing looking at the Urn, sniffing it and then LAYS DOWN WITH IT TUCKED UNDER HIS CHIN, the way Wilbur always laid down - flat on his side. Almost as if to say, I am home and it will be alright. 
:sobbing:
That afternoon, I took Herbert to the vet's office for his check up. Dr. Molly gave me a hug. She is as shocked over this story as I am. Dr. Molly told me something funny and said that this was going to be a silly part to the story. BUT, when she was a little girl, she played Volleyball all the time. Loved the sport and loved her Volleyball. She said that she named her Volleyball back then "HERBERT"
:lol3: We just cracked up together, cried and hugged. And, Herbert was there to join in. :heart2:
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Here are some pictures of the Resurrection Lilies in full bloom. (note -rincess: Perla in the window 
)
A view from inside the bedroom window where Wilbur used to lay on his cool bed near that floor register. You can see there is absolutely nothing else growing out there!!! And to this day, the day I write this. There have been no more Resurrection Lilies that have bloomed. Only those six.
Herbert by his Lily.
Henry and Herbert. We can't believe the change in Henry. He surely misses his brother and was suffering a loss. He was by his side as well the day Wilbur crossed. We could see the pain, loss and confusion in the days that followed by which Henry suffered. That was hard to witness. Heavenly Herbert has helped all of us. Even the cats seem "to know" Herbert. :king: Pip approves too. .
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:heart3: To Wilbur
I will miss you and will love you every day I have left on this earth. You are one of my life's greatest gifts. We miss you terribly. Daddy misses his little "slugger". My heart aches for your physical presence each and every day wanting to hold you, cuddle you, love you and care for you. I know now, though, that you are here, always by my side, watching over me. I can feel you in a different way. I know now that there is life after death all because of you. I am no longer afraid. You were an angel on this earth and we were the lucky ones to have shared our lives with you. Your gifts keep coming and we are blessed. I will see you in my dreams and in my thoughts and in my heart. With tears that are bubbles of love, I thank you, Wilbur Joe. Till we meet again.
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Wilbur and Henry - photos taken end of April 2013 at our local humane society by a photographer who was there for only one day. I was able to get the last appt. of the day. I am thankful that I had these done. (Wilbur on the right in both pictures, Henry on the left)
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A good friend shared this with me and I can't forget it - it is so darn true. Thank you, Laurie, for your words. .:sun:
..... "Wilbur tried his best to be "indestructible" for you. But, the just plain, crappy truth is that if things go as they "should", we have to outlive them. And that just sucks. But the circle of life continues. The spirit, the soul, the LIGHT of BEING, continues. There are no accidents and no coincidences. Everything happens for a reason. It can feel like a miracle when we see the reason and connections." :sun: :heart3:
And, that is something I truly believe in, now more than ever. Even amongst all of this sadness of losing Wilbur, there is hope. After losing him, I was lost, completely shattered and wondered how I would find my way without Wilbur. Well, HE found a way for me - showed me a path. I am in awe of the love and wonder of this universe in which we all live. Life is beautiful, it is a gift and I have been touched by an angel. :touch:
The circle of life. :heart3:
WILBUR JOE :heart3: October 3, 1998 - July 29, 2013
I sit here not knowing how to start this story, this astonishingly miraculous story. So I will write from the heart. This will be a very, very long but worthy read if you will. I am going to try to make it as short and easy to read but as long as it will take for the parts to fall into place. I will be adding in pictures along the way with this story according to the timing and miraculous synchronicity of these events. The dates and timing of the following are still uncanny, mysterious and unbelievable to us. I can tell you we are in awe of the extraordinary connections.
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"This is For Wilbur, this is From Wilbur, and this is proof to me and Larry that Wilbur is FOREVER and that there is hope, light, love and continuity in the circle of life".
Wilbur came into our lives on December 22, 1998 as an 11 week old puppy. Wilbur was the ONLY pet brought into our lives by Larry's hand. At the time we had Charlotte, Wilbur's aunt, and heard about two puppies that were born to Charlotte's sister. One had already been sold (which is Henry whom we have now but at the time never knew we would.) There was one puppy left. We stopped by on the way home from the horse barn to just see the puppy at this lady's house. . He was quite cute, I mean very cute. We stayed a short time and left. Larry stopped at the stop sign leading out of the subdivision and looked at me and asked "Do you want that puppy??" I almost fell out of the car and into the snow. I never thought I would hear those words come out of Larry's mouth. It was his idea!!??. So back we went to get "Wilbur".
I am not going to go into all of the special things Wilbur's life bestowed on us here. But just know, that my life with Wilbur was more special and filled with more joy, heartache, worry and love than I could have ever anticipated was about to begin on that cold December day back in 1998.
In May of 2006, Wilbur was diagnosed with a Mast Cell tumor on his front right leg. OMG I was crushed. He was only seven years old. Miraculously after all of the staging, treatment, etc. Wilbur survived. At that time back in 2006, I contacted the lady who bred Wilbur asking about his only brother and if she knew of any mast cell in her dogs. She said "Funny you should have called, because the people just called me and are looking to get rid of Jack (Wilbur's brother)" She said that he was not good with their young toddler. I soon found out that it was probably not that excuse but the fact that Henry has major, serious separation anxiety and phobias. Anyway, I was floored, just shocked. Called them up, the people who had Wilbur's brother, telling them that we would LOVE to have "Jack" and explained about Wilbur's cancer. They said that "Jack" had not lumps that they were aware of. It didn't matter anyway, I knew that Henry was a gift. So, we went to take home Wilbur's brother on July 7, 2006!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HENRY was to be his new name. Jack Henry. :heart2: The brother's were to have seven wonderful years to share together.
This was only to be the start of the little miracles that Wilbur brought to our lives. I look back now and realize that if Wilbur did not have that cancer, then we would not have Henry. I was grateful at that time to have his brother in case we lost Wilbur to this cancer. Well, Wilbur went on to overcome many health obstacles - he came back from the brink at least four or five times. His work was not done with us, his blessings and his gifts. Which will fast forward to now and the miraculous events that unfolded right before our eyes and our hearts.
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On Sunday, July 7, 2013, (which was surprising to me because it was seven years ago to the day that we brought home Henry) Wilbur was rushed to the E-vet due to high respiration for most of the day and I thought this was it for sure. It was time and I thought it fitting only because of the July 7 date. We saw a rainbow on the drive there. I saw it though my tears as I was holding Wilbur and had to blink to make sure I was seeing what I saw. It was a double rainbow. Took this picture. It made me cry even more.
Wilbur was diagnosed with CRF - dilated cardiomyopathy. The vets seemed hopeful for Wilbur and that medication would give a quality of life. We decided to leave him there at the E-Vet in the oxygen cage overnight. It was the longest and most unbearably painful night of my life, leaving him there. He made it, yet again, and was able to come home the next morning. Looking back now, I know we made the right decision because what follows could only happen in accordance to time. Wilbur knew he had to come back home and fight on for a bit longer. He had some really happy days in the three weeks that was to be his last. We had many more joyful moments that I am grateful for. The last two and a half years have been up and down with daily care and nurturing of my boy. Sleepless nights for those years as he needed to go out almost every three hours. Neither Larry nor I ever complained about caring for our boy. Not once.
This was taken a few days before he passed. He loved his "cool bed" and laid by that window on that bed most of the day.
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Sunday, July 28 was a perfect day. The heat had broken and it was in the upper 60's for most of the day. We were able to take Wilbur with us in the truck for the day knowing it would be safe and easy on his heart because of the cool weather. Larry and I took the boys to a nearby horse barn and they waited in the car with windows down while we went on a trail ride. This was the first time I have ridden in two and a half years. I rode by our truck to say hi to Wilbur/Henry. Wilbur loved the horses and he could see how happy I was to be riding again. For many years each day, Wilbur would come with me in the truck to the horse barn so it was pretty special for him to be able to see my ride by the truck once again. After the ride, we took the boys to the park for a long walk. Wilbur in his stroller, of course. It was so cool that he made part of the walk on his own. We then took the boys to Dairy Queen for a lick or two of our cones. It was the perfect day and I was so glad to see Wilbur feeling good. I had no idea that would be his last day with us. Looking back, I realize it was the perfect "last day" if I had to choose one. :heart2:
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WHAT IS TO FOLLOW - are Wilbur's gifts, signs and messages from beyond.
On Monday, July 29, 2013 Wilbur's respiration spiked again. The lasix did not help this time. I knew that "today was to be the day". I looked into my babies eyes and could see that he was telling me. Yes, today is the day, momma. I called Dr. Molly and called Larry at work. On this day at 3:33 p.m. appx. Wilbur was being set free from his tired, old weak body. That time has significance meaning to me. "333" means a sign of trinity. Mind, Body and Spirit. This last year I happened to glance at the digital clocks and see 3:33 p.m. quite often and thinking that was a good sign from the angels. Never 3:33 a.m., always 3:33 p.m. We did not plan the time of his death that day. I had to wait for Larry to get home from work and the vet to come to the house. Dr. Molly arrived at about 3:20 that afternoon. We began right about 3:30 p.m. I held him, I cried, Larry tried to hold it together but could not. After the shot in the hip on the cool bed to help him go to sleep, I held his head and kissed him. I picked him and the cool bed up and placed him at the foot of our bed where the vet gave him the final shot. Wilbur left so very quickly, she barely even started before he was gone. It was very peaceful, serene and extremely painful all at the same time. I am so very grateful he was home and we were together for his final moments.
After Wilbur passed on and took our hearts with him. I was crushed beyond belief and could barely move. Larry let Henry out to go potty. He yelled for me to come quick. This is what we saw. FIVE sprouting flowers.. Just popped up out of nowhere. They were not there before Wilbur's passing. I spend much time pulling anything that pops up from the pea gravel because Wilbur would eat them. I kept the dog pen area free of weeds and new growth. See that window in the background? That is where his cool bed was and where he laid most of the day. When I saw these new buds/sprouts, I screamed and cried at the top of my lungs. Larry had mega tears too. We couldn't believe it. My daughter's theory is that the FIVE means.... Me, Dad, Herself, Wilbur and Henry. My theory is that Wilbur came back from the brink five times OR the five pets (Winky, Jazz, Jafar, Potsie and Charlotte) that have passed to the bridge during Wilbur's lifetime with us and sent us a message that they are all together. We really do not know what the FIVE means - but it is something special.
Can you see them? There are five all different heights!!!
I found out a few hours later after I emailed my now friend, Margaret, whom recently sold the house to us eight months ago about the flowers. She told me that these flowers are called Resurrection Lilies and that they had not bloomed last year, at all.
She thought they were dead.The night of Wilbur's passing, Larry woke up at 3:16 a.m. Another sign ?? JOHN 3:16 in the bible. "For God so loved the world, that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life." John 3:16 Wilbur will have eternal life, I BELIEVE!! :heart3:
The next night when we were getting ready to go to bed, Larry turned on his radio to check the alarm! He called for me again!! I came running in and listened with eyes popping out. A very special song to us and Wilbur was on the radio. "MIRACLE - by Jefferson Starship.
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Here is a picture of the Resurrection Lilies as they are beginning to bloom: See our stone angel on the stump in the background. That angel was in a different spot on the property and Larry brought the angel to the dog area to watch over the lilies.
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On with the story. Larry was also able to call and find out from the Pet Crematory approximately when Wilbur was to be cremated. It was going to be Thursday, Friday or Saturday the same week he passed. They would call us when it was done.
The fourth night I had a vivid dream, a glimpse of a brown Chihuahua with a white background. Just a few seconds that was it. I awoke wondering what the heck that meant. Could not figure out WHY I had that dream. :dk: Friday morning, four days after Wilbur's death, and I was still sick with grief, I decided to go on the internet and try to pick a shelter to go and dole out dog cookies and bring some donations. Maybe that was what the dream's message was. It was a very random pick only out of about 15 shelters in a 25 mile radius. So off we went, Larry and I.
Just as we were pulling into the shelter parking lot my phone rang. It was the crematory. Wilbur was just cremated. With tears, I got out of the car and went into the shelter. Around the corner to the dogs, and saw a Chihuahua sitting in a cage.
Quiet as can be. Calm, no shaking, just staring at me. Larry was off looking at some of the other dogs giving out cookies. I YELLED OUT when I saw the date on the Chihuahua's card. OCTOBER 3, 2012 That was the day this dog was found as a stray and received vaccinations. "THAT IS WILBUR'S AND HENRY'S BIRTH DATE!!!!! So of course we at the very least thought we should meet this dog in the bonding room. We asked to see the dog. This dog was adopted out last October and returned on July 20, just two weeks prior to Wilbur's death because he was not good with the kids. (which - adding in now - my daughter reminded me that on july 20, we went to see her and her new apartment and that was THE LAST DAY she ever saw Wilbur alive.) Henry was not interested at all. Henry was still quite depressed and withdrawn over losing his brother. It was breaking our hearts to see Henry so lost. We were hoping this would bring him out of his sadness. It did not. So we left. Went home. THIS IS WHAT WE FOUND IN THE DOG PEN WHEN WE GOT HOMECan you see it?? To the right?!! A brand new single sprouting Resurrection flower popping up about two feet from the patch of five. :shocker:
Could this be from Wilbur being cremated OR from us meeting this Chihuahua?? Well, that night, I tossed and turned trying to make sense of all that has happened. And, not knowing there was more to come. Much, much more.
The next morning, Saturday morning, I woke and opened the blinds to the dog area to look at the flowers. I was feeling somehow a bit better that day. I said to myself "LOOK at how those beautiful lilies just "poppied" up!!! I SCREAMED AT MY WORDS. Yelled for Larry. Told him what I just said and asked what he thought. He looked at me and said. "OH WOW, OMG, that dog's name was POPPY, that Chihuahua. I heard those words once again from his mouth, the words I thought I would never hear again about adding another pet. "Maybe, we are supposed to adopt that dog".
OK - how many more signs do we need. One I pick a random shelter to go and give cookies. Two: The October 3 date on the dog's cage Three: coming home to find a new flower sprouting out of no where and Four:: the dogs name was Poppy - "flowers popping up" WOW - We knew that this dog had to come home to us. I was petrified though, scared out of my mind about doing it. I did not feel ready, but Wilbur thought otherwise.
So that Saturday morning, we left for the shelter and on the way, I wanted to stop at another shelter - just to see..... On our way driving... the phone rings. It is the vet's office. They tell me that they have Wilbur's cremains and he is ready to be picked up. I tell them to keep him safe until Monday that we are out on our way to a shelter. Shortly after that call, we pull into the shelter parking lot (the one I wanted to stop at "just to see"
Get this. THE SHELTER WAS CLOSED FOR THE DAY!!! Vaccination clinic and they only have it ONCE A YEAR!! :lol3: Larry and I both looked at each other and laughed. OMG Wilbur was letting me know ...."NO MOMMA - you CAN'T go looking for another dog. How many signs do you need, MOM!!! I already picked the dog for you!" So on we went to the shelter where Poppy was waiting. And waiting he was. :nod: Even Henry was happy to see the little guy unlike the day before. Henry was "Henry" again, happy-go-lucky. This dog has been too good to be true. I am not really fond of Chihuahua's and had fostered one years ago and said never again. BUT, this dog, whom we named Herbert, fits in perfectly. He loves the cats, he is housebroken, good in a crate, very, very obedient, listens well and loves car rides. It almost feels like he has been with us for a very long time. Unbelievably good. I know he is not Wilbur, and Wilbur could never be replaced, ever. Herbert is a gift from Wilbur and was brought into my life from him to help me go on and live without him. Herbert does help to bring me out of my grief and has breathed new, joyful, young life into the house. Heavenly Herbert, as my sister Linda calls him, is a real goofball. Makes us laugh. OH, and Henry LOVE his new little brother. Henry is once again happy and beginning to play. But, there is more heavenly events to come.....
SO.... on Monday, exactly a week after Wilbur's death. I take Henry and Herbert in the car to get Wilbur's remains. I walk into the vet's office and she brings me this beautiful green tin. And, on the lid is this!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! FIVE PINK RESURRECTION LILIES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! and if you look closely. There is a sixth that is not fully showing or blooming. (meaning Herbert is coming!!! )
I broke down and cried in the vet's office... I couldn't believe it. My vet couldn't either. She knew about this story unfolding and was going to meet Herbert later that day for his vet check. Obviously, I will NOT be getting a different Urn for Wilbur. We are in shock and awe over this.
I compose myself enough to drive home. And this is what goes when I get home and show Henry his brother's remains and show Herbert the remains.
Henry circling the tin, wagging his tail. I couldn't believe his response.
Herbert sniffing looking at the Urn, sniffing it and then
LAYS DOWN WITH IT TUCKED UNDER HIS CHIN, the way Wilbur always laid down - flat on his side. Almost as if to say, I am home and it will be alright. :sobbing:
That afternoon, I took Herbert to the vet's office for his check up. Dr. Molly gave me a hug. She is as shocked over this story as I am. Dr. Molly told me something funny and said that this was going to be a silly part to the story. BUT, when she was a little girl, she played Volleyball all the time. Loved the sport and loved her Volleyball. She said that she named her Volleyball back then "HERBERT"
:lol3: We just cracked up together, cried and hugged. And, Herbert was there to join in. :heart2:------------------------------------------------------------
Here are some pictures of the Resurrection Lilies in full bloom. (note -
rincess: Perla in the window )
A view from inside the bedroom window where Wilbur used to lay on his cool bed near that floor register. You can see there is absolutely nothing else growing out there!!! And to this day, the day I write this. There have been no more Resurrection Lilies that have bloomed. Only those six.
Herbert by his Lily.
Henry and Herbert. We can't believe the change in Henry. He surely misses his brother and was suffering a loss. He was by his side as well the day Wilbur crossed. We could see the pain, loss and confusion in the days that followed by which Henry suffered. That was hard to witness. Heavenly Herbert has helped all of us. Even the cats seem "to know" Herbert. :king: Pip approves too. .
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:heart3: To Wilbur
I will miss you and will love you every day I have left on this earth. You are one of my life's greatest gifts. We miss you terribly. Daddy misses his little "slugger". My heart aches for your physical presence each and every day wanting to hold you, cuddle you, love you and care for you. I know now, though, that you are here, always by my side, watching over me. I can feel you in a different way. I know now that there is life after death all because of you. I am no longer afraid. You were an angel on this earth and we were the lucky ones to have shared our lives with you. Your gifts keep coming and we are blessed. I will see you in my dreams and in my thoughts and in my heart. With tears that are bubbles of love, I thank you, Wilbur Joe. Till we meet again.
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Wilbur and Henry - photos taken end of April 2013 at our local humane society by a photographer who was there for only one day. I was able to get the last appt. of the day. I am thankful that I had these done. (Wilbur on the right in both pictures, Henry on the left)
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A good friend shared this with me and I can't forget it - it is so darn true. Thank you, Laurie, for your words. .:sun:
..... "Wilbur tried his best to be "indestructible" for you. But, the just plain, crappy truth is that if things go as they "should", we have to outlive them. And that just sucks. But the circle of life continues. The spirit, the soul, the LIGHT of BEING, continues. There are no accidents and no coincidences. Everything happens for a reason. It can feel like a miracle when we see the reason and connections." :sun: :heart3: And, that is something I truly believe in, now more than ever. Even amongst all of this sadness of losing Wilbur, there is hope. After losing him, I was lost, completely shattered and wondered how I would find my way without Wilbur. Well, HE found a way for me - showed me a path. I am in awe of the love and wonder of this universe in which we all live. Life is beautiful, it is a gift and I have been touched by an angel. :touch:
The circle of life. :heart3:
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to you, my friends. 
has already given it to him a couple of times. Poor Herbert..... but he is learning who is the boss around here. Larry says that Wilbur taught Herbert well, though. It is incredible how much this dog has fit in, as if he has been here for many months...... He is too good to be true. And, yes, Tricia - what a wonderful "grief counselor" he is. :nod:
