Nicodemus 2006-2008

Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together…

– Author Unknown

I knew the time was close. Nic had been losing weight fast, and his breathing was loud and raspy. Over the past few days, he could be found sleeping in Lorelei's arms, happy just to be warm and comforted.
This morning, my heart filled up when I saw that the girls had made a soft bed with a pillow in a box for Nic. And they covered him with a hand towel to keep him warm. His eyes were dull and he seemed to have no strength even to let us know he had had enough snuggling.
I picked him up, kissed him and placed him back in his cage with Max, Isabelle's male rat.

In the afternoon, I went up to check on him, but I just knew what I would find.

He hadn't been dead for long. His soft fur was still warm.

The girls were told, and while Isabelle has gone through this before and is older, Lorelei took it hard. Her sweet eyes filled with tears and she threw her tiny arms around my neck.

After dinner, we prepared Nic for burial.

The girls painted a rock for his tombstone, with a million red hearts and a message for Nic to take with him to the Hereafter.

Rest, dear sweet Nicodemus.