O thou who has given us so much, mercifully grant us one thing more – a grateful heart.
-George Herbert
It could well be said that this is absolutely one of my favorite times of the year. I’m always thankful and keep a gratitude journal but it seems like during this season, people are much more vocal about things that they are thankful for. I’m so grateful to hear the words. Gratitude is contagious, and hearing another’s acknowledgment is a constant pleasant reminder to me.
If I seem to be absent, just know that I’m working on things behind the scenes but I’m also spending as much time as I can with my family. There will be posts, but I know they will be at odd times.
Earlier this week I received word that a dear friend of mine had to put her horse down. It touched me more than I could know and has been on my mind enough that I thought I would share. My friend is an extraordinary and giving soul who rescues abused animals. She is gifted when it comes to animals and I have so much admiration for her. You can tell she puts her heart on the line with every saved animal she touches. Here’s what she said:
We sadly had to put Kristin Ann down this morning. Her heart was failing, she wasn’t eating, and her body was filling with fluid. Her body never totally recovered from the abuse she had suffered. Her 3 Moms were with her and even at the last, she was still taking apples from me. It’s been such a joy being with her these last months, we wanted so much to give her a good life for whatever time she had left and I think we succeeded. She left this world knowing she was loved, pampered, and spoiled. I’m going to miss her so much.
Yesterday I went out to Popular Front (I’ve been going there for years) and created a snowflake in memory of Kristin Ann. If you would like to make a snowflake in her memory, the site is HERE. I’ll warn you, this is mildly addicting – so perhaps you might make another one or two to symbolize the things in your life you are grateful for. If you do, I would welcome a comment to know who or what you made a snowflake for.
Becca, what a wonderful friend you have. I’m such an animal lover – I admire her for all her efforts. Years ago we rescued a kitty who had been abused. He was the sweetest little guy, but sadly, five years ago we had to put him to sleep. I miss him every day. I made a snowflake in his memory and I made one in memory of my dad, who passed away 13 years ago, too. And of course, I made one for poor Kristin Ann. I just don’t understand people who abuse animals. What a neat site – thanks for sharing!
I made one in memory of my sister. I miss her so much especially this time of year.
I made a snowflake in memory of my DH who died 20 years ago ths month.
But, God has truly blessed me with another wonderful Christian husband and I am so very grateful.
Thanks for sharing Becca!!
Joan
Becca, I’m so sorry for your friend’s loss. My Buster is quite geriatric and will be passing soon. He’s an English Bulldog. Normally his species lives 9/10 years; Buster will be 12 in February. He’s blind now, nearly deaf, and has the biggest, sweetest heart I’ve ever come across in a pet. I’ll miss him dearly when he’s gone and don’t like to dwell on those thoughts. You’re right, the snowflakes are addicting! I made one and will save this sight to my favorites. Thank you so much for sharing.
Becca, I had tears in my eyes reading about your friends great loss. I made a snowflake for my westie, Abby, who we had to have put down about 3 weeks ago. I still can’t think of her but what I have tears streaming down my cheeks. I wonder if I will ever get over it. She gave us so much love for 14 years and it seems so empy in my heart. Thanks for sharing this site.
Cheryl
What a wonderful sight Becca. I made a snowflake to offer to all of you who are celebrating Thanksgiving this Thursday. I’m from Canada and we celebrate ours in October. I have bookmarked the sight and can see that I will visit it often. Thanks for sharing.
What a wonderful sight! I was feeling down today and when I came to your BLOG and saw the Snowflake site, I immediately went to the sight and created a snowflake for all who rescue and care for abused animals and children. It made my heart lighter and put a smile on my face. Thanks for sharing this site. I’m sure I will go there often!
Thanks for sharing Becca. I made one for my dad and I, too must go back and make one for my mom also. Then there is Kitty Bow Bow and Amos Moses and Tanpaw are pet who our now gone.
Becca, I made a snowflake in memory of my Mom for whom I am so grateful. I’m so sorry your for your friend. She did a wonderful thing taking care of this abused horse and making her last days confortable.
Becca, I am so sorry about your friend’s horse. I have a horse who came from an abusive home and she is an old lady, but I love her dearly and when her time comes it will be very hard to say good-bye to her. Hopefully, she will still be here with us for several more years. I made a snowflake for my first baby daughter who went to heaven when she was ten days old.
Barb
Becca,
What a wonderful idea. I sent one in memory of my dad.
Am sorry for the loss of your friend’s horse. They are amazing animals.
Awww…what a heart wrenching story. :( I do LOVE the snowflake website! Very cool…..I made one ~ and I’m thankful for life itself!
p.s. love your blog! :)
I am so sorry to hear of your friend’s loss. God bless your friend for her kindness and care of Kristin Ann. How anyone could intentionally hurt an animal is beyond my comprehension.
Thank you for sharing the magical snowflake site.
Marion, UK
I am so sorry to hear of your friends loss but I was thrilled at the same time; knowing this wonderful lady has such a heart for animals that she devotes her life to taking abused animals and giving them all the love and attention they so rightly deserve. May God bless her!
Kathy loved Kristin Ann so much and has always been such an animal advocate. She’s the one who actually rescues animals in need. We’re lucky to have her as a good friend.
What a wonderful way to pay a bit of heartfelt tribute. I built a snowflake for my two daughters, one whom we lost as a baby and the other who has grown into a wonderful, caring and beautiful young woman. Thank you for sharing both the snow site and your amazing creativity.
Makaren
this reminded me of our precious Sophie whom we had to have euthanized this past summer … she was an 11 year old Yorkie … it amazes me how much we love our animals! and how much personality they have… we miss her so much!!!
I enjoy your blog …. and `snowflake`site is one I`ll send off ot my frineds!!!
thanks and God bless you!
Having read about Kristin Ann, it reminded me of Lexie, our 13 yr old Golden Retriever. We had to put her to sleep this past summer because her body was taken over with cancer. The snowflakes are very appropriate because here in MS we don’t get to see snow that often, but when we did, Lexie loved rolling in it and trying to catch a flake in her mouth. What a special friend she was!
You are right…. the snowflakes could be addictive. I made one and then looked at some of the others and my jaw dropped! If you live in Mo. I am in awe of your snowflakes. I searched Becca in the snowflakes and some very intricate snowflakes showed up. WOW!
Hi Becca, thanks for sharing your story of your dear friend. I sure that was a hard decision to make. I made a snowflake for my parents and my sister that pass 4 years ago.
becca, what an addictive site that is. i made two one for my poor mum who died in 1991 and one for all the lost souls needing a friend.but i can see that i will be filling the sky with flakes soon.
this is also a friend of mine and becca is telling all i can say about her she really is a giving person. who has an extraordinary heart for people and animals. she will be very thankful for the memorial.
I made a snowflake for Kristen Ann. May her soul rest in peace. Thank-you for sharing this site and for sharing a touching story. Bless those people who attempted to help her. Joan
Becca,
I made a snowflake for my dear mother who’s been gone for 22 years.
~~Diane~~
Thanks for the link to this site. I made 3, one for my husband who’s having serious health problems, one for my son and his family, and one for my puppy, who has my heart and gives me unconditional love.
My home is in Canada but I have lived in Fairfax for a year now and this site warmed my heart! I sent a zillion snowflakes to all of my friends and family and if they all send just one we will have another snowbank in no time! Thank you for also sharing your God given talent … your blog has worked it’s way to the top of my list and I go through withdrawal when I don’t ‘check in’ every day. Wishing you and yours a blessed and happy holiday season. Peggy
Hi,
My heart goes out to your dear friend who had to put Kristin Ann down. As an animal lover, myself, I know the heartache that comes with that but at the same time….I am so happy to know that Kristin Ann had a loving home for as long as she did.
I don’t know what possesses people to abuse animals….or children for that matter.
I made a snowflake in her memory! It is addicting, so I will be making some for my cats that have passed in the past year.
I’ll also make some in memory of family members that are no long with us.
Thanks for the reminder of this great website.