This puts a new slant on "going postal" ... Hope it catches on!

Our dog Abbey died Aug. 23, and the day after Abbey died, my 4
year old, Meredith, was SO upset. She wanted to write a letter to God so
that God would recognize Abbey in heaven. She told me what to write, and
I did. Then she put 2 pictures of Abbey in the envelope. We addressed it
to God in Heaven, put two stamps on it (because, as she said, it
could be a long way to heaven). We put our return address on it, and I
let her put it in the drop box at the post office that afternoon. She
was absolutely sure that letter would get to heaven, and I wasn't about
to disillusion her.


So on Labor Day, we took the kids to the museum in Austin, and
when we came home, there was a package wrapped in gold on our front
porch. It was addressed to Mer. So, she took it inside and opened it.
Inside was a book, When Your Pet Dies, by Mr. Rogers (Fred Rogers). On
the front cover was the letter we had written to God, in its envelope
(opened). On the opposite page was one of the pictures of Abbey taped on
the page. On the back page was the other picture of Abbey, and this
handwritten note on pink paper:

"Dear Mer,
I know that you will be happy to find out that Abbey arrived
safely and soundly in heaven. Having the pictures you sent to me was a
big help! I recognized Abbey right away! You know, Mer, she isn't sick
anymore. Her spirit is here with me (-just like it stays in your heart-)
young and running and playing. Abbey loved being your dog, you know.
Since we don't need our bodies in heaven, I don't have any pockets to
keep things in-- so I am sending you your beautiful letter back wit! h
the pictures--so that you will have this little memory book to keep.
One of my angels is taking care of this for me. I hope this little book
will help. Thank you for your beautiful letter.

Thank your mother for sending it. What a wonderful mother you
have. I picked her especially for you. God blesses you every day and
remember, I love you very much. By the way, I am in heaven and
everywhere there is love.

Signed,
God, and one of his special angels (who wrote this letter after
God told HER the words)."