A Fresh Expression
Funeral for a friend
Many who know me, will know of my long-time friend Bonnie, my kelpie X.
On Easter afternoon Bonnie started to limp and by the evening had deteriorated rapidly. One side of her body became paralysed. The vet's educated guess was a tumor, or some pressure or growth on her spinal chord.
After three days of watching what used to be a very happy and active dog become very depressed, I decided to put her down. It was a very horrible four days and the last day was agony.
I was to take Bonnie to the vet at 5-30pm. A good friend had offered to be with me and I also asked Gayelene. Then I thought of some others who had taken care of Bonnie while I was away, and then friends that just loved animals.
By the early afternoon I had 13 people coming to her funeral. We gathered around her grave and shared a few memories.
I thanked God for the wonderful gift that she and all animals are for us. We covered her body with flowers and she looked beautiful, then Gayelene read a prayer of peace for me. The men covered her with the earth. We all then went inside for soup, pizza and champagne.
There was a mixture of Jesus followers and others and it was a wonderful time of healing and support for me. God used the death of my sweet Bonnie to speak of his goodness and love.
This was a natural situation to formally acknowledge God's creative goodness. This was a Fresh Expression.
I thank the Lord Jesus for the great times I had with Bon. I also thank him for my new whippet pup, Winnie, and for all the fun and companionship ahead.
Meredith Campbell