Part One – Flower on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge

The first thing she noticed was that the pain was gone. Flower slowly raised her head, opened her mouth and yawned. Yes, the pain was gone, and her head and mouth felt normal. She looked around her, noticing that the light here was bright but not as harsh as the usual Kalahari daylight. She was under a tree, in the shade, and all around was a vast grassland. Wildflowers dotted the grasses, and a gentle breeze moved the grasses like a wave.
"Hello, Mama," a small voice said behind her.
Flower turned. 3 small pups were behind her - Blossom, Len and Squiggy.
"Blossom!" Flower cried.
"Hello, Mama," an older voice said. Flower turned to look Tosca in the eye.
"Tosca, what...I don't understand," Flower said.
"We've been waiting for you to wake up," Tosca said.
"But, I evicted you, and you died...oh...the snake bite...I didn't survive it, did I?" Flower asked in a very soft voice.
"No, Mama, you didn't," Tosca answered gently. "I know you are confused. You came here by a rather unusual route. Normally, you would have crossed the Bridge, and all your questions would have been answered there. But...."
"But your Guardian Angel made a decision and here you are," said Big Cy, as he stepped into the shade "Hello, Flower, welcome. The Humans call this place Heaven. We animals don't have a real name for it, but know of it. The Boss wanted me to take you to the Bridge - some of your children will be arriving shortly, and you will want to be there to greet them."
Flower looked at this meerkat who had been an enemy in life, and felt...peaceful. There was no fear, no anger, no impulse to attack. This confused her a bit. Then what Big Cy had said penetrated - she was indeed dead, and now had passed into that eternal place where the struggles and pain no longer existed.
The group started moving. As they walked, Big Cy led the way, and he and Tosca took turns talking.
"Normally, when any living creature dies, they pass over one of the Rainbow Bridges to get here. They are met by a guide, and any loved ones who have gone on before them. All the questions they have are answered, and they are able to settle into their new life." Tosca said.
"But you, my dear Flower, posed a bit of a problem. Your Guardian Angel, who is to bring you to the bridge, wasn't sure which Bridge to use." Big Cy continued. "You see, there are several types of Bridge, some for domesticated animals and pets, others for wild animals, others for humans. Your Angel was heading for the ones assigned to the wild animals when he heard all the grief the humans who knew you felt - it hit him like a wave, so many were pained by your passing."
Tosca took up the conversation. "So, he stopped and wondered if maybe the domesticated bridge was more appropriate. But you weren’t domesticated. You were wild. Still, with all the pain coming up from Earth, well, he just dropped you off, under the tree, and went to the Boss. We were sent here to wait for you to wake up, and to take you to the Wild Rainbow Bridge. And here we are."
The group had arrived at the Bridge. Flower could see a small group of Meerkats coming over the Bridge toward her. They were too far away to recognize, but she knew who they were. They were her children. Tears filled her eyes - the first time she had ever shed one. She felt a strange mix of joy and sorrow - joy to see her children again, sorrow that they, too, were dead.
As they grew closer, Tosca continued. "The Boss cleared up the confusion - even though we all are loved and mourned by the humans, we are still wild, and are to cross the wild Rainbow Bridge. Normally, we all cross when we die, but there was a bit of a backup while the Boss was consulted, so even though they died at different times, they are all crossing together."
At that moment, the group on the bridge had come close enough for Flower to recognize them. Shakespeare, Mozart, Kinkajou, and De la Soul. Carlos was there also, and several pups that she did not know by name. They were following a guide, a being made up of energy that glowed a soft white, and had a voice like wind chimes. The guide was explaining about life on this side of the Bridge, how eating was not necessary for survival, but was only for pleasure, that there was an endless amount of space, and good burrows to be had everywhere. That no predator would be stalking them. Just as the Guide finished speaking, Mozart spotted Flower.
"Mama! I didn't know you would be here!" she squealed, and ran up to Flower, followed closely by the others. As the group of meerkats hugged and groomed each other, squeaking constantly to each other, the Guide smiled. The Boss would be pleased. As for himself, the Guide always rejoiced when more animals found their joy at last. But he had to admit, he was just a bit partial to the furry little creatures known as meerkats.

Part two - Flower meets God

Flower sat under the tree, watching as her sons and daughters played. She smiled as Mozart and Tosca rolled around the grassy plain. It filled her heart to see them so happy. She so wished that she could feel the same peace. Sensing a presence next to her, she turned, and saw....God.

God was a large shining Meerkat, old and ageless at the same time. He looked at Flower, and smiled.

"Hello, child."

Flower bowed into a submissive posture. "Hello, uhm, Sir?"

A gentle laugh answered her. "The humans have many names for me, the one most fitting here would be Father, but Boss is also just fine, as that is what best suits your understanding, precious one. Now, come into my arms, and let me comfort you."

Flower did as asked, and snuggled up to the Boss. She felt peaceful at once, and a joy that had eluded her filled her heart.

"Now tell me, sweet little Flower of the Kalahari, what has been troubling you?"

"I worry for my family, Boss. I miss Zaphod. And I am sad that I will not be a mother again."

The Boss kissed Flower gently on her head. "Sweet little one, rest now. Perhaps you will not birth any more pups, but all of your children will be with you in but a little while. As will Zaphod."

"Time is different here, Boss"

"There is no time here, Flower. And there is all time. You are still thinking the way you did on Earth, when you had to pay attention to the days and the seasons. But those things are not the same here. I have made this corner of Heaven to be like your home on earth, to have a sunrise and sunset, to be endless high summer when life is easy. But the day and night are not the same. time has no meaning here, little one, just as a grain of sand has no meaning to the desert."

Flower snuggled into the Boss's arms, and sighed.

"Ah, yes, your heart is still heavy with worry for the family you left behind," the Boss said gently. "Flower, do you trust me?"

Flower raised her head, and looked the Boss in the eye. They were the kindest eyes she had ever seen. She dropped her eyes. "Yes. I do. At least, I very much want to," she replied in a small voice.

"Your family will be fine. Just as you were fine when Holly died. And she, when her mother died. They will struggle, they will fail, they will succeed. In short, Flower, they will live. They have your strength. They will go on. You have taught them well. Now, let me heal your heart, and take that burden from you. It is no longer yours to carry, little one. It has been passed on to your daughter."

As the Boss held Flower tighter, she felt the heaviness leave her. It was replaced by peace, and joy. At last, she was able to leave her worries behind, secure in the knowledge that the Boss had it all under control.

"I want you to know, Flower, that I am well pleased with the life you led. You accomplished great things." the Boss whispered. "You lived a proud and faithful meerkat life. But you were much more than that - you were able to reach out and touch the lives of many, many humans. You entered their hearts, and taught them as much as you did your own sons and daughters. You were able to speak to them for me. You will soon see just how much you meant to so many. When they cross their Bridge, you will welcome them, too."

"I will?"

"Yes. You will be very busy."

"Then I guess that it's a good thing that there is no time here, so that it won't run out."

The Boss laughed. "Yes, Flower, that's right. Now I must go and see some of my other children."

"Thank you, Boss. I love you."

"And I love you Flower. Always have. Always will."

The Boss gave Flower a kiss on her head, and faded away into the light. Flower turned, and once again watched her children playing. She got up, shook herself, and ran off to join them, feeling light and free. With wild abandon, she rolled into the bundle of fur, and was, at last, home.

Part 3 - Shakespeare and the Boss

After what seemed like hours had passed, Flower and her family stopped playing. Shakespeare spoke up. "I know that we don't have to forage anymore to survive, but I'm sort of hungry."

"Hmmm....now that you mention it, I am, too," said Flower.

"I know just the place. Follow me!" Tosca led the group a short distance, and they all started foraging.

In no time at all, everyone had found a juicy tidbit. Amazingly, each meerkat found the thing that was its favorite to eat, whether it was a scorpion, millipede, or larva. They group found tasty morsel after tasty morsel.

Suddenly, Shakespeare stopped foraging. "Hey, this food is really different. It tastes the same, and smells the same, but I don't think that its alive!"

The large shining meerkat standing next to him answered. "That's right, my son. Even bugs go to heaven, for just as I created all life, I call all life back to me when its time has passed."

All the meerkats looked over at this newcomer. Tosca, Big Cy, Flower, and most of the pups knew who it was - the Boss - and fell into a submissive posture. As the others caught on, they, too, bowed before their Creator.

"I have provided food for all my creations here," the Boss continued. "But just as you need not fear predation any longer, so too the insects you feed on. What you have been eating is the shell of the insect without the life inside. These are bodies that have never been alive, created just for you to enjoy eating."

While the meerkats all thought about this, the Boss whispered into Shakespeare's ear. "Come walk with me." The two headed off away from the group, who soon returned to their foraging.

"Shakespeare, I wanted to let you know how pleased I am with you. You lived your life as an exemplary meerkat. Your actions to protect your family touched many human hearts. Just as your mother did, you were able to get my message through to them. And, just as Flower, you will be meeting many, many humans when it is their time to cross the Bridge."

The little meerkat bowed his head. "Thank you, Boss. But I didn't do anything extraordinary."

"Ah, my child, but you did. You were yourself to the fullest extent possible - and that is extraordinary indeed. As you rest here longer, by and by it will become clear to you what things I value most, and you will understand the deeper meaning in what I have just told you."

Shakespeare bowed his head, then sighed in shear joy as the Boss enfolded him in a hearty hug.

"Run along now, and send Kinkajou to me. I would speak to her for a while. And tell Mozart to look for me just before it is time to go into the burrow for the night."

"Ok, Boss. I love you," the brave little meerkat said.

"And I love you, my sweet Shakespeare. I will love you for all eternity."

Shakespeare returned to the group, and sent Kinkajou off to see the Boss. He gave Mozart the message sent to her.

Seeing her sister's worried look, Tosca hugged her. "Don't fret, Mozzy. The Boss has a talk with everyone their first day."

"Really?" asked Mozart.

"Yes. And you will feel wonderful after you see Him." Tosca replied. "Isn't that right, Mom? Shakespeare?"

"I feel wonderful." Shakespeare said.

"Me, too." added Flower. "The Boss will review your life with you and tell you what it meant. And then, He will take away any worries, fears or pain that you have left."

Mozart nodded, and tried to smile at her mother. But as the others all ran off to play, she worried about what the Boss would have to say to her. Somehow, she didn't think that she would come away from her meeting quite as happy as the rest of her family. She was not looking forward to evening.

your story was great lol hi

Great stories: I enjoy stories about heaven. I know Flower is there, not only waiting for her children but for us too, that have enjoyed her since she was a pup.

Thanks akajkh22 and God Bless.

R.I.P. FLOWER

Wow,what great stories, and very comforting to those of us who are still
grieving over Flower. I too like stories about heaven. Thanks and God bless.

I loved reading these stories, through tears, of course but they also made me smile. When is part 4 coming?

Part 4 - Mozart finds her place at last


As the evening drew near, one by one Flower and her family headed into their new burrow, until only Mozart was left sitting on the ground. She had been told to wait for the Boss, as He wanted to speak to her. She was very nervous.

Feeling a presence next to her, Mozart looked to her right, and saw the shining meerkat that she knew at once was the Boss. She immediately took a subordinate position.

"Mozart, my little princess," said the Boss. "Come into my arms and let me comfort you."

Tentatively, the little meerkat did as she had been told. When the Boss's arms enfolded her, she felt a rush of peace like never before.

"My precious one, I want to welcome you to my kingdom," the Boss whispered into her ear. "And I want you to know just how proud I am of the life you led."

"How can that be?" Mozart choked out. "I failed at everything. I failed at being a subordinate. I failed at being a leader. I even failed at being a mother." Tears filled the meerkat's eyes, and she bowed her head.

"Failed? Not at all, my sweet, sweet Mozart," the Boss said gently. "You were one of my greatest successes." He lifted her head, and looked her in the eye.

"Despite all the odds, you kept on fighting to stay alive. No matter what was done to you, you showed compassion and concern to your family. No matter how many time you were knocked down, you got up, and continued to try. You lived your whole life in the shadows of others, yet you were able to shine your own light just the same. You are nothing short of a brilliant success."

The Boss kissed Mozart on the head. "No less than your mother and brother, you touched many, many human lives. But while Shakespear and Flower were loved for their bravery and leadership, you were loved for your heart. Your tender spirit in the midst of so much hardship taught many the lesson that is most dear to me - that no matter what you may endure, loving others is the most important thing that you can do. Mozart, my darling child, you have earned a very special place here with me, simply because you never had a special place in life."

As Mozart gazed into the deep eyes of the Boss, she at last felt loved and welcome. She was finally at peace. And for the first time since she was a small pup, she was totally filled with joy.

"Sleep well, my Mozart. Tomorrow will be a big day. I have something planned for the whole family. And something very special just for you."

"Good night, Boss. I love you."

"Good night, Mozart. I have always loved you. And I always will love you. It will take all of eternity to show you just how deep that love is."

Mozart headed down into the burrow to sleep with the rest of the family. She knew that she had found her home at last.

Part 5 - Burrow Move

As the sun rose, Flower and her family came out of their burrow. They had spent their first night in heaven. Just like everything else they had experienced here, it was familiar, but better. The night had been cool, but not cold. No one was chilled or stiff. As each of the meerkats stood on the side of the burrow entrance to warm themselves, they all realized that they were doing this out of habit, not because they needed the warmth. Still, this gentle sun felt good on their dark bellies.

Flower noticed that Mozart was no longer stressed. "How did your talk with the Boss go?" she asked her daughter.

Mozart smiled. "Better than I thought it would. He said today was going to be a big day for all of us."

Just then, the large shining meerkat that was the Boss was in the midst of the gang. "Good morning, children. We will be changing burrows today."

Flower was shocked. "But, Boss....the burrow here is perfect! There is plenty of food, no predators, and its warm. Why would we move?"

"This is just a waystation I set up for my meerkats. It gives you time to adjust from your earthly life to your eternal one. Now it is time to move into the heart of my kingdom, to be with all my other animals, and to share the company of my humans and the angels. Every creature has a waystation such as this. And everyone moves on as well."

Flower was still upset. "But... how will Zaphod find us? He is not here. Can I stay here and wait for him?"

"Sweet Flower, there is no need for that. Just as Tosca and Big Cy were here when you woke, you will be here for Zaphod when he crosses the Bridge. You will be the one to welcome him home." the Boss replied. "Now, let's get moving!"

The Boss set out across the grassland, moving easily over the plain. As they traveled, more animals appeared. Ground squirrels and weaver birds could be heard calling to one another. Soon the larger grazing animals were seen as well. The group was moving steadily forward. Even the pups were not having any trouble keeping up. Then, Shakespeare spotted a goshawk overhead. He stopped dead in his tracks and let out an alarm call. Everyone in the group froze where they were - except, of course, the Boss.

"There's no need to fear," the Boss told them. "Just as I provide food for you, I provide food for all. That goshawk poses no threat to you anymore - nor does any other raptor, or jackal, or any other hunters that you will see. This is my kingdom, children. There is only peace and joy here. Watch." The Boss began to run, and after a few steps, He changed into a goshawk, and flew up to meet the bird that Shakespeare had spotted. The two of them flew in circles, then both of them came down to land. The goshawk landed near the group of meerkats, blinking at them, but saying nothing. The Boss landed a bit farther out, changing back into a meerkat just as He touched ground.

The Boss walked back to the gang. He turned to the goshawk, nodding His head in a signal. The goshawk turned to the meerkats, and began to speak.

"Father has told me that you are called meerkats," he began. "When I lived before, I had no name for you, I only knew you as food. No one names their meals. But here, in Father's kingdom, I know everyone's name. And the meals that Father provides are tastier than your kind ever was. While I still hunt for pleasure now and then, the greatest joy I have here is spending time with Father. The next best thing is spending time with others who Father has brought into His kingdom. I was once your enemy, I was once a source of pain and death, but now I am your friend, a fellow citizen of this wonderful kingdom our Father has prepared for us. Father has told you that no one will hurt you here. That is true. Not just because we are already fed well, but mostly because it is what Father wishes, and the greatest joy is to do as Father asks." Bowing his head to the Boss, the goshawk took off, and flew away.

The meerkats took a moment to absorb this. Shakespeare was the first to speak. "Wow." was all he said.

The Boss laughed, a musical sound. "Come, our destination is just over that dune." The group resumed their journey, all of them curious as to what lay ahead.

As they were about to crest the dune, the Boss stopped. Turning to face the little group, He looked each meerkat in the eye, and then spoke in a soft voice.

"On the other side of this dune, you will see all the things that you saw in your previous life. But you will also see many things that are new to you. Animals and birds that you never encountered before. Humans. Angels. Flowers and plants that are different from what grew in your corner of the Kalahari. And also, things that never existed on Earth at all - things that have only ever been here in heaven with me. All of these things are yours to enjoy. Even the snakes. You will be surprised, but most of them like to play with the meerkats here. They really enjoy a lively game of hide and seek." The Boss turned, and the group reached the top of the dune.

Stretched out before them, as far as the little meerkats could see and beyond, was a shimmering, shining wonderland. Houses, meadows, forests, mountains, rivers all rolled together, and all filled with sights both familiar and inexperienced. Lions played with zebras, chimps riding on the backs of rhinos. Humans, old and young, petting and playing with bears and tigers. Eagles flying with kittens and puppies held gently in their talons, bringing them back to the ground and taking others up for a flight, all of them waiting their turn for their ride. Dogs and cats playing with mice, giraffes pulling leaves off the tops of trees, and passing them down to caterpillars and locusts. Every creature imaginable was here, and they all were getting along.

All activity stopped when shouts were heard. "Father's here! Father's here!" The cry echoed across the plains and up the mountains. All the animals and people and angels bowed down before the shining meerkat on top of the dune. Then a beautiful song began, coming from every mouth below. A song of praise and love for Father, a song of joy to be in His presence. The meerkats joined in, and they knew the melody and words as if they had always sung this song. In their hearts, they knew that their lives on Earth had been the first refrain of this song, and that the song would never end.

The Boss turned to Flower. "Take your family and join in wherever you wish. You will find burrows whenever you seek one. You mother, Holly, and your sisters are over in that direction." He pointed toward a corner of the plain below. "I will be here often. And you will know when it is time to come to one of the Bridges to welcome someone across. Now, go. I have something else to show to Mozart."

All the meerkats ran down the dune to join the throng below. Flower excitedly made her way to the place the Boss had told her she would find Holly. She could not wait to see her mother again.

The Boss turned to Mozart. "Now for the something special I told you I had for you." he let out a whistle, and over a dozen pups came running over. They were all the babies that Mozart had lost, and they climbed over their mother shrieking in delight. As Mozart kissed and held them all, the Boss smiled.

"Thank you, Boss," Mozart whispered. "I can finally be a mother."

"Mozart, here in my kingdom, you can be anything you desire."

She lifted her head to say something more, but the Boss was already gone.

Mozart and her pups started down the side of the dune. As they neared the bottom, Shakespeare, Kinkajou and Carlos ran up to meet her, and together they all entered the heart of the kingdom, their new home, the last one they would ever need.

The End.

omg! thats the best story i have ever heard well done!!!
briliant!

Wow akajkh22:

Again, these stories are so great. I really think you should try to publish these stories. I would definately buy every part. I'm as eager to read them as I am eager to read each part of the "Left Behind" series.

I know more parts to your story are in the wings, so to speak. Keep them coming.

GOD Blessed you with an incredible gift.
Thanks for sharing.

Beautiful story...

I can't say that I have ever read anything more beautiful. Yes you should publish it.

Mozart was my favorite. I fell in love with her in the first season. I just knew one day she would find someone that loves her and have that family she always wanted. I hurt inside so bad and can't stop crying.
I loved this one part you worte
"Mozart my darling child, you have earned a special place here with me. Simply because you never had it in life."
Yes, she does deserve a very special place.
I pray that there is a Heaven for all animals,
and I pray that I will get to meet Mozart one day cause she was very special to me.
I'll NEVER forget you my sweet angel.
#1 Mozart Fan
Glenda

yes please publish this story.
this may sound cheasy but i was never a true beliver but reading this story has made me reaslise

akajkh22 , How wonderful. My heart just aches for them all but especially Mozart who was my favorite from the day I met her. She had, has such a kind yet brave soul and heart. Your story brings me comfort through my tears.

Thank you for writing and sharing. You have a wonderful style and I hope you will publish this and more.

akajkh22 wouldn't it be great if we really knew we would see these beautiful souls again, and KNOW that they are together and living peacefully and joyfully. My faith tells me so but I dont know for sure. I love your story

This is the most beautiful story I've read in a very long time! I would very much like to save it to my computer if it's alright with you. You have a wonderful insight. This has been an emotionally draining evening but now I feel I can head for my sleeping burrow a little lighter. Thank you and THANK YOU!

Thank you beautiful story, brought up the tears, tears of joy precious Mozart finally becoming a mom! Great writing style!! Thanks again! I miss Mozzy soooo, your story was so awesome!! Mozart was sooooooo special!!

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Very sweet, and peaceful. I liked it.

Although i'll miss her lots, I imagine Mozart has finally found a home.

akajkh22 - I am truly moved. It IS one of the most beautiful stories I have read. You ARE truly talented. AND, you should publish this and what I am sure are many more stories such as this that you must have in you.
There must be thousands of children out there in TV land suffering over this season, that don't have access to this forum, that would truly benefit from reading your story....it would give them peace admist all the tragedy of this season.

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW! R.I.P Flower!!!