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Stormy, the Flashlight
This is the story of a very special furry friend, a beautiful Golden Retriever named Stormy, who in the eyes of a little girl, was a special flashlight in need of our help to become, in his own delightful way, a bright shining light bulb. Every Sunday at our church the children rush down to the front to hear a story of how God can work through them and how they can share the Lord with others. This particular Sunday, the children heard a story about different light in the darkness. Candles, flashlights, and light bulbs were used as symbols to show how God can work as a light through each of them. Sandra, the narrator of this special story, showed the children candles of various sizes, shapes, and colors, all of which provide light. She talked to them about a “flashlight”, which to the kids is a fun way to have light in a dark situation, like under the covers after you are supposed to be in bed asleep. Sandra also told the children how light bulbs give light too, which most all the children were very familiar with. They really understood the simplicity of flipping a switch on for instant bright light. Sandra wanted the kids to see and understand how each of the examples given all provided light in its own special way. Sandra wanted the children to see that just because a person was not the same as them or had special limitations; they could be a shinning light too. With God’s help anyone can be a shining light. After hearing this story, my 8-year-old daughter, Abby understood that people, and as in Stormy’s case, animals sometimes looked different or have very unique features that God has given especially to them. All creatures are special in the eyes of God. It doesn’t matter if their size, shape, or color is different. They can all be a bright light, even though they aren’t like all the others. Animals, like different people, have special purposes too. Abby remembered the story about the flashlight one weekend while we were shopping at the mall. We were in the food court having a snack and a lady with a stacked shoe got up from another table. Abby asked why she had on a stacked shoe and walked a little differently. I explained to her that one of her legs was significantly shorter than the other and without help from this shoe it would make it difficult for her to walk correctly. The shoe made her legs the same length and height and she walked better because she had help from the shoe. Abby asked if the lady was a “flashlight”? She understood that this lady must have been a special “flashlight” since she was different and since God had made her special. Our family volunteers with Memphis Area Golden Retriever Rescue (MAGRR), by fostering dogs; we bring these abandoned, neglected and sometimes-abused dogs into our home. We love them and treat them as one of the family and we help them to learn all the things they need so that, soon, they can be adopted and loved by their new family. When we decided to foster Stormy, I talked with Abby about the many differences and difficulties Stormy had and how it was going to be up to us to guide him and help him find his way. Although he was just 20-months old, Stormy was very nearly blind. He had been born with a genetic condition that was quickly taking away his vision. Not only was Stormy blind, he was diagnosed with severe hip dysplasia. His hips were in really poor shape, which meant he had limited mobility. This caused his back legs to drag across the rug, shuffling across the room as he took each step. With surgery and a lot of love and care, his hips would be better soon. Abby understood this and asked if he was a “flashlight” too like the lady with the shoe. In spite of the enormous pain from his hips, coupled with his limitation to see no more than a few shadows, Stormy’s spirits were high and his mood was generally carefree and happy. With the help of bells tied at our waists, it was much easier for him to know where we were and to find us. He was always glad to find us and lean against our leg, content with the security of knowing that we were there. We carefully selected toys that squeaked so Stormy could find them while he was playing. He could hear the squeaker as the toy bounced across the room or by stepping on it after he so proudly sniffed it out. His favorite was a turtle that squeaked loudly, even when stepped on very gently. He still knew how to have fun and learned where things were to be found in our home. He quickly located the water bowl, his food bowl, and he easily found the back door so he could go outside. One of his favorite things in the house was finding the beanie babies lined up in the bathroom along the towel rack. Over and over, he would find them, and over and over, I would pick them up and put them back in their spot. He was a smart cookie. Soon, the time came to get Stormy ready for surgery, where he would check into the doggie hospital and have a hip replacement on his right hip. A friend embroidered his name on a soft blue blanket with a few paw prints in red, so everyone knew that the love sent with it belonged to him. We were also planning to send his soft lamb baby, and of course, one of his favorite beanie babies. I explained to Abby all about Stormy’s surgery and how his body would look when he came home from the hospital. I described how his hair would be shaved and told her about the staples that would be holding him together. We talked about how important it would be to show him love and take good care of him. This love and care would help him recover and make his legs normal so that he could run and play like the other dogs. Remembering again what she had heard in church that day, she wanted to know if, after Stormy got all better, he would then be a “light bulb”? “Yes, yes!” I said, “He would be the best light bulb ever.” He would know the simplicity of running with ease, as fast and as much as he wanted. Less than a week before Stormy’s scheduled surgery date arrived, he became very sick. He was throwing up and was unable to keep any food or water in his stomach. The doctors ran many tests but were frustrated as they were unable to determine why this was happening. Stormy got weaker as the days passed and was not able to have his surgery. He was not able to gain enough strength for it. But Stormy did run and he was able to see a bridge that linked him to a better place. A place where he was able to be the biggest and brightest “light bulb” you have ever seen. To some, Stormy may have been an average flashlight while here on earth. But for those whose lives he touched, he is an inspiring light in their heart. Often times, we don’t understand the reason a sweet golden boy, filled with joy and hope, must go to The Bridge, but our plan is not always the same as God’s plan. When I look through the eyes of a golden-hearted child with a simple flashlight, I can see how this sweet Golden boy went to a special place. He was not alone, cold, or frightened. He was warm and comfortable and with his dignity. Most importantly, he was surrounded by people who loved him. We are all so fortunate to be blessed with a group of caring people like MAGRR and by the caring and compassionate vets and staff at Collierville Pet Hospital, who helped and cared for Stormy. I know his last few days were very comfortable. With God’s Grace and a golden “flashlight” named Stormy Boy, I believe no matter how stormy it gets we will continue to rescue, love and care for the next unwanted, pushed aside sweet golden face we meet.
This story is dedicated to my daughter Abby, a very bright light in my heart
and
A special thanks to Missy Clifft and to Kathy Doege for their patience and
kindness By Lisa Hicks, MAGRR volunteer |
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Stormy
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