The Healing Journey

March 14, 2026

Peaches had been Linda’s constant companion for 17 years, from the time she rescued her. Peaches was her confidante and best friend. And Peaches only weighed 15 pounds. That was a lot of responsibility for a little dog, but she fulfilled her obligations well.

When Peaches passed, it was one of the worst days of Linda’s life. She wouldn’t leave the house. She felt immobilized because every moment of her day had involved Peaches — breakfast, lunch, dinner, trips around town and walks through the cemeteries to visit people she knew who had passed.

Linda didn’t think she would recover, and find relief from the persistent and debilitating pain that weighed on her heart.

That first night she slept alone, and every time she woke up during the night, she remembered the pain. By the third day, she began changing her routine to avoid so many of the tasks and pastimes that she associated with Peaches.

She wanted to honor her beloved pet’s memory. Linda found her favorite picture of Peaches, some of her hair, her favorite toys and her collar. It was a way of reaffirming her love for the little dog. So many of us have faithful companions who are pets, who are God’s creatures.

Then, one of her friends told Linda, “I bet Peaches got a warm welcome in Heaven, and there were a lot of people waiting for her.” Linda realized there was her son, whom she lost, along with the many veterans whose graves she cared for with Peaches beside her … and the many more she prayed for. Yes, she was sure there were many people in Heaven who knew Peaches … and they were there to welcome her until Linda was reunited with her again.

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