A Christmas Penny 2009 - Seeking Peace and Joy for the Holidays

They say that owning a dog can be very beneficial for a person's physical and emotional wellbeing.   I am a believer.  Penny become part of our family on Christmas Eve 2009.  She came at a crucial time - and has been good medicine for all of us, but most especially for our Karlee. 

Carson was 9 and Karlee was only 6 years old when they lost their little 2 year old sister Katelyn that October 2009.  When a child leaves a family early to return to her Heavenly Home, people often think first of the parents and what they are going through... but truth is everyone in the family suffers, including siblings.  Carson and Karlee were no exception.

For the first several weeks it was difficult for Karlee to sleep in the bedroom she once shared with her little sister.  Their two twin beds which were once pushed close together so they could fall asleep holding hands, now stood as a quiet reminder that Katelyn was gone.    The silence at bedtime was especially difficult for Karlee.  She missed Kate's giggles when they snuggled in for sleep, and the sound of her softly snoring in the bed next to her.  To lie there in the silence next to Kate's empty bed without her hand to hold was much too hard for her, so Karlee chose to avoid it altogether and sleep in the guest room.

It helped Karlee to sleep in a new room and a new bed.  She wasn't alone, I spent many nights with her in that guest room - which was good for the both of us.  I needed a little girl to snuggle with, as much as she needed the company.  Often Karlee would have nightmares and cry in her sleep.  I wanted to be there to offer her comfort in the middle of the night.  It broke my heart to see her struggle.  

Karlee slept in the guest room for many weeks.  Scott and I told her to take all the time she needed until her heart felt ready to move back to her own bed.  We were beginning to wonder if this was her new normal.  Would she ever be able to return to her own bedroom?  

Then on Christmas Eve 2009, a new little Yorkie-puppy named Penny came to live with our family. Scott brought her home from the pet store early that morning before the kids were awake.  To their delight, they awoke to find her in a little carrier underneath the Christmas tree.  I'll never forget the squeals of joy when Karlee first met Penny.  It was love at first sight, for the both of them.

Bringing Penny home to our family that first Christmas was a good thing for all of us.  Penny helped us at a very difficult time.  Most importantly she gave my kids a reason to smile that first Christmas without Kate.

A dog can never take the place of a loved one, but it is true that pets can be very helpful and healing for the brokenhearted.

For Karlee, this new puppy meant a new friend and someone to share her room with.  Penny was a great comfort to Karlee, especially at night as she would nestle close to her while she fell asleep.   Karlee's new little buddy helped her heart feel better and made her feel not so lonely.  With the help of Penny,  Karlee was able to move from the guest-room back into her own bedroom.  It was a small yet triumphant step in Karlee's healing.  

I am a believer that our furry friends can be very therapeutic and healing for bereaving families, such as ours. Caring for and loving Penny took Karlee's mind off her grief for periods of time.  Penny was even a good distraction (and good company) for me, as I took on the challenge of house training her while everyone was at school.  

In the last 6 years, this little Yorkie dog has proven to be a blessing to our whole family.  Penny is very loyal to my husband Scott (she follows him and his motorcycle all over the neighborhood) and she is also very good with the little girls.  But of everyone, I'd have to say she's been most helpful to Karlee.  

To this day, Karlee and Penny remain close and have a very special bond.  Penny can sense when Karlee is sad, and she'll do her part to make her feel better.  Penny will stay by her side, and give Karlee kisses until she sees her smiling once again.

I am truly grateful for the blessings that God sends to help the brokenhearted. I am especially thankful for the gift of His Son, Jesus Christ, who was born to be our Savior, to bring us Hope and to bear our grief and pain.  He truly blesses me with Peace.  

It gives my heart comfort to know my little Katelyn is with Him.  I picture her at the Savior's knee on Christmas, hearing firsthand the beautiful story of that Glorious night, when herald angels sang of His birth.  I know she is now one of His angels who sing Him praises.

We love our little girl Kate and miss her desperately.  We are thankful for the moments when we can feel her with us, and we keep her always in our hearts.

Peace and Love to all this Christmas.  And to the brokenhearted, you are always in my prayers.  May you find some smiles (even through the tears) and feel the love that the Savior has for you.  May His tender mercies bless you with the peace and strength you need to find healing.  A heartfelt Merry Christmas from our house to yours.