I have two anniversaries in the next 10 days. One is a sad one and the other is happy one.

Today marks the first anniversary of the day my beloved Lucy crossed the rainbow bridge at 17 years of age, taking a piece of my heart with her. Part of me still wonders if I missed a symptom or a clue that could have at least prolonged her life if not saved it.

It feels like she slipped away from me so fast. From the fateful day I took her to the vet, she lasted 6 more days. Still, I’d take all of those 17 years over again, even the hard days if it meant I got the good days again.

Maybe one day they’ll figure out a way to clone her. Until then, I look forward to my happy anniversary where I was rescued by a cute little tortie that came to be known as Peanut.

I think I’ll save all the details for June 30, but I can assuredly add that she is not Lucy Part II or a copy of any other cat. She is Peanut and she is like nobody else and nobody else is like her.

While you can never replace a pet, you can move toward finding healing for your heart when you rescue another pet. I’m of the preference that it’s better to adopt from a shelter rather than buying from a breeder because you’re not only getting a great pet, but you’re also saving a life in the process.

I suppose this side of heaven is a continuous mix of joy and sorrow, happiness and sadness. This world is a beautiful but broken place that one day Jesus will redeem and restore. I look forward to the day when there are no more tears and only joy.