Did You See Any Animals?

For those of you that are new here, I was given a beautiful and unforgettable glimpse of Paradise when an outpatient procedure went horribly wrong April 21, 2006. Mere words will never do it justice, although I still strive to do so. Recovery was the hardest thing I have ever done, and it has just been the last 6-8 months that I can truly say "yeah, I DO know how far I've come". There are parts I do not remember, may never remember. There are parts I wish I could forget and never remember again. But being given that glimpse, just to be told "It's not your time, Nancy. You have to go back", has been something I still speak of with my counselor.

Today I saw Rick Norton, the father of Skylar. He still grieves and I honestly cannot imagine how difficult this road is that he and his family must travel. To look at him, you see pain and heartache etched upon his face. Within his eyes is trauma that only the King understands, for He too lost His child to death. Yet there is an assurance that I saw today, the assurance that he is moving forward. Forward to that time of being reunited with his daughter.

He asked me, what I thought, an odd question today. One that I contemplated during the ride home with Johnny. Rick asked, "Did you see any animals?" I told him what I did see, and yet he repeated, "But did you see any animals?" And I had to tell him that no, I don't recall seeing any animals.

You see, Skylar loved animals, and he wondered if there were animals in Paradise. He wanted her to be surrounded by what she loved, not only by those she loved and loved her. I saw no animals, Rick, but I did see ~

tall, shade giving trees and the most beautiful flowers, and shrubs, and the greenest of grasses. It seemed to go on and on forever. These are all living things, so I believe that yes, it is possible that there are animals in Paradise. They are created by the King, just as He created and placed the flowers, the trees, the grass, all within the Garden that defies mortal words. He created them for our pleasure, and I remember well the happiness Skylar's pets brought to her world here.

Just as I know there was a heavenly being beside me, just as I knew I was separated from Earth and my beloved Johnny, I know I saw Paradise. What I was given was a brief glimpse where His children go to await Judgement. It was more beautiful, more peaceful, more everything than I have ever read of within the Scriptures. I know He loves us, He comforts us, He provides for us and I know that when I return everyone I love and everything that brings joy and delight and appreciation for my King will be there.

So yes Rick, I prefer the vision of Skylar playing and frolicking in that Garden of the King with loved ones that have gone on before us and animals. My father loved flowers and I promise you the most magnificent arrangement he was watering was nothing like he had here on Earth. Why shouldn't there be animals in Paradise? He created them for our enjoyment ~ why should that end here?

I am no theologian, so please, if you are reading this and disagree, that's fine. We can agree to disagree. But I know what I saw, what I felt, what was there ~ and that's all that really matters to me. My heavenly Father has created a most unbelievable place for His own, and I refuse to limit Him to what may or may not be there.