Home » News » A Blessing, Undisguised

News

A Blessing, Undisguised

August 03, 2006, 12:0AM MT

By Michelle Buckalew

Written by David Phelps

It’s a special moment in the ongoing life of Best Friends. Each month, a group of folks – staff, volunteers, friends and guardians – gather to give thanks for the lives of those animals that have passed to Rainbow Bridge in the previous four weeks.

A poignant blend of tears and laughter, music, poetry and softly-spoken remembrances, the “Blessing” as it is known, takes place at the most beautiful spot on the 3000 acres of Best Friends Animal Sanctuary: Angels Rest.

Here, whispers of wind, threading their way through the red fingers of the surrounding canyon, gently ring chimes that acknowledge the freed spirit of the animals tucked quietly in to their Angels Rest beds. Here, ravens soar in constant celebration, rabbits express their continuing joy of life – and across the way, after a heavy thunderstorm, a vibrant rainbow arches from craggy nook to pock-marked rock face.

Here, the beloved lie together in eternal companionship, some of them known only to their Creator – but all of them loved by the gentle hands that have tucked them in, and blessed by the prayers and tears that bid them “God-speed” as they make their journey from Earth to Rainbow Bridge.

Here, at Angels Rest, there is no distinction based on species or background. Each animal is honored for their spirit and contribution to the life of the Universe – and in passing, they are united with their companions to renew and refresh and complete the circle known as “life.”

It is life – and life ever-after – the monthly “Blessing” celebrates. During these precious moments, those who have gathered allow their own spirits to soar and roam, released by the simple ceremony of which they are a part.

The “Blessing” provides permission: permission to bury one’s face in the shoulder of the person standing alongside; permission to share out loud the pain, the hurt and the profound sense of loss.

The “Blessing” provides permission to laugh with joy at the lightning memory of some outrageous event – and it provides permission to stand in quiet isolation, focused inward, reflecting.

And, in keeping with the simple eloquence of Angels Rest, the “Blessing” acknowledges no distinction between employer and employee, staff and visitor, friend and guardian.

In the busy life of Best Friends, the “Blessing” is single moment in time where, united in love, all can gather to celebrate, to remember and, above all, to honor the generous, all-encompassing love and eternal spirit of those angels among us whom we call “animals.”

The next “Blessing” will take place at Angels Rest on Friday , August 25, at 5:30pm.

Comments

Posted October 10, 2008, 4:21PM by bear1

I am doing a dedication plaque placement in Oct. there for my boy Bear who felt right at home in Kanab the summer he was there for a brief visit.
I know I will see the beauty that comes from the natural environment, but also that beauty that comes from the love of each of the angels who have been memorialized there. I hope I can feel the love and peace.
As SDM said, it is a state of heart and spirit.
Lisa

Posted August 03, 2006, 1:23PM by katmac

David, you could not have expressed more eloquently the feelings one experiences at Angels Rest.

Posted August 24, 2006, 8:53AM by southerndogmom

What a beautiful description of this sacred ceremony. I almost felt like I was there, just by reading it. Thank you for your eloquence, David. It truly touched my heart and reaffirmed what I already know to be true: Best Friends isn't just a place in Utah or a network of people trying to improve the lives of our animal companions. It's a state of mind. A state of heart. A state of spirit.

Posted August 03, 2006, 2:3PM by kathypat70005

what a tribute to all of Gpd's creatures who've passed through the gates of Rainbow Gridge. i will be saying a silent prayer on the 3rd.
bunches of love
Kathy

Posted August 05, 2006, 10:35PM by BobMcNary

I, too, was blessed on May 26th. My thanks to Paul, Lenny, Brenda and all the others who I cannot name but are indelibly imprinted in my mind's eye.

I came away from Angels Rest with a new, profound appreciation for all of the employees, benefactors and volunteers at Best Friends.

Please, Creator, help us to take care of the Innocent Ones.

There is no greater sacred ground for me.

Thank you,

Bob
Sandy, UT

Posted August 03, 2006, 1:32PM by pattycatty

David, thank you for your beautifully descriptive words. I thought I would be able to attend a "Blessing" ceremony when I was out there in May and was at first disapointed when I learned that it had been rescheduled. The reason it was rescheduled was for the Katrina Memorial which I did attend and was profoundly moved.

I think what most people who have never been to Angel's Rest don't realize is that it is very much about the living. When you are standing there, either alone or with many for a ceremony, you are so aware of the breeze, the wind chimes and the warmth from the souls of much loved animal companions embracing you.

Of all the areas that I have visited, volunteered or just hung out in at Best Friends, I am most at peace at Angel's Rest. It is just the most beautiful spot on earth.