A Blessing, Undisguised

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.