When tomorrow starts without me........

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
The sun will rise and find your eyes, all filled with tears for me.
I wish so much you wouldn't cry, the way you did today,
Remembering how I'd lay my head, in your lap that special way.
I know how much you love me, As much as I love you,
And each time that you think of me, I know you'll miss me too.
But when tomorrow starts without me, Please try to understand,
Th! at an angel came and called my name, and petted me with her hand.
She said my place was ready, in heaven far above,
And that I'd have to leave behind, all those I dearly love.
But, as I turned to heel away, a tear fell from my eye,
For all my life I never thought, that I would have to die.
I had so much to live for, so many "sit's" and "stays" to do,
It almost seemed impossible, that I was leaving you.
I thought about our lives together, I know you must be sad,
I thought of all the love we shared, and all the fun we had.
Remember how I'd nudge your hand, and poke you with my nose?
The Frisbee I would gladly chase, the bad guy I'd bark and hold.
If I could relive yesterday, just even for a while,
I'd wag my tail and kiss you, just so I could see you smile.
Bu! t then I fully realized, that this could never be;
Fo r emptiness and memories, will take the place of me.
And when I thought of treats and toys, I might miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you when I did, my dog heart filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gate, and felt so much at home,
God looked down and smiled at me, on his beautiful golden throne.
He said "this is eternity," and now we welcome you,
Today your life on earth is past, but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last;
For you see, each day's the same, there's no longing for the past.
Now you have been so faithful, so trusting, loyal, and true;
Though there were times you did things, you knew you shouldn't do.
But good dogs are forgiven, and now at last your free;
So won't you sit here by my side, and wait right here with! me?
Don't think we're far apart, that will never do,
For every time you think of me, I'll be thinking of you too.
My best friend in the world, you will never be replaced,
For deep within my heart, you own that special place.
I will love you for all times, you'll never be alone,
For I'll be waiting right beside, God's beautiful golden throne.
I am waiting here for you, you see, and watching every day,
Until I see the one I love, come through the heavenly gates.
With great joy and abandon, I shall race you to the throne,
We shall never have to part again, and never be alone.
The tears we wept while we were apart, shall never fall again,
Only laughter, joy and hugs abound, for you my special friend.

Patty Finnegan
Rainbow Cockers