The Story of Maggie and Early (Hardcover) (ISBN-13: 9780578673530)

At some point in in-life's journey most of us come to the realization that the true meaning of life is about who you are as a human being. It is not about things acquired but rather about matters of the heart, love for others, and selfless acts of kindness as taught in God's Word. These generally are also the traits we see in children and the same characteristics that bring true peace of mind. One thing that inspired this book, which is based on true events, is the joy and laughter that I saw in the faces of my grandchildren as they played tirelessly with Maggie and Early. Also, the ways in which they tried to deal with the ultimate loss of Maggie really stirred my emotions. After Maggie passed away, 5-year-old Mason asked his mother if she knew of anyone who was going to die soon. Not thinking about his reasoning, she told him she didn't know and wanted to know why he was asking. He said that if she knew of someone, then he wanted to write a letter for Maggie and send it with them. Emme, 3 years old, told her mother a few days later that she had prayed the night before and had asked God if He would bring Maggie back from the "died land." To be so small, I think these comments exemplify the sensitivity and unconditional love present in children whether for pets, family, friends, or anyone. In Matthew 19:14, Jesus says to allow the little children to come unto Him, for "of such is the Kingdom of Heaven." What a better world this would be if each of us would put into practice the heartfelt love and forgiving attitude as seen in a child.