In Celebration and Loving Memory

of our Beloved Emma

O God, you created all that is, and you love all that you have made: we come to you this day in grief and with thanksgiving. We grieve the death of our beloved Emma, who has been our companion on the way, and we thank you for the gift of her presence among us as an effective sign of the richness of your creation and of the generosity of your love; through Jesus Christ our Savior, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and for ever. Amen.

Most merciful God, comfort us in our grief. Surround us with your love, that we may not be overwhelmed by our loss, but have confidence in your goodness; through Jesus Christ our Savior. Amen.

Gracious God, you gave to us the responsibility and blessing of the care of Ms Emma during her earthly life. If in any way we failed in that responsibility, we ask for your pardon, and trust in Your mercy, through Christ our Lord. Amen.

Creator of all, you gave us the rainbow as the sign of Your everlasting covenant with every living creature of all flesh: help us to trust in your covenant of faithfulness to Emma, our beloved cat. Amen.

O Spirit and Giver of Life, you abandon no creature that the flame of your presence has enlivened: Abide with us in this world and sustain in us the hope that we may yet again rejoice in the companionship of our Emma in the world to come. Amen.

Most merciful God, we return to you Ms Emma, a creature of your own making and your gift into our lives. We praise you for her beauty and strength, for her grace and dignity; we thank you for her faithful companionship in our joys and sorrows; and we give thanks to you for the time during which you entrusted her into our care. Receive now our Emma back into the arms of your everlasting love, 0 Giver of life, through whose Son our Savior Jesus Christ all that is lost to death is restored to life, and in whose Name we pray. Amen.

Our dear Emma passed away this morning at the Vets office. She had been left overnight so the doctors could moniter her, and attempt to get more food and water into her frail little body. The Vet will do more extensive exams to determine what was truly ailing her.

We shall miss our beloved Emma. She was such a trooper, through all the moves we put her through, from FL, to NC, to AZ, to AR, to SD, back to NC, and up to OH. Megan and Abbey shall miss her that much more.

Hemmingway, Emma's brother, seems to be doing well. He's eating, drinking, and has rediscovered his ole pal and daddy, Tony. Please continue to keep him in your prayers for a full recovery.