One lovely evening, when the briar roses were in full bloom and the carrot
patch was bristling with fat, saucy carrots, Grandfather Rabbit, with a smile
on his whiskers, slipped into deep, peaceful sleep. And, because he was a very
old rabbit, he did not wake up again in this world.
Oh, there was no pain or any sadness. In fact, Poppy, as he was fondly
called by his little grandchildren, died without even realizing what had
happened.
Of course Poppy had had every intention of waking up the next morning, and
so he did, but in a place totally unfamiliar to him. Not only that, but he
felt more fit than he had in years, full of energy and more like a butterfly
than a rabbit. "My goodness," thought Poppy, as he found himself unable to
resist great leaps into the air, "how strange it is to feel so well, so
youthful, at my age. And where am I, anyway? This is definitely not my carrot
patch."
Actually, this place was not at all that great. It was a rather vague
terrain with neither plants, nor trees, nor anyone at all. "I don't think I
care for this," mumbled Poppy, and as he thought this thought he began to feel
an urge to hop in the direction of a distant lane. "This is all very strange,
but there is a charming lady rabbit up ahead who resembles my dear, departed
wife, grandmother Rab."
Who do you think that was, waiting for Poppy at the end of the lane? It
was indeed grandmother Rabbit, along with other members of his family who had
gone before him. Poppy stopped practically in mid-air; unbelievable as it was,
there they were, ears perked, soft eyes shining, their fur coats far more
glossy than they had ever been in life.
"How happy I am to find you again," beamed grandmother. "See, we are all
here," as Poppy's own beloved Mama and Father came to his side to bid him
welcome.
Poppy was aghast. His mother read his thoughts. "My baby, you have
returned to us from the Earth. You won't have to go back ever again. You can
stay here with us." When Poppy could only continue to stare at her in glazed
surprise, she said to him, "Come with me and you will understand."
It wasn't long before they found themselves in a great garden, where
beautiful, winged Angel Rabbits danced and played in the rays of the golden
sun. In the center of the garden was a great hedge of majestic trees,
encompassing a large and ornate gate. And there, standing in front of the
opening, was the largest and most lovable rabbit that Poppy ever could
imagine. Her fur was white as snow, and her delicate pink nose was set between
the most extraordinary and wise eyes.
"Come with me." She gestured for them all to follow her through a
marvelous park and in the direction of a kind of cabin which seemed to be
floating in the clouds.
"Enter," said the Angel, "and look at your home and into the window of
your burrow."
At this, Poppy cried out in surprise. For there on the bed, as peaceful as
could be, was Poppy's body.
"But I am here, and I am there! My goodness, I must be dead!" The Angel
smiled as though she had been through this sort of thing many times. "Yes
Poppy, your body is dead, but it was old and useless anyway, and you said
yourself that you've never felt better than right now. What do you think of
that?"
Poppy gazed lovingly at the dear ones whom he had thought to have lost
forever and who had been found again after all, and he replied, "Beautiful
Angel, if I am to stay here, it will make me perfectly happy. But what will
become of my son and my little grandchildren, who are still on Earth? Will I
never see them again?"
"Oh, but you can see them as often as you like, only they cannot see you
at all. One day they, too, will arrive in Heaven and find you waiting for them
as your wife and parents and many of your friends were waiting to see YOU. You
have earned a rest, Poppy, for you were a very good rabbit. You were honest,
devoted, and full of love and forbearance for everyone. Your reward is peace
and joy beyond your fondest dreams."
Opening another gate, she guided Poppy Rabbit into a place so grand, so
lovely, that no one can even describe it. More than something beautiful to
see, it also was an experience of well being and peace which completely
surrounded Poppy and his family.
"Oh, thank you, beautiful Angel. Never have I imagined anything so
perfect. is this truly Heaven?" he cried.
And in answer a voice was heard which said, "Because you never have judged
anyone, because you brought laughter and song to Earth, and because you have
always thought of me, your creator, in joy as well as pain, in work as well as
rest, and because you have learned Earth life's lesson well, this time you are
here forever. You have well earned eternal happiness."
And I can tell you that being eternally happy is what Poppy is, in his
heavenly home.
— Odette Renard
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