You were with me to the very end and even after I had gone,you held me as my soul left my body and I looked down and saw you crying. I wanted so much to tell you that this was not your fault...it was my time to leave this world. I tried to tell you in my own way that it was time and I thank you for understanding. No other will take my place in your heart, I know, but I want you to love another and make him happy, as you have me. He will need your love and affection as I have always needed it.

You will still think of me and there will be times you'll try to hide your tears-filled eyes...but please...be happy and think not of sadness, but of how I made you laugh at the funny and smart things I did.

Here, all of us who have been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as you remember them in your dreams. There is no pain here. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine and we are warm and comfortable.

There are no fences here, for no one has the desire to leave. There are meadows and hills so that we may run and play together. There is much to explore and I have been quite busy.

Many of us who are older take care of the little ones and guide them. It's fun watching them run and tumble with heels kicking and tails flying.

So you see, my loved one, I am very happy...even though I miss someone very special who had to be left behind.

The day will come when I will suddenly stop and look into the distance. My eyes will be intent, my eager body quivering, suddenly I will begin to run from my herd, flying over the green grass, my legs carrying me faster and faster. You have been spotted, and when we finally meet, we cling together in reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses will rain upon my face, your hands will caress my head, and you will look once more into my trusting eyes, so long gone from your life, but never absent from your heart.

To live in the hearts we leave behind is not to die. Trust that there will come a time when precious memories will change your tears to smiles. I am not gone, I'm just away...Off in the land where Horses Play. I leave this earth knowing, with the last breath I draw, that my fate was always safest in your hands. Thank you for loving me and having the courage to let me go. You helped me gently into the night. We will meet again.