October 1, 2022

      It was a beautiful Sabbath morning. Nothing special or different. We were all ready for church, all seven of us. Bolt and Daisy, our dogs, were in the front of the house, ready to “say goodbye” to us before we left for church. 

     “Bye, Bolt! Bye, Daisy! See you after church!” I called as I petted their back and then got in the car. I had a good feeling about today. Our aunt was coming to church and I couldn’t wait to get there. Once we were all in the car, we drove the 25- 30 minutes to church. As we entered the building, we headed down a short hallway to Sabbath School. After Sabbath school had finished, we went into the sanctuary, greeted some friends, and sat down to sing Praise and Worship. The songs were so beautiful, which added more happiness to our day!

    During the offering, my mom received a phone call from our neighbor. I thought nothing of it and returned to listen to the story. Then, my mom got up and left with my two younger sisters. 

“I have to go. Will you take the kids home?” my mom whispered to my aunt. “Sure,” she replied. And my mom left with my dad and sisters. I asked my aunt why they left, but she said, “I don’t know, but I’m taking you home.” “Yay!” I whispered. Our aunt rarely took us home, so I was extremely excited. This made my day even happier!

We listened to the children’s story, the special music, and the sermon, which was longer than usual. Then we got our things and headed to my aunt’s car. We drove to her house first because she had to change. Since my aunt hadn’t said anything about what was happening at home, I started getting a little worried. When I asked her, she just said, “I don’t know, but if you want to call your mom, here is the phone.” I took the phone and called my mom. 

“Hi, Mom! Is everything alright?”

“Yes.”

“Is someone hurt? Did something happen to the neighbors?”

“No, everybody’s alright.”

“Did someone die?”  ( I honestly don’t know why I asked this question. I was just worried, I guess)

“No. You will see when you get home.” 

“Ok, Bye.”

“Bye”

“She said nobody is hurt,” I said to my sister. “That’s good,” she replied. “Are you sure everything is ok?” We both turned to my aunt, waiting for an answer we knew we wouldn’t get. “You heard your mom.”

After she had finished changing and getting ready, we all went back in the car and drove back home. We were not prepared for what was about to be said.

We entered the house laughing and talking. Once we got inside………….

“Bolt died,” said my little sister. “Don’t talk like that,” I snapped. I looked at my dad. He looked like he had been crying. “Dad?” I asked, waiting for an answer to confirm what my little sister had said. “Yes.” 

That’s all my siblings and I had to hear. We ran to our rooms. I don’t know what my siblings did, but I know that when I heard that, I went to my room, closed the door, and cried on my bed. I couldn’t stop. I felt as if we had just been through the worst possible thing ever. Bolt, the loving, protective dog. Bolt, the BEST dog ever. Bolt, my best friend. How could he have died? He had been in two fights with different dogs, all while protecting us, and he didn’t even get hurt! How could he have died?! I stayed in my room until my dad came. “Estera,” he said, “I know you’re sad. The neighbors called and told us that Bolt was hit by a car and left on the road. But God knew that it was Bolt’s time. We don’t know why, but maybe, when we get to heaven, He will tell us. And for now? All we can do is be strong and hold onto the promise of the second coming.” Hearing my dad say this was comforting. I wanted Bolt to come back more than anything in this world. I would have done anything! 

Later that day, my aunt asked me how I felt. “Are you okay?” she asked. “I’m alright,” I said between sobs. “How do you feel about, well, you know,” she asked again. “I’m sad. Really sad, but I try to think about the second coming, and of seeing him again. It comforts me.” 

Since that day, I have always held to that promise. It’s comforting to know that there will be a second coming, a day when Jesus will come back and make everything perfect again. I’m still sad that Bolt is gone, but I know that Jesus is always there for me.