A Letter to Heaven — and the Package That Came Back

When Abbey, our 14-year-old golden retriever, passed away last month, the grief in our home was thick and quiet — especially for our 4-year-old daughter, Meredith. Abbey had been a constant in her young life, and suddenly, that constant was gone.

The next day, Meredith sat crying in her room, clutching a worn photo of her and Abbey. Through soft tears, she looked up at me and asked, “Daddy, can we write a letter to God? So He’ll know Abbey’s coming?”

I paused, heart aching. “Of course,” I said. “Let’s tell Him all about her.”

Meredith dictated the letter while I wrote, carefully capturing her words:

Dear God,
Will you please take care of my dog? She died yesterday and is with you in heaven. I miss her very much. I am happy that you let me have her as my dog even though she got sick.
I hope you will play with her. She likes to swim and play with balls. I am sending a picture of her so when you see her you will know that she is my dog.
I really miss her.
Love, Meredith

We placed the letter and picture in an envelope addressed to God/Heaven and included our return address — just in case. Meredith added several stamps, explaining, “It’ll take a lot of stamps to get all the way to heaven.” That afternoon, we dropped it in the mailbox.

A few days passed. Then, yesterday, a gold-wrapped package appeared on our front porch. On the label: “To Meredith” — in unfamiliar handwriting.

She tore into it with small hands and wide eyes. Inside was a copy of “When a Pet Dies” by Mr. Rogers. Taped inside the front cover was our letter — opened — and her photo of Abbey. On the opposite page, there was a note:

Dear Meredith,

Abbey arrived safely in Heaven. Having the picture helped — I recognized her right away. Abbey isn’t sick anymore. Her spirit is here with Me, just like it stays in your heart.

She loved being your dog. Since we don’t need our bodies in Heaven, I don’t have pockets to keep your picture in, so I’m sending it back to you in this special book.

Thank you for the beautiful letter, and thank your mother for helping you send it to Me. What a wonderful mother you have — I picked her especially for you.

I send My blessings every day. And remember, I love you very much.
By the way, I’m easy to find.
I am wherever there is love.

Love, God

We don’t know who sent the package. But whoever it was gave a little girl peace. They gave her comfort. And in a world that can sometimes feel too harsh, they gave us all a gentle reminder:

Kindness matters.

And maybe — just maybe — heaven isn’t as far away as we think.