COPING WITH GRIEF: A PARABLE

Group, Jul/Aug 2006 by Case, Steve

Random flew as fast as he could in response to God's call. God had gifted him with the ability to talk with animals. It was Random who spoke to the animals in the stable on the night Jesus was born. It was Random who spoke to the donkey that carried him into the city years later.

Once at God's side, Random knew something was wrong. God was standing at the window watching the rain beat against the glass.

"What's your favorite animal, Random?" God asked.

Random thought for a moment. He'd worked with so many. "Eagles," he said, finally. "I like the way they fly."

God turned away from the window. He was holding the coffee mug Random had given him for Christmas-a blue mug that spelled out "God" in bold white letters. He crossed over to the table and sat down.

"I like giraffes," God said. "I created them late in the process-Gabriel said they looked funny, but I enjoyed their gangly look. Have you ever seen them run?"

Random shook his head.

"Beautiful. You'd think they'd be awkward with those legs and the neck, but they're so graceful."

God stood up and went back to the window. The rain pounded harder and lightning lit up the sky.

"Random, one of my giraffes died," said God.

Of course, Random thought, animals died all the time.

"It was an accident," God went on. "It was one of those things."

Random nodded.

"Ever been to the zoo, Random?"

Random nodded again. He liked the zoo.

"There's a zoo in a place called Cleveland. They take good care of my animals. One of my giraffes-the name they gave him is Edward-tried to jump over a gate to be with his mate. He got his head caught in the bars and strangled."

Random gasped. He had no idea what to say.

"There's a very kind woman at the zoo named Kate," God went on. "She prayed tonight for Edward's mate-her name is Louise." God turned away from the window and walked over to Random. "Go talk to Louise, Random." God touched Random's forehead, and the angel vanished.

In a flash Random was standing in the zoo. It was nightobviously after closing time. He drank in the sweet smells of summer. A cool breeze blew through his hair and wings. He saw cement paths and benches, and in front of the building to his left Random saw a sign: "Our giraffe exhibit is temporarily closed. We're sorry for the inconvenience-Management."

Random floated past the sign to the opening where guests can see the animals. Inside was a young woman wearing a green uniform. She was trying to get a giraffe to eat the carrot she held in her hand.

"Come on, girl. Take the carrot. Take the carrot," said the woman. Random was struck by the giraffe's beauty-the colors in her fur and the graceful way she moved her head. He also noticed her sad, sad eyes.

"Come on Louise, you've got to eat, baby," the woman coaxed, but the giraffe would have none of it. The keeper placed the carrot on the railing where Louise would be able to reach it. She made one attempt to pet the animal's face but the giraffe pulled away.

When the woman turned to go, Random saw the name Kate on her badge. She walked sadly past Random and made her way to a golf cart. The engine sputtered to life and the headlights came on. Kate steered onto the main path and disappeared into the darkness.

Random floated into the exhibit area. He saw the black bars that separated two cages-above the empty cage was the name Edward. There were signs on the wall for visitors to learn about giraffes. Random read all these. He knew he was stalling. He didn't know what to say to Louise.

Finally he floated around the corner. Louise was sniffing the carrot Kate had left when she suddenly jerked around to see Random.

"You scared me," she said. Louise had a soft, beautiful voice that Random immediately liked.

"I'm sorry," Random said. The giraffe cocked her head to one side. Most animals are surprised when they find they can understand Random.

"The woman...your keeper," Random started.

"Her name is Kate," Louise told him.

"Kate," Random repeated. "She prayed for you. God asked me to come."

"What for?"

"Just to talk," Random offered.

"Where were you when my mate was dying? Where was God then!?" she screamed. Her response startled Random. He waited a moment before answering.

"I don't know."

"You're not very good at this are you?"

"No," said Random. "I'm not." He kept hoping God would send him some inspiration, but there was nothing. "Tell me about Edward."

"Edward wasn't his name-they called him that when he arrived. You couldn't pronounce his name the way it should be said."

Random said nothing, She was talking and that was a good thing.

She took a deep breath; then spoke in a quivering voice: "I was here first. I was one of the first giraffes born in this place."

Random couldn't tell if there was pride or sadness in her voice.

"Edward came in right from Africa. Do you know where that is?"

Random nodded.

"He told me how beautiful it was. He told me what it was like to run for miles across a field. They give us room to run here but he said it was never enough. Even when we were outside he still felt caged. He hated feeling caged."