Togo Goes to Heaven, Part 2

That time that Togo met God.

So much to do in heaven.¹ I didn’t think that I would ever take another nap.

But I did.

I had crossed back and forth on my “rainbow bridge” several times so I could play in the meadow and look down on the world. I wanted to make sure all was well with the people I love.

One of those times, as day turned to night there on Earth, I curled up and dreamed good dreams about happy tears, warm hugs, and sweet reunions.

When the thunder rolled, I awoke with a start. I was gazing down at a divine light show as the lightning flashed from cloud to cloud and then to the ground.

“Amazing,” I breathed.

I hadn’t noticed that I was no longer alone.

“It is amazing, if I do say so myself,” the voice started.

The voice was clear and distinct, but seemed blended from several voices. I looked up to see who it was. The face was unlike one I’d ever seen. Totally familiar but constantly shifting. I finally realized that this being next to me was a blend of every human I had ever known, plus thousands I hadn’t.

The voice continued, “I’m so glad that you are here, Saint Togo. I’ve had your place reserved since long before you were born.”

My voice caught in my throat.

“Are you g-God?” I asked with a tremble.

“Yes. Yes, I Am.” God replied.

Despite the fact that the meadow was calm and quiet, my heart’s pounding felt like it would shake the universe.

“I’m really glad to meet you,” I stammered. “It seems like we’ve met before.”

“Indeed we have,” God said. “People you have known have little bits of me scattered in them and, as a result, all creatures are reflected in me. Some of those very humans have given you a glimpse of me through their actions and kind words.”

“Far out!” I said. And then I clamped my paw over my mouth when I realized I was channeling John Denver.

God noticed my embarrassment. “Don’t worry,” God said. “I knew you were going to say that. John plays on the plaza in downtown heaven all the time. And, you didn’t hear it from me, but West Virginia is almost heaven.” His eyes sparkled a little more brightly.

God became more serious. ”As I recall you were very frightened by thunderstorms when you lived on Earth. Yet, you don’t seem upset by the rumbling display below us.”

“No, I’m not,” I replied. “A flash of lightning or the first peals of thunder had me running for the back door to join Momma and Daddy inside.

“But now that I can see where the lightning comes from and who it comes from, I’m okay with it. In fact, I’m more than just okay. The lightning is reflected in your eyes. Your voice has a bit of a rumble to it. And I’m no longer afraid . . .

“Do you think others understand?” I asked. “About not being afraid?”

God didn’t answer immediately. Instead, God sat down beside me and rubbed my ears the way my humans did. I glanced up into God’s eyes and notice that the lightning had faded and had been replaced with tears.

God whispered, “I hope so.”

We sat there for a little while. Then God stood up and said, “Hey, Buddy! What do you say we head back? Lots of glory to be experienced in heaven.”

I leapt to my feet. As we strolled through the bluebonnets, I leaned into God.

“Do you sing, God?” I asked.

”I’ve been known to. Why?”

I choked up a bit. “Well, my Momma used to sing to me when we walked. And I was just wondering . . .”

God knelt down beside me. “What do you want me to sing?”

“Well,” I began. “We’d have to change the words a little from how she sang it.” And then I whispered to him.

As we walked, God’s clear voice rang out . . .

My Togo and I walked in the field together.
We walked and talked as good friends should and do.
He licked my hand, our voices ring with laughter,
Togo and I walk through the meadows hue.

I tell him of the years that went before him,
When heavenly plans were made for him to be;
When all was but a dream of dim conception,
To come to life, earth's verdant glory see.

My Togo and I will go for ever together,
We'll walk and talk as good friends should and do;
The earth will pass, and with it common trifles,
But Togo and I will go unendingly.

“Do you think we’ll get in trouble for changing the words?” I asked.

“No worries,” God winked, “I know the guy who wrote it.² Besides, I sort of own the copyright.”

At that moment, we arrived back at the walls of Heaven. And to my surprise, God chose to enter through the doggy door with me, singing our song for all to hear.³

“I’m always here for you and always have been,” God said. “Soon you’ll be joined by those you’ve loved and those you will come to love. Welcome home, Togo.”⁴

1. Just in case you haven’t been following along, click these to catch up: Togo Goes to New Heights and Togo Goes to Heaven, Part 1.

2. "My God and I"
Music & Lyrics: Austris A. Wihtol, 1932

My God and I go in the fields together,
We walk and talk as good friends should and do;
We clasp our hands, our voices ring with laughter,
My God and I walk through the meadow's hue.

He tells me of the years that went before me,
When heavenly plans were made for me to be;
When all was but a dream of dim conception,
To come to life, earth's verdant glory see.

My God and I will go for aye together,
We'll walk and talk as good friends should and do;
This earth will pass, and with it common trifles,
But God and I will go unendingly.

3. God is like that.

^”What, then, shall we say in response to these things? If God is for us, who can be against us?  God, who did not spare his own Son, but gave him up for us all—how will God not also,
along with his Son, graciously give us all things?” Romans 8:31-32, adapted from the New International Version of the Holy Bible.

4. Daddy and Momma will be sending a note to all of you who walked with us through the years. Thanks for being our friends.