(sent this a few days ago and haven't seen it, so I thought I'd send it again) OK, tooth fairy (check), Santa Clause (check) Angels (check) So far, off the top of my head I can think of three entities we (as adults) are allowed to either believe in or encourage children to believe in. As for myself I see nothing wrong in it. My personal religion doesn't believe in a creator or supreme being, or in the Christian holidays, but you know, I've met some really wonderful people here who are Christian who have been really interesting and fun to talk to. Also, I have a six year old, and I would hate for him to feel left out during the holidays, so we put up a tree, decorate, Santa brings presents and he learns about the spirit of giving and learns a little about a different faith. We may not believe in the religious basis of the holiday, but we can find something in it that we all can benefit from. It's the same with the rainbow bridge. Some people like the comfort of believing in a place where their pets go. I find the posts to be very touching, and when I can I email the person whose experienced the loss to convey my sympathy. That doesn't mean I approve or disapprove the idea of the bridge, but I respect it highly as a method of coping with grief. Personally, and I know my beliefs will not be the same as others, but my religion embraces death as well as life. We are all here for a limited time and we must make the most out of what we have been given. When I experience the death of a beloved pet I have a specific routine. I do feel sad for the loss, but I know that I never really "owned" my pet, I was fortunate enough to share my life with it for a short period of time and I grieve the fact we will no longer share special moments together. BUT here's where my beliefs may differ. I live every day aware of both life and death around me. Little things die every day to make room for new things. They have to. When I bury a beloved pet I plant a seed with them. I understand the biological process that will occur and I know that what once was the body of my baby will become something new. So when the seed grows and blooms into a beautiful flower. I know that my baby is part of that flower and without her it would not exist. My animals live on forever in that way. As for her spirit/soul. I know we will meet again. Maybe in this life, maybe in the next. Buddhists believe in reincarnation so maybe the spirit that was once was my curious energetic lovable ferret Kiki, will return as a fanatical ferret owner like myself. Fanatic-It's just a word. It means what you want it to mean and if I say I am a fanatic and those around me see the compassion and love I treat others with then that is what the meaning of fanatic will become to those around me... Inner peace is where you find it. If you don't find it in one spot, look elsewhere. My source of inner peace may not be the same as yours, but I will rejoice with you when you discover yours. Om, Peace and Amen to all of you Melissa [Posted in FML issue 3909]