Christmas Eve at the Rainbow Bridge can be a sad and bittersweet time. The ferrets are missing their families back on earth, remembering a time of love shown to them; gifts of new bedding toys and treats as the fuzzies did their best to show their thanks with lots of dooking and weasel war-dancing. It is the one night of the year that brings both tears and smiles as the ferrets go to the far side of the rainbow and peek in on their families. Muldoone pulled his pocket watch out to check the time and saw the day growing short. So much I gots to do yet he thought I better go gets da guys. Hurrying along a well-worn path Muldoone spotted Nanna and he ducked down behind a bush in hopes she didn't see him. "Has anyone seen Muldoone" Nanna asks a group of ferrets. "Sworry Nanna we not seen him wately" answers a little silver-mitt girl. "If you do see him tell him to report to me immediately" instructs Nanna. "It will be Christmas Eve in a few hours and I want to make sure him and his buddies don't have an evening of mischief planned". "I pwomises I tells him ifin I sees him Nanna" promised the silver mitt and with that Nanna continues on her way in search of Muldoone. Meeting up with Mully's old pal Flash, Flash tells him that Nanna was looking for him. "I knows Fwash but I gots sumptin I gots to do, why Nanna be wooking for me" Mully asks his friend. "Well she say sumptin 'bout no mischief dis ebening answers Flash. Does you habe sumptin planned Mully? Muldoone feeling himself blush tells Flash "I habe pwans for dis ebening but it not be what Nanna be tinking I not know why Nanna always tinks I be doing sumptin I not 'appose to be doing". Laughing Flash answers Muldoone's statement with "well Mully maybe acause we does stuff we not appose to be doin." Muldoone thinks for a moment and agrees with him and then instructs his pal to not tell Nanna he had seen and talked to him. "Fwash I gots wots of stuff to dooes and I can't wett Nanna knows 'bout it." "Mully what habe you gots pwanned you knows what Nanna says bout NO funny biziness on Cwismus Ebe. Fwash it not be anyting wike dat, dis be sumptin da Boss asksis me to do but He say I not tells anyone not eben Nanna soes I can't wetts her find me don't tells her you sees me 'k?" "Ok Mully but can't you eben tells me what you hab pwanned Flash asked. Sworry Fwash I can't tell you, I can't tell anyone but eberybody sees watter jest don't tells Nanna you sees me" and with that Muldoone went trotting down the path. So many tings to do I hopes I not forgets anyting, dis is a big job and I be 'fraid I mess up Mully is thinking to himself. As he passes his fur-buddies he calls out to them in answer to their greeting. "Can't stop ta talk guys I be busy. "Mully, Nanna be wooking for you, you in twouble agains" his buddy Sam asks him. "Not in twouble 'gain Sam but I gots sumptin I gots to do it be a special job so don't tell Nanna you sees me" and with that Muldoone was off again hurrying on his way. Muldoone returns to his bungalow and starts going over his list of everything he has to do. I not tink I can do all dis he thinks to himself it be almost Cwismus Ebe. I wish da Boss gibes me more time to do dis. I has to go finds da guys. An hour later Nanna is still charging around the Rainbow Bridge looking for Muldoone. Every one she asks about Mully no one has seen him and she finds this a little hard to be believe, he couldn't have just disappeared. Finally catching sight of him talking with a couple of other ferrets she calls out his name "M U L D O O N E" and Mully thinks to himself "oh no she finds me. Nanna comes charging over to where Mully was talking with his buds. "Young man where have you been I have been looking for you for hours. It is almost Christmas Eve and I am giving you my final warning, no funny business this evening and that means no flannel nightgown raids no switching of teddy bears and you will not gather up the crochet eggs and deliver them to the cats at the other end of the rainbow". By this time Nanna was nose-to-nose with Muldoone and her tail looked like a bottle brush. "I have been asking everyone where you were and only two ferrets would admit to seeing you and having talked to you and frankly I find that a little hard to believe. But with a few raisin bribes two of your "friends" said they had seen you but you told them to tell me you had not seen me. Why Muldoone, why did you tell them to tell me that and what have you and your buddies got planned for this evening? Uh uh uh Nanna we don't habe anyting pwanned I pwomise stammered Muldoone honest Nanna we not pwannign on doin sumptin. Young man begins Nanna, I know you too well and if you are telling your buddies to tell me they haven't seen you I know you are up to something. Muldoone it will be Christmas Eve in a few hours and this is a very sacred time not a time for mischief or monkey-business. I want you to go to your bungalow and get ready for this evening and you are to stay there until it is time." But Nanna I can't do dat I gots sumptin I habe to do Muldoone said. You have nothing to do except what I am telling you to do and that is to go back there and stay there until time Nanna told him sternly and don't let me catch you plotting with any of your friends, you return there now"!!! Upon returning to his bungalow Mully was worried. Knowing Nanna she will put a fewet outside to make sure I not go anypwace. Why da Boss not tell Nanna 'bout dis? Why dis hab to be a big secwet? How cans I do what I 'appose to do Nanna be weally mad at me if I not do what she say. Mully pulls out his check list and starts going over it for the hundredth time that day. I gots to gets out of here he thinks to himself I not be done wif eberyting. Peeking his head out the door and looking around the coast seemed to be clear and out the door he ran and down a path. By the time dusk had fallen Muldoone was on his way back to the Bridge to check on things once more. After speaking to his buddies he had helping he felt everything was going to work out fine. No sign of Nanna, everything was on schedule and he had not broken his promise to da Boss. He had a couple of his buddies helping, he had been able to enlist their assistance without telling them what was really going on. Feeling like he was in the clear everything was right on schedule and he had been able to outfox Nanna, rounding a bend in the path who does he run into but Nanna. "M U L D O O N E" shrieked Nanna I thought I told you to remain in your bungalow until it was time for the prayer service!!!! Uh uh you dids Nanna stuttered Mully buts I had sumptin I had to dooes. MULDOONE yells Nanna what was it you had to do that was so important that you would defy a direction I gave you to remain in your bungalow until the appointed time? Nanna I cant't tells you dat explains Mully I pwomised I not tells anyone and I can't bweak my pwomise." Muldoone I want you to listen to me says Nanna drawing a deep breath you are my responsibility, it is my job to see that YOU do your job and keep you out of mischief which happens to be a full-time job for me with all you and your buddies get into. Now either you tell me what is going on or you will be grounded to your bungalow. No Nanna, pleaded Muldoone, pwease, I pwomise no funny stuff tonite but I can't tells you anyting else. Alright Muldoone you leave me no choice you are to return to your bungalow and remain there you will not attend this evening's prayers at the Bridge. You will stay in your hammy and then in the morning you and I will go visit the Boss and let him straighten this out. Now march young man Nanna told him. A very dejected and defeated feeling Mully slowly walked back to his bungalow with his head hanging low. Just after darkness settled in the sound of bells could be heard. Ferrets at the Rainbow Bridge knew it was time to make their way to the appointed gathering spot for Christmas Eve prayers just like they did every year. Upon arriving at the Bridge the ferrets noticed the unusual color of the rainbow. It was the same color but the colors seemed to blend from bright to pale and back again. A soft warm breeze was dancing on everyone's fur and in their whiskers. The Welcoming song was heard but yet it was a different Welcoming song from everyday greetings. Fairy dust was floating in the air and there seemed to be a light source within each speck of fairy dust. Soft gentle lights were coming and going as the Welcoming song grew in intensity until every ferret's heart was awash with love. This was indeed to be a very special evening for everyone there. After the flash of a blinding blue light subsided there was a sharp intake of breath from the thousands of ferrets gathered for the special evening. Before them stood the most beautiful ferret anyone had ever seen she had gleaming fur of white she wore a beautiful white dressing gown that was trimmed in gold and on her head she wore a beautiful gold crown. The crowd standing before her was speechless never had they seen anything so beautiful. When she began to speak there was a wave of peace and love that every ferret in attendance felt. Tessa began to speak to the crowd, "Fur-children we gather together on this evening to give thanks and offer our prayers to our Father who created this wonderful place for us to be until we can be with our loved ones once again. Life as a ferret is not always easy, we have many forms of illnesses that bring us to the Bridge much too soon, some have ended up here because their families didn't know how to properly take care of us and for others, it was only after they got here did they truly know what it meant to have a family. We have a very special ferret with us tonight that the Boss wants to recognize, he doesn't always follow the rules, he is known for his games and mischief-making, he has even been known to steal a nightgown or two, it is our own wonderful Muldoone. The Boss became aware of a wish Muldoone had for this special evening and the Boss being the Boss, He wanted Muldoone to get to fulfill that wish, to read the names of ferrets that crossed over since he came". As Tessa was standing before the crowd speaking Nanna felt a sickening dread. OH NO she thought to herself this must be what Muldoone had planned but couldn't tell me. But why couldn't he tell me about this, who made him promise to tell me? I don't understand this Nanna continued arguing with herself. At that moment Nanna felt a warm gentle paw touch her on the shoulder. She turned around to look and there stood Muldoone straight and tall with huge tears in his eyes. Nanna I be sworry I not tells you 'bout dis but da Boss tells me I not tells you. For several seconds Nanna doesn't say anything and finally she finds her voice. Muldoone begins Nanna it is I who owes you an apology I had no idea you had something special planned and I am very sorry I doubted you. I thought you and your buddies had another evening of mischief planned and I don't know what to say about all of this I think I am speechless and with that Nanna drops her head and tears begin to roll down her furry cheeks. Just then Tessa calls out to Muldoone and invites him up front to call out the names. Mully makes his way to the front of the crowd which was not easy there are many ferrets gathered for the special event. Finally Muldoone reaches Tessa and he is in awe of her. Never had he ever seen such a beautiful ferret. Her fur is gleaming white she has the most gentle loving eyes her beautiful white dressing gown trimmed in gold and atop her head sets a tiny small golden crown. Muldoone is so awe-struck being in the presence of the ferret known as Tessa he discovers he can't speak and his legs are very shaky. Tessa smiles a warm and loving smile to him and it puts him a bit more at ease. Muldoone Tessa begins to speak you have demonstrated to have some very special qualities and you also possess a pure and loving heart. I have heard many reports of ferrets arriving at the Bridge frightened and sad and you are able to help them in fact I have been told of the lengths you go to help a new ferret arriving at the Bridge. A voice from within the crowd calls out Princess Tessa did you also hear about the flannel nightgown raids and Mully feels himself blush a bright red from head to toe. Yes laughs Tessa I have heard about the mischief but you can't expect a ferret to be good all the time. When the Creator made us he instilled within us the desire to get into mischief so I don't see you doing anything all that much different from other ferrets, maybe you just enjoy it a bit more than most. None the less continues Tessa your wish has been granted to call out the names of the arrivals over the past year and I also wish to recognize all your good work here at the Bridge and what a special ferret you are. Tessa places a gentle kiss on Muldoone's cheek and hugs him warmly. And now Muldone you may call the names". From a pocket Muldoone pulls out a list with names on it. He turns to face the crowd and finds a huge lump in his throat when he tries to speak. "First I would wike to tank Nanna for da tings she teaches me. I not be sure why da Boss want me be Bwidge Gweeter but I twies to be a gud Bwidge Gweeter and I sworry I makes Nanna mad at me sumtimes. Muldoone's eyes searches the crowd until he finds Nanna. She is standing with her head bowed and he sees another ferret beside her patting her paw trying to comfort the older wise ferret. Nanna Muldoone's voice calls out to his supervisor Nanna I woves you and I pwomise to be an eben better Bwidge Gweeter. Nanna raises her head and meet Muldoone's gaze. Thoughts were swirling and she was having a hard time putting words to her thoughts but she was able to finally voice one statement to him that summed it all up: Muldoone you are one of a kind and I love you. Mully's heart swelled within his chest with love for boss and friend. Muldoone's voice thick with emotion begins to read off the names of arrivals at the Bridge. Rainbow Bridge ferrets: Blaze, Mickey, Brian Boru, Whodat, Ashling, Bear, Chloe, Trinity aka Pretty Girl Princess, Scramble Bandit, Koko, Clara, Theo, Rickie, Rascal, Felisha, Shilo, Frosty Pants, Clara, Merlin, Tessa, Dupree, Bubbles, Calvin, Cookie, Sadie, Bilbo, Ollie, Freddie, Lady Noir, Lucy, Toby, Sable, Stinky, Mr. Burton, Big Bruce-Lee, Nico, Cocoa, Bilbo (Master of Cats), Bay, Storm, Tigger, Houdini, Lucy, Toby, Monkey, Bubbles, Calvin, Shelter baby Luke, Echo, Lucy, Buddy, Freddy, Princess, Malinko, Buddy, Rocket, Sprite, Hannah, Pooh, Shasta, Zach, Skeeter, Max, Bitsy, Rickie, Ms. LS, Ruby, Rocket, Shilo, Ashling, Ricky, Diddy, Gabby, Woape, Snickers, Nossa, Celia, Otter, Stinky, MeLee, Bonnie, Frodo, Werner, Boy Named Sue, Mario, Hector, Lawrence, Florence, Mary Ann, Minnie, Spanky, Sam, Moose, George, SnowFlake, Jethro, Sonny, Cher, Claudia, Scarlett O'Ferret, Snowflake, Sprocket, Oreo, Cleo, Snowball, Cream, SuperSnooper, Argento, Hershey, Cinders, Rocky, Benni, Pepper, Scully, Sammy, Weasle, Taz, Rocky, Scrappy, Flower, Benni, Snowy, Bandit, Scamper, Casper, Mousy Mouse Jr, Buddy, Rabalder, Kizzy, Numenor, Kizzy, Scamper, Stimpy, Sparkles, Mookie, Sweet Sidewinder, Ragiine, Lancelot, Ragine, Jako, Gizmo Sorta, Jill, Snowy, Sassy, Solita, Roxie, Weezer, Scooter, Bun Bun, PeeWee, Gizmo, Weezer, Banidt, George, Sophie, Samantha, Bailey, Wolfie, Clover, Lexie, Tinkerbell, Angel, Jillian, Bailey, Eddie, Gabriella, Lola, Ginger, Pepper, Harley, Cyclone, Joker, Smokey, Stimpy, Wonder, Luna, Slim, Lola, Maggie, Cybil, Deezel, Pizzazz, Brak, Chiclet, Sara, Clover, Percy, BreAnna, Tabitha, Sally, Ruby, Scooter, Buddy, Kistafur, Stubby, Hamza, Pywacket, Toast, Stubby, Hamza, Tigger, Blossom, Moxie, Wonder, Woozel, Tubby, Radar, Luna, Slim, Percy, Sadie, Lady Star, Sabrina, BonBon, Slimmy, Lady Star, Sabrina, Sara Ferret, Woozel, Tubby, Itty-Bitty, Mishka, Mr. Hobbit, Tiny Dancer, Angel, EZ, Spice, Furrity, Newbe, Sadie, Miss Dixie, Angel, EZ, Jesse, Clover, Mr. Hobbit, Tig, Hannah, Julie, Biker Chick, Boomer, Foozie, Raphael, Bupkes, Willow, Shelly, Slim, Lil Girl, TigMan, Rocket, Shilo, Ashling, Clara, Theo, Rickie, Ms. LS, Rascal, Koko, Max the Chomp, Trinity, Felisha, Rascal, Frosty Pants, Clara, Merlin, Felisha, Scramble Bandit, Mr. Burton, Murphy, Nico, Cocoa, Bilbo, Bay Storm, Blaze, Mickey, Ollie, Lucy, Toby, Monkey, Bubbles, Calvin, Cheshire, Bear, Yozum, Nico, Cocoa, Oleander, Cinnamon, Oscar, Lilly, Arielle, Calvin, Sherrie, Fang, Sadie, Smokey, Shiver, Rosie Felicia Ferret, Finn McCool, Fannie, Philip, Linus, Sweetie, Maru, Zoey, Yoko OHNO!, Java Joe, Nipper, Zoey, Maru, Renate, Sparkle, Shannon, Pixie, Princess Leia, Bailey, Spotty, Baily, Beema, Riley, Mischief, Jeffrey, Snoopy, CoCo, Joey, Max, Miss Katie, Misty, Fane, Angel, Bandit, Teddy, Sam, Monty, Smokey, Bruno, Webster, Buddy, Elsa, Digger, Scooter, Blaze, Cleo, Skweekyweezil, Nacho, Chester, Baby, Freddy, Oscar, Boo-Boo, Snickers, Twinkle Toes, W. Bully-vard, Bubba, the Vinnies, Benny, Mouchie, Tekoa, Odin, Mystery Girl, Gizmo, Pody, Kita, Princess Mocha, Night Wolf, Charlotte, Skatter, Bianca, Isabelle, Wendy, Twinkle Toes, Marble, Romeo, Teddy Bear, Kita, Taz, Shelby, Sarah, Kodo, Podo, Shy-Girl, Buddy, Dakota, Mookie and crew, Dweezil, Hoppy, Nemesis, Marble, Chameleon, Teddy, Smokey, aka Smokey Joe, Fritz, Winnie PinkNose, Little Rescue Boy, Bopper, Matilda, Baby Cakes, and Snekers, Pepper, Zipper, Fudge, Little Rescue Girl, Pepper, Clyde, Jubilee, Bear, Pirate, Boozer, Cody, Silver, Teddy, Baby, Macari, Maharet, Hershey, Jubilee, Snoova, Yin-fu, Max, Dakota, Sandy, Miss Mellow, Brandon, Heid, Jamocha, Sprout man, Chance, Cinnamon, Pooh Ferret, Calvin, Ewock, Brandon, Bubbles, Gonzo, Jade, Gus, Gabe, Allie, Babe, Toby, Sweet Pea, Martini, Sandy, Rascal, Minnie, Shelby, Husky, Buddy, P-Bear, Zues, Ruben, Spanky, Sammy, Addie, Ruben, Rosie, Bea, Sable, Dewey, Whitey, Snowflake, Snowy, Moxie, Rabalder, Ping, Sase, Nossa, Hubert, Chloe-Ann, and Frisky. After the calling of names more than anyone else Mully want to see Nanna. He finds her standing on the fringe of the crowd and he approaches her with a heart full of love and admiration. Touching her gently on the shoulder she turns to face him. "Nanna cans you forgibes me for dis'beying you"? Mully asks the older wise ferret. "Muldoone I don't know how I could have ever doubted you" Nanna tells him. "Of course I forgive you" Nanna tells him offering a warm hug. As Muldoone made his way through the crowd with thoughts about his own family back on earth remembering wonderful gifts and all the love showered on him and his fur brothers and sisters by his hooman-beans. Hundreds of ferrets were making their way to the far side of the rainbow to peek in on their families a bittersweet moment for them loving and missing their families. Before joining the others at the rainbow to peek in on his earth family Muldoone had a side-trip to make. With his heart pounding at the idea of getting caught he couldn't keep from giggling. What he would give to see the look on Nanna's face when she returned to her bungalow and discovered her flannel nightgown had been nabbed. After locating what he came for and making sure he was not seen by anyone Mully muttered to himself I knowed dat if I waits wong enough I gets da chance at Nanna's nightgown; her much-loved flannel nightgown was replaced with a pair of colorful flannel PJs with cowboys on them. (A note from me Muldoone; ifins I forgets to list some fewet's name, forgibs me pwease, dis was a big job for a wittle fewet) [Posted in FML issue 4735]