Today marks six years since that hot day when we looked into each others’ eyes and you closed yours forever. Do you remember us sitting in the shade under the big tree on the soft grass where you loved to race around? I hope that is your last real memory of your time here, as your attention was being drawn by your brother to an exciting new place. I can feel when you sit at the edge of that wonderful place where there is a view of everything, watching me and whatever else catches your eye, and sometimes I hear you purr. Although I am very glad you don’t have to endure sub-q’s and force feeding, I still miss you. I am comforted by the fact that you don’t hurt anymore, and I rejoice in your long, story-filled life.
Remember when you chose us? It was a tough time in our lives, but you spoke up and demanded attention! You stayed with us for seventeen years! Remember when you stole a hamburger at a picnic? Or hanging out on the front steps with neighbor Jack? Or going up on the roof? Maybe that wasn’t on purpose at first, but later I think you went up there so you could watch us lift the padded footstool up for you to step down on. How about the countless boxes that became part of the living room decor for months, or the garden window that I learned was for cats, not plants! The Christmas Blizzard, when the power went out and we sat close to the wood burner and you got to have some of our ham sandwiches. Or that other Christmas, when you looked at daddy with sparkling eyes and gently informed him that you wanted some of those scrambled eggs. Then you ran around the house with joy and sent that starfish ornament at the bottom of the tree spinning wildly! That ornament goes in that same spot every year, and nothing is placed under the part of the tree where you like to spend 3 weeks, just in case you should decide to visit. 🙂
The human heart is very fragile. I am happy to know you occupy mine. It will be a lifetime for me, but the blink of an eye for you when we see each other again. Say hello to Jiggs (I know you will go to him and whap him on the head!). I miss you very much.
Love mama.
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