Quiet Week, Quiet Heart
I promise we’re still alive and well. I’ve just been busy…or not in the mood for writing. (Of course I finally start writing and some one calls!)
Things we’ve been up to:
1. Little surprises for Mark for when we get back home tomorrow. Just had to throw that in there to drive him crazy!
2. Playing games and shopping with my little sister. We got matching shoes. And, Savannah shop-lifted a bracelet! Oy. I returned it promptly.
3. Painted the hallway with my Dad. I’ve become a mighty good trim painter, if I do say so myself. Plus, it was just nice to do something with my Dad, that doesn’t happen often these days and it’s exactly why I just had to come back for another visit since he wasn’t around much last time because of work.
4. Said goodbye to our cat, Sam. For this, I am so glad I made the spontaneous decision to come to my parent’s earlier than planned, because other wise I wouldn’t have gotten to spend so much time with Sambo, or maybe even not have gotten to say goodbye.
See, this cat was nearly as old as I was, I can’t remember a time he wasn’t around at my Dad’s. We think he turned 19 this past Wednesday and that makes him a little under 2 years younger than I am, with myself almost 21. He went down hill extremely fast just since I had gotten here and we all just knew it was time. It was horrible to see him in so much pain, hardly being able to move around. He hadn’t eaten or drank much in days so he was literally pretty much starving and dehydrating before our eyes. We spent Friday snuggling him, telling him how much we loved him, said our final goodbyes, and eventually they took him to the vet.
I’m sure you guys could care less about our cat, but to us he was like another member of our family and it’s been hard to not have him around. And surely, if you’ve ever lost a pet, you know how it feels.
I keep thinking about how when I was little he liked to come sleep on my chest at night when I stayed with my Dad. And some how this week, he managed to make the climb up our steps and up to my room where I was working on some editing to have one last good snuggle. I will forever cherish that moment, knowing that he climbed up stairs, willing to jump up on to the very tall bed (but I didn’t let him, I picked him up since he’d had a habit of falling lately), in his fragile state just to come be with me for a little bit longer. He was such a sweet kitty.
I know he’s in a much better place now, free of pain and playing with his best friend, our dog who passed away 10 years ago.











July 13th, 2008 at 6:47 pm
I’m sorry to hear about your kitty. I dread the day when we lose any of our pets. It’s like losing a member of the family.
July 13th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I read this on your LJ but didn’t get to respond yet - I’m so sorry Leah but am glad your kitty had such a great long life and was able to spend time with you prior to passing. I love you hon.
July 14th, 2008 at 9:02 pm
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together….
Author unknown
July 19th, 2008 at 8:52 pm
Aw I’m sorry about your kitty, that was a sweet story though!
July 21st, 2008 at 7:28 pm
I am crying with you. Reading the emotion in what you wrote about Sam was beautiful. It is terrible to lose a pet, because they are such a part of the family.