Just Thinking

... keep thinking I need to go downstairs and let the cat out of Heather's room. That's where we keep her at night so she doesn't keep us awake.  So every morning I let her out, give her fresh food and water, clean her litter box, and let her curl up on my lap while I check my emails.

Maddy wanted to touch her so bad.  Clipsy had other ideas.

Pets come with personalities as different as you find in humans.  Heather's cat, Clipsy, was a charmer to everyone (except Brent.  And the grandkids.  I'm still not sure why, but the little ones scared her and no matter how softly they patted her, she wanted to be away from them.)

One of Clipsy's favorite days, too.

 I've already posted a tribute to her, back when we thought we were giving her to another family.  In the end, Heather and I couldn't bear to have her go.  So she stayed.  And she grew older and she grew frailer and silently diabetes invaded her system without whispering a hint to us until about three weeks ago. But since that time, in spite of veterinarian visits and modest intervention, she has become sicker and sicker. Wednesday Heather and I took her to the vet and allowed him to release her from the pain and the suffering that had taken over her system as her liver and other organs began shutting down.

Fun to a cat is spelled b-a-l-l!

And today the house still feels really empty.  It shouts that she is not here anymore to keep our halls and rooms and people company.  I posted on Facebook that I believe there is a place in Heaven for family pets.  There will always be a place in my heart for her.  I truly believe that.

After nine years of having this little presence in our lives, it's hard to say goodbye.  It's hard to not have her here any more.   I wish I could make her passing easier for Heather, but I haven't figured out how to make it easier for me.

Knowing that somewhere her little spirit is bouncing balls down an eternal stairway, and she's diving under sheets and chasing after laser lights does help.   She made our life a little easier.  And I will never forget the love she brought into my and Heather's heart and the heart of the family.  In spite of the way she'd avoid the grandkids, she was always their favorite part of coming to Grandma and Grandpa's house.  She's being missed.

And so, little pet, rest in peace, and may God keep you safe.  You were one of His special creations and one of His blessings in our lives.  Thank you forever.