Since I post about things that matter to me, I would be remiss if I didn’t include this one. It’s sad, and that’s okay. My intention for this blog and this website is to be real and relatable. That includes happy, sad, good, bad… all the things. I imagine many will be able to relate to this one. In the wake of the loss of my kitties, I have been wrapped in so much love and support from my family and friends, such a blessing for which I'm deeply grateful! I've also been pleasantly surprised by the outpouring of love and understanding from many people I've never even met, who are all part of what is clearly a magnificent global pet community.
Recently, I said goodbye to my sweet kitties, Romeo and Juliet. Juliet passed first, and only four weeks later, Romeo passed. The timing between the two was startling and upsetting. Juliet’s passing was quite unexpected. She was only 15 years old and I thought I would have the privilege of hanging-out with her for more years to come. Sadly, she got sick very suddenly, and was not able to recover. Romeo was TWENTY (yes, 20) years old! Although he was determined to stick around as long as he could, and I was blessed for each and every day with him, I saw his body was becoming tired, and braced myself, knowing his time was probably coming soon.
I have been sad beyond sad without them. They were my babies, my companions, my confidants. Their unique habits and daily antics were comfortably predictable and hilariously entertaining. They saw things no one else has ever seen; they heard things I have never said to anyone else. They were my sounding boards, my conscience, my friends. They never judged me. They simply loved me.I take great comfort knowing they have joined their older brother Tigger - who passed several years ago at the age of 18 - and that they are all together at the Rainbow Bridge. I smile as I envision them playing, eating, grooming one another to their heart’s content, playing with their many “cousin” kitties, doggies, bunnies, horses, and others, waiting for them there.
Juliet, you taught me so many important lessons, not the least of which was - there is endless love to give and receive. You were the most beautiful, sassy, independent, all-knowing, adorable, loving, CUTE, hilarious, wise, wonderful kitty, teacher, sister.... There are not enough adjectives or superlatives to describe you. There is not enough space to express my endless love, devotion, respect and gratitude for you. You touched and shifted and changed and transformed my life indelibly. There is so much more to say about you. I pray your heart knows and feels the depth of my love for you. Forever my baby, my kitty, my sister, my teacher.... Go play with Tigger! I love you forever!Romeo, you were a uniquely wonderful kitty who lived up to your name and then some. Your love was pure and unconditional. You happily welcomed everyone who came to our door with your big, loving heart and funny meow. You “sang” for your supper (and breakfast and lunch). You cleverly convinced guests to share their food with you, or bribed them for extra treats when you thought I wasn’t looking. I pretended not to see. You cuddled like a champ and were always aware of me, even when I had no idea where you were hiding. You loved well, and you were well-loved.
Romeo and Juliet, after all the many cherished years of love and joy you brought to my life, it was my honor to hold you lovingly at the end of yours, and to help you through a peaceful transition, as you left this world to join Tigger at the Rainbow Bridge.
Tigger, Romeo and Juliet, thank you for choosing me to be your mommy. It has been the greatest blessing and pleasure of my life, and I am deeply grateful and blessed for all the wonderful years with you. You were beside me everyday, through all the ups, downs, twists and turns of my journey: new jobs, dumb boys (I know, I know, you tried to tell me), makeups, breakups, moving to new cities and states, successes, failures, laughter and tears. You knew everything about me, the good, the bad and the ugly, and you loved me (never judged me) for all of it. You faithfully kept every secret I ever told you. When I was sick, you crawled onto my lap or under the blankets, curled up next to me and comforted me. When I cried, you licked away my tears. When all was well, I’d find each of you napping contentedly together, or independently, in your respective favorite spots. I’ll miss you every day and I’ll love you forever.
My heart is broken. It will heal.
Loving my magical, wonderful kitties, and receiving their love, is worth a zillion broken hearts. Their joyful spirits will forever bless my home, their love will always live in my heart.
