Farewell My Devoted Friend
Thursday, April 14th, 2011Dear Tiny, You will be missed, 1990 -2011
In the early morning hours of Sunday, April 3rd, my dearest friend and companion Tiny, passed away. I cannot put into words the grief I felt at his passing. He was truly, a great cat. I would like to say that I was his “owner” but, I know that he had the upper hand of our relationship. He allowed me the privilege of living with him and caring for him. If anything, he was the one who brought happiness and joy into my life.
Nothing can prepare for the loss of a loved one. But, you can do what is right but loving them while they’re still around. That is what I did with Tiny.
I remember when he was about 6-years old and holding him while he slept in my lap. I thought of a cat’s lifespan, is it 10, 15 or 20 years? What would the quality of their life be in those advanced years? It dawned upon me, to love him and cherish him every day. That was an important lesson he taught me, to live in the moment as if it were the last. He delivered many moments and memories for many years after that day.
Tiny’s favorite past time was to be let out of the house upon my return from work. Though it was always around 1 or 2 in the morning, it didn’t matter to him. He especially loved these outside adventures in the winter, when the temps would be hovering around freezing. It just seemed to put a spark into his step.
Tiny loved to venture across the street to visit another outdoor kitty. Whether or not they hung out together, I don’t know, but I think Tiny just liked to explore outer territories. He would always make his return after 10 or 15 minutes.
If there was a smart cat, Tiny was one. The road he needed to cross could be treacherous, even late at night. So, he’d walk up close to the edge and wait for me to tell him it was safe to cross. One night, I got distracted and went into the house, totally forgetting that he was outside. I guess the freezing cold drove me inside or something like that. About a half hour later, as I slipped into my warm bed, I could not help notice that he was missing.
I was stricken with a feeling that something was out of place and then it flashed to me, I left Tiny outside! Well, I stepped back out and saw him sitting by roadside, across the street. He was waiting for me to tell him it was safe to cross! What patience he had, but I did get a little terse meow as he walked by me and into the house, almost as if saying, “don’t keep me waiting again” or maybe more true to his character, “what’s up with the forgetfulness you big dummy!”
I am glad to say that Tiny is still with me and will be with till I die. I have had him cremated and I have his ashes with me now. So, everyday I can look at the urn, and say “hello old man, glad you’r'e around.” For that, I am very grateful.
Sorry, no turkey for us, but chicke will do us kittys just fine. We cannot wait for this delicious meal to be presented to us.
