January 26, 2011

To my Dear Child,

I was sad to hear the news you spoke to me Sunday...

When you lose a companion that has been by your side for probably fourteen years it leaves a hole in your life. When you would come home I know the first thing you said when you opened the door was, "Cathi, I'm home" and she would come from wherever she was and give a greeting.

She was with you at the time of your marriage. She was angry when you and Matt brought home a foster sister but she got over it in her own hissy way. When the marriage ended, she listened to you lament his flaws without passing judgment.

When she was sick she looked to you for care with trusting eyes, knowing you only had her best interest in mind. When you had to stick an insulin syringe in her soft skin, she didn't object.

She was such a clean cat. Her white parts were kept the whitest. Her black majority was soft and shiny. She loved you the way you loved her, unconditionally. When she developed a new set of symptoms and began drooling constantly, you were patient with her. It was something you both hated. She seemed fine except for that. The vet said as long as she was eating there was no danger.

When she became unable to eat, the only choice you had was to be as humane as possible. It takes a strong person to assume the burden of life control.

Please know you did the right thing. It blesses me to know you made the unselfish choice. She did not deserve to suffer more. I will remember her with fondness. Rest in Peace, Cathi!

And you, my Dear, sleep with comfort in the knowledge you did the best thing for the circumstances.

Love,

Mom

(Midland, MI)