It is with great sadness that I write to you tonight.
Blond Girl, my bride of more than forty years, and I, are mourning the loss of our beautiful White Persian kitty of so many years, Alyssa, who went to heaven a little while ago.
Alyssa loved to curl up in baskets, of any size, any where, including this magazine basket.
Alyssa passed her 18th birthday just before Christmas, and has been experiencing serious aging problems that go with a very elderly feline, including kidney failure. According to my wife, during the past week, Alyssa took a turn for the worst, and our vet advised her yesterday that there wasn’t any hope of reversing the mortal condition she was in.
This morning then, my wife said goodbye to her, an agonizing experience, I know. And after work this evening, our daughter, Sweetie Girl, who lives several miles away, and who lost her 16 year-old Siamese female last July, and our youngest son, came down to our home and took Alyssa to the vet for the final time, so she would no longer be in pain.
In the evenings, Alyssa would come to either my lap or Blond Girl’s lap for her evening affection time; it didn’t matter what you were doing, this was her time.
When I arrived back at my travel trailer a little while ago, an email was waiting for me from my wife, advising of Alyssa’s passing. I understand that she just couldn’t bring herself to call me about it, and that’s OK.
What is kind of hard about this for me, is my being down here on the coast, on personal mission, some 1000+ miles from home, as this happened. I didn’t get to hold Alyssa and say goodbye to her, and I am unable to hold my wife and help comfort her.
I called her a little while after getting the email, and then we cried together on the phone. Fortunately, my daughter is with my wife and will stay with her for awhile this evening. She understand what it is like.
Although Blond Girl didn’t always approve of Alyssa’s choice of places to spread out on, it WAS Alyssa’s home!
Alyssa was the most affectionate cat we’ve ever had, just one of a kind, that’s for sure.
We will miss her, and we know that someday down the road, our paths cross again.
At the moment though, that comforting thought doesn’t make dealing with her loss any easier.
Things in life aren’t always the way we might like them to be.
Lance, I’m so sorry. There’s nothing any of us can say that’ll help, but I’m thinking of you.
Aw, I am sorry for your loss. She was a beauty. This kitty-mama understands your pain and wishes you peace as you mourn your purr-baby.
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…
I am SO sorry, my friend.
Dang, I’m sorry. But you gave that cat a great life, no question about it. Hugs to your wife.
I’m sorry to hear that Lance. I can only imagine the feeling of loss, as I love my dear Andy kitty like she was my own child.
Alyssa sounds like she was a wonderful personality to live with and you were all blessed to have one another. Hugs and tons of love to you and your wife.
She was beautiful, and obviously a sweet, sweet soul….
I’m so sorry, Lance. My thoughts are with you and Blond Girl.
And it’s amazing, isn’t it, how our hearts fit so neatly into their paws.
My sincerest condolences to all of you my friend. RIP Alyssa.
That big old Great Dane up there? Her name is Bibi. She’ll keep you company.
You and your family are in my heart.
Aww, Lance. I am so, so sorry. Alyssa was a BEAUTIFUL kitty and I know she brought ya’ll many years of joy and companionship. 18 years is amazing. I can only pray I have mine that long. I’ll be thinking of you guys…losing a pet is so tough.
Aww. I’m so sorry. What a beautiful kitty and friend.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family. Losing a beloved pet is so hard. I lost my cocker spaniel, Maggie, to cancer in 2002 and it still chokes me up to think of her.
I’m very sorry for your loss. It’s an incredibly difficult thing, losing a pet – not really easier than losing a human…sometimes harder. They love us so faithfully and so well.
until sophie tucker, i was never a cat person… now, i can’t imagine not having one around.
many hugs to both you and bg on your loss…
Thank you for commenting today. I have a several male readers actually, but you are the first to comment on that post. thank you.
I’d love to hear about how you found my blog and how long you’ve been reading. If you care to share.
Your blog seems awesome. I need to go find the explaination of how you came to be down there helping. How fascinating.
I’m so sorry to hear about Alyssa! I lost my beloved Alex just this past year…it was truly devastating! I had him for thirteen wonderful years…he was with me before my girls! Have you ever seen the book Cat Heaven? It is a children’s book about what happens to cats when they pass….it could possibly bring a smile to your face! I’ll be thinking about you and your family!
I’m sorry for your loss.
Oh, Lance. I feel for you and your wife. I have a dog who is preparing for Rainbow Bridge as I write and I can’t stand the thought. Alyssa was so lucky to be so well loved. I hope we are so lucky with our own new kittens.
And I’m sending you a meat loaf recipe very soon!
Sorry to hear about your loss!
They do become part of the family.
Lance, I’m so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is devastating.