I thought you would live forever. I really did. But, that’s not the way life works.
Seeing as endings are so sad, I thought that I would start at the beginning and go from there.
It was June 1996, we went to the shopping mall under the guise of buying me dress shoes for work. But I had another plan and it involved you. When we passed by the pet shop*, I knew that there would be resistance but I had come prepared. I had wanted you for 24 years and today was the day. I knew it.
And there you and your sister were. Waiting for me. I wanted you both but that was not in the cards. I’m not sure how it came to be that you were picked. Maybe it had something to do with your spunk. At only 8 weeks old, it was evident; Hair standing on end looking like a ball of static with energy to boot. I must find that photo album of you.
Not very many people know this but your first name was “Winnie”.
I didn’t pick it. I would never have named you after a forgetful bear. I knew that you were special and needed a name that would suit you. And so, your second name was Aries. Might I add that your name suited you to a tee.
You spent almost your entire life inside. Whenever you wanted to roam, we let you. Hesitatingly. We loved you and didn’t want you to get hurt or sick. I often felt guilty that you weren’t allowed to discover the world as I have but at the end of the day, you really enjoyed finding that warm sunny spot and having a nap.
Every once in a while, something would bother you. And you made no secret about it. You had this ability to get your own way. Sometimes that meant milk three times a day. No one minded much because you never caused anyone harm. Including the many cats that you came into contact with. Although it was always clear who was boss.
You were an excellent judge of character.
Within five minutes of meeting Ed, you jumped up on his lap and that was that. I have to admit, I was a little jealous. I mean, in the four previous years, you’d only talked to me when you needed something. And then, to add insult to injury, you chose to sleep in bed with Uncle Fred that winter that we went away.
You weren’t one of those cats that came out to say “Hello” when people showed up. However, your absence was not indifference. Far from it. You cared. You always knew when I needed someone to sit with me. When I was alone, you would let me know when someone was at the door before they even were. You were the only one of your kind that I ever knew could growl.
This morning, when I saw you lying on the cold tile floor unable to even pick up your head let alone use your legs, I knew that it was serious.
This would be your last roadtrip.
I remembered summers at the farm and camp, moving between four homes (one of which was in a foreign country) the eternal roadtrip that was your life. We joking called you “Porta-cat” and given the stamps on your passport, you were up for any adventure.
When we heard the words “renal failure”, we knew that it was time. After almost 18 years, you owe us nothing. I’m sure if I did the math, it is us that owes you. If we ever failed you, we’re sorry. But, regrets won’t bring you back. Besides, I know that you understand. You always did.
And now, you will provide life to the flowers in our Mexican garden. I wish it didn’t have to be this way but it does. I am forever grateful that I was there with you when you took your final breath. I hope you know how much I love. How much you mean to me.
I’m not the only one that will miss you.
I’m so happy that you got to share the bed with Uncle Andrew during his most recent visit. I assure you, it was as much a treat for him as you. And your godfather Uncle Fred, because of course you had a godfather, loved you dearly. Not once would he call the house and not ask about you. Last but not least, Uncle Eric. He loved you like his own and looked after you without hesitation.
In case you don’t remember, after you’d passed, the vet took out the needle and there was some blood on your paw. With no prompting from me, your Mother, he took a cottonball, put some alcohol on it and wiped the blood away. Because, even in death, you matter.**
The Life and Death of Each of Us has an Influence on Others ~ ROM 4:17
On January 29 at 10:30am, without warning, Aries closed her eyes for the last time. She will be forever missed.
Ed took the portrait of Aries sometime in 2004. Aries had jumped up onto his desk where he was taking pictures.
P.S. I wish that I could just leave you “sleeping” on your couch, in the sun, forever.
* The Pet Shop was run by the Humane Society.
** This reminds me of the last time I held Alexander after he had passed away.
Oh Sarah I am so sorry for the loss of your dear Aries. It’s hard to lose a pet, and especially one you’ve had for so many years.
I did have to smile when you talked about how much she took to Ed right away. My husband had a cat (she eventually became “our” cat) that really had not much use for anyone but him. But the first time I walked in the door she was all over me. We lost our cat, at the ripe age of 21, not long ago as well.
I wonder if our feline friends are together now? I can almost picture it 🙂
Hugs my dear.
Mommy Outside recently posted…Wordless Wednesday – Somersault w/linky
It is never easy losing a pet–I have had over my lifetime-1 trained canary, 3 dogs and two cats. I still have Baby who reminds me in many ways of a dog. I always remember my other baby’s all the time and know that they are all waiting for me over the rainbow bridge.
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Ed let me know yesterday by phone, but it didn’t hit me until I read your post. So sad.
Thanks Sarah,
Eric
The “SHERIFF”
I am so sorry for your loss. It’s easy to see how much you love and care for animals. My thoughts are with you and I hope your good memories help you through this time.
This really made me cry for you and for all of us pet lovers who have to say goodbye. Pets are family. I am so sorry for your loss. Aries sounds like she was such a wonderful cat. I am glad for all of the joy she brought you. Hugs and love!
Christy Maurer recently posted…Purex Crystals Fresh Mountain Breeze FREE Coupon Giveaway Plus Enter to #WIN $500 from Purex
I’m so sorry Sarah, losing a pet is very difficult. After we lost our first beagle Sheba, the vet sent us a very lovely poem to help ease the pain. If you want to read it, you can find it here: http://bit.ly/1jwgjxl
AlwaysARedhead recently posted…Hubby and I went on a double date with the eldest and her boyfriend
What a beautiful tribute to Aries. She knew she was SO loved by you and your family. I’m in tears reading this as I know you and I can relate with loss (today is a “bitter-sweet” day for us too – we just put a post up about it too). I hope you can find peace at some point soon and be able to smile with all your wonderful memories of sweet Aries. Especially looking at the amazing shot! She’s such a sweetheart. **hugs**
DeBalino recently posted…I Am a Mother of Three Children – Infant Loss
An evocative and moving tribute to a caring and beautiful friend.
Holding you and yours close in my heart, Sarah. <3
I’m crying with you. (((HUGS)))
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Aries would ask me for milk in a saucer each morning as I went to make the coffee at your mom’s home.
Aries often rubbed my leg as I poured her milk.
Then she was hard to find in the house.
I too, will miss her.
Thanks, Sarah, for this wonderful story.
Jimmy Trees
You often make me laugh but today you make me cry.
Rest well our dear, patient Aries. You were truly loved by those who knew you and I am honored to count myself among them. Your very vocal cries for a snack live well in my memory.
Oh Sarah it is so hard. They are part of the family, and just seem to get you. No questions asked, they just love you. Eighteen years a long time for a cat, and how lucky for you to have all those years and memories! I think about my dog all the time and he died a dozen years ago. Now I can smile, when I look at the pictures without tears.
Cathy C recently posted…Grow Your #Vocabulary: This post has been brought to you by the Letter D
I am crying and I can’t tell you how truly sorry I am for the loss of your sweet Aries. She was an amazing blessing that graced your life for 18 wonderful fur-tastic years. I have loved and lost so many of my sweet cats in the last couple of years and even now, my sweet Flutter is literally on her death bed. It never gets easier saying goodbye, but they wait for us in Heaven Sarah, that I know without question. Aries is up there right now, meowing a beautiful tune, running through the gorgeous fields and making so many new friends. May your heart be filled all the happy times and may you find a smile even through the tears. Hugs Sarah ….. Sincerely
Kristen @ My 3 Little Kittens recently posted…Treat Valentine’s Day Cards
I am so sorry. Pets truly are members of the family
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Can’t type anything blubbering so much I can’t see, what a beautiful tribute, losing a special pet is the hardest thing, so sorry!
What a wonderful tribute to your sweet Aries. I’m so sorry to hear that he has passed away, Sarah. I know how very hard it is to lose a beloved pet/family member. I’m certain Aries had a long, wonderful life with you and your family. No matter how long they live though, you always wish you had more time with them. I like that final touch by the vet. You’re right, even in death our pets matter, and always will. Big hugs to you XO
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keep strong! it’s so hard on losing a pet.
it’s so hard losing a pet.***
Sigh, so sorry about losing Aries! What a beautiful name! Sounds like you and your family gave Aries a life full of love! So hard saying good bye to our loved pets, such joy, companionship, loyalty and unconditional love they give to us!
Thank you for sharing this bio of Aries with us. I have always loved cats and I know how much they can creep into your heart and stay there.
So sorry for the loss of your cat Aries. My family had a cat that was similar in colour to yours. We called him Daffy. He was the most loving cat. He always purred when we took him to the Vet. He was 17 when we had to take him for the last time. He purred the whole time while he was lying on my husband’s lap until he passed away. He was special as was your Aries.
Dear Diane,
Here’s hoping that Daffy and Aries are dining on half and half cream and caviar together.
Besos, Sarah
So hard losing a pet.
Losing a pet is never easy, but it sounds like you gave Aries the best life a cat could have.
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