I'll never forget the day I met him. A client found him and his sister by their air conditioning fan outside. I really didn't want another cat, but I suddenly found myself choosing between him and his sister. For me, the decision was easy. He was rambunctious, sweet, and there was something behind his eyes. He wasn't terribly bright, but his eyes exuded kindness. That's what I needed at the time, and he needed a home, so I welcomed Parker.
He was laid back. McQueenish. King of cool..........
Everyone loved Parker.....
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| Even Sydney tolerated Parker |
Today, Parker took a bad turn. As I drove to the emergency vet clinic, I knew how this story was going to end. There was nothing else to do. During our final minutes together, I said my good-bye through blurry eyes. He licked my hand, and when I put my face close to his, he licked my nose. While I bawled, the vet commented that he was checking on me. I looked down, and his eyes were firmly fixed on mine. Maybe he was brighter than I thought. A few minutes later, he was drugged much like I needed to be. Shortly thereafter, he was gone.
It's already strange. I haven't lived in a two-cat home since 1996. Friends make fun of my "old-cat-lady" tendencies, but I'm really not one. Circumstances arose, and I've never been the type to leave someone out in the cold. For some reason or another, we found each other, and who am I to refuse fate? Anyway, it's strange that when I woke this morning, he was here. Now, he's not.
Cheers Parkie. Today was difficult, and the decision I had to make rips my soul to this second, but it was made because I love you. Thank you for being part of my life for nearly 14 years. You were a bridge of sorts for me, connecting my twenties to my thirties. You exasperated me sometimes, you almost caused me countless torn ligaments by always being under me at the most unexpected times, but you were a cool cat to have around. The portion of pillow above my head will never be the same, nor will my life.
You saw much, and I'm glad you always kept your mouth shut. I'll remember you oh-so-very-fondly. Let my tears be a testament to how much I cared. Hope to see you on the other side.
