I got a call from the vet today.
“We have Simba’s ashes here.”
I went immediately to pick them up, and that familiar sinking feeling in my stomach emerged.
When I realized what I was doing, the tears began to flow uncontrollably. A floodgate opened.
The vet’s sweet intern, Curtis, ushered me into a side room and showed me the box. As he opened it up, he told me the vet and his staff got a gift for us because they like us, and because they know how special a cat Simba was.
They got us a clay paw print–and I am so grateful:
Here is the blue urn I ordered–Simba’s ashes inside:
God, he was such a beautiful cat. Such a special cat. A wise cat. One of the things I miss most, now that he’s gone, is how our eyes used to lock. It was as if he saw right through me, into the reality of my being. That’s right….He was an existential cat. We shared a sublimely existential love.
PalmTreeChick said, June 2nd, 2006 at 9:38 am
Ahh, that is so sad and sweet at the same time.
I have 2 cats so I know how much you love little Simba. That was so nice of the vet to make that paw print for you. I love it!!
I had to put one of my cats to sleep 10 years ago. I held her while they did it. I cried for 2 weeks.
My friend had to put one of her dogs down yesterday. Very sad!!
I have a cat story I will post later.
Thanks for your posts, Haley!!
PalmTreeChick said, June 2nd, 2006 at 9:54 am
Your daughter is adorable, and little Simba was so cute and fluffy!
Haley-O said, June 2nd, 2006 at 10:10 am
Thank you, Palmtreechick! You’re so sweet. And, I look forward to your post! Remember what words not to put in it!!!
And, yeah, Ba was the softest cat ever….
The vet put him to sleep in my lap, in my living room. It’s not quite yet been 2 weeks. And, like you did, I’m still crying. It was very, very hard.
I’m so sorry for your friend’s loss. It’s nice that she has you–who understands how great a loss it is….
Thanks for visiting, my friend, it’s always nice to hear from you!
PalmTreeChick said, June 2nd, 2006 at 2:38 pm
I’d make ya some 7-layer magic squares to make ya feel better, but your not exactly up the road.
Check out my post “cats.” NONE of “those” words are in it.
Haley-O said, June 2nd, 2006 at 3:29 pm
Well, they better not be “diet” squares!
Looking forward to reading your post….
PalmTreeChick said, June 2nd, 2006 at 3:37 pm
Nope, full fledged fat!! Although, I did use “I can’t believe it’s not butter” butter and fat free condensed milk.
You look like someone I know, but I don’t know who.
Haley-O said, June 2nd, 2006 at 3:45 pm
Must be Angelina Jolie–I get that all the time.
JUST KIDDING!!!
PalmTreeChick said, June 2nd, 2006 at 3:47 pm
ha ha. And I look like Martina McBride!! (I do have her hair, well, kind of when her’s was short.)
PalmTreeChick said, June 2nd, 2006 at 3:51 pm
Why the heck did I think you lived in NYC?? My bad!
Haley-O said, June 2nd, 2006 at 4:16 pm
Nope, good ol’ T.O., Canada.
PalmTreeChick said, June 2nd, 2006 at 4:53 pm
Ever hear of Carolyn Dawn Johnson? Country singer from Canada.
Haley-O said, June 2nd, 2006 at 5:46 pm
Nope…Any good?
PalmTreeChick said, June 2nd, 2006 at 8:46 pm
Yes, she is good. http://www.carolyndawnjohnson.com
Check out the song “God doesn’t make mistakes.” I think you’ll like it. The lyrics are on her site. “Dress Rehearsal” is also a very good song.