Time marches on. I must accept it. Where did the days, and months…nearly 16 years go?
We’ve grown old together. Boots you were there for it all. I wish I could see the world through those golden eyes. With your steady gaze you watched and inserted your “paw” in it all. Taking on roles of:
Merrymaker. As kitten, racing across couches, laps. open books and Bible. Sometimes your “sister” Jinx in hot pursuit. Always the playful impeder to bedmaking, and clothes hanging, insistent it was your spot to lay on.
Explorer. Of boxes, suitcases, visitor’s bags, and shoes. Sniffer of hair products and guests’ ears. Staking claim to Jake’s enormous dog crate for your own. I wonder, where did you want to go?
Watcher of birds and critters. Uttering an instinctual meow, low hiss, clicking tongue, or flick of your tail. Look! Juncos, Chickadees, Hummingbirds, Steller’s Jays, and Squirrel’s antics, or your backyard guardian, Cherry.
Timekeeper. Time to get up! With insistent meows or paw extended, ever so softly brushing my cheek. A steady gaze of eyes, nose nearly touching nose. Time for bed! 10 o’clock given your departure to bed. Then goodnight head bump and snuggle in the covers next to me. Daytime! Jaunts outside, back inside, outside and in again…Was it a favorite game of yours? With me as chief doorkeeper and on-demand feeder. It’s time to eat now! Yes, feed me again!
Work colleague. Shared commuter to home office my entire 2nd career. Always perched on workpapers and manilla files. Writing collaborator, tapping out your own edits and secret message as you traversed the keyboard. Staking claim to the open office chair each time I should leave it.
Olympic star. Lifting your rotund body dining table height, with stubby legs for a perfect 4-point landing amidst teacups, plates, and gasps! Deftly racing across table and then down. Or perhaps a jaunt around for a leisurely game of water bottle spray.
Teacher. To appreciate and remember to enjoy the moment. Contentment from lying in a warm sunny patch, cool summer breezes at dusk, warm comforters on cold rainy days. The value in daily routines, steadfastness, loyalty and yes, companionship.
Boots, you have been there for it all. Through breakups and moves, the dreaded empty nest and yes, also deaths. As we exchange our steady gaze, I know you understand loss as well. Time marches on. I must accept it. Today your labored breathing, and now tranquil repose is telling me it is time to say goodbye dear merrymaker, explorer, watcher, timekeeper, work colleague, Olympian, teacher (and even more if I had time).
Goodbye to you dear Boots MY cat.
