Thursday, August 15, 2013

We've Been Blogovating For 8 Years


Boy I remember like it was yesterday....My first post:
August 15,2005
MEET THE MANX

This is about my Abby. Abby is a 6 year old miniature tuxedo manx. She is quite a colorful character and a true joy to our lives. Abby was given up for adoption because she was too affectionate, and she needed attention her former owners didn't feel equipped to give. She is a very loyal loving little girl. She is only 4 1/2 pounds. Abby was adopted into our household of 4 other cats. She is transitioning into her new surroundings, which she is finding challenging. She has become the alpha cat by asserting herself to the other cats. She has two adopted sisters, Boo who is a 1 1/2 year old tuxedo kitty, Gracie is a 6 month old tan and black tabby, her two adopted brothers are Ping, who is a red Tabby and finally Jinx who is a grey tabby.
*****

It was August 15,2005 when I wrote that. My how times have changed. We've all gotten older and most of us a little plumper. (Except Boo she's gotten a bit slimmer) But we're all still hanging in there. So may things have come and gone since 2005 but it's all been exciting and fun to see the changes. We've met many friends along the way, quite a few have gone to the Rainbow Bridge, and we truly miss them. But we all know that we will see them again. We look forward to the future whatever it brings and also to meeting and making new friends and keeping up with all of our long time friends. Thank you for taking this wonderful journey with us, you've helped so very much to make this so special for us.

*****
Thursday Morning Update
I put this post together a few weeks ago. I did that because I had "missed" a few important birthdays and anniversaries! Oh how I was chastised by the kitties for that. So as you can probably surmise this was done long before Abby's condition was uncovered. In so many ways this is even more poignant. The picture taken of her on the kitchen table was done on August 12,2005. A mere eight years later she left me on August 12, 2013. Kismet. This blog was created for Abby. She was my voice, she was the leader of the band, and she still is leading but in a different way. She is leading me on a journey that ended for her but began for me. I don't know where she is  going to take me but I'm on my way. She never promised it would be an easy journey, but I think she will be my inspirational beacon of light and one day of healing. Right now the feelings are just too raw and too close to the surface for me to be able to do much of anything but hold on for the ride where ever it takes me. Abby has made it so my heart aches for her, oh does it ever, but she has also allowed me to be able to understand things with my head. Things my heart so much wants to reject, but I know that I can't. I am sick at heart that Abby is not here to see this day, but that was true yesterday and the day before. I am just heart sick she is not here as she was prior to July 28th. I know that we can't go back in time, that all we can do is move forward, and all of our furries do not carry the burden of remorse like we humans do. I suspect they have little use for that emotion. But, it is a process I will have to work through and I can see there is no time table to accomplish this progression of metamorphosis.
Today was meant to be a celebration of eight glorious years of blogging. Little did I know that when I constructed this posting, Abby would have flown away. There is still much to celebrate but today I am afraid it will have to be a quiet day of reflection for me. If you would so honor my Abby girl today I am putting the link from a Tweet from gratefulness.org of Candles lit in Abby's name. If anyone would like to light a candle for Abby I know she would love to hear from you. I know I would.

#pawcircle (@Pawcircle)
Please light a candle for Abby @manxmnews Group *abbys* Candles - Light A Candle gratefulness.org/candles/candle… #pawcircle

 
I will not turn Abby's blog into a sad place but I do need to continue to work through my evolution of loss and sorrow. Abby's Daddy wanted me to tell everyone again how grateful he is for all the tender kindnesses that everyone has shown all of us.It is with great humility that I will continue to ask for your support as we travel further each day away from Abby's last day. It is something I wish I was able to not do, but I will be marking in my mind and heart each day as I move further and further away from her loss. Right now, the hardest thing I am bearing is that separation. I know each one of you who has suffered the same loss, knows of what I am speaking of. I know many of you have told me it does get easier and I do believe time has a way of softening the rawness. With each loss I have had in my life, I do know that to be true, yet right now my heart wants to reject that notion and hold on to Abby tighter than ever, and I know for my healing, I must release her. One day. Just not today. It's too soon. 
 
*****
So my dear Angel Abby
I still went out
last night.
I looked up at a nearly
half moon
and I told you
that 
I love you
to the moon
and back
again
and again 
and
again
and this shall always be true my baby girl.

43 comments:

  1. August 15th 2005. Wow. And we are so sad that your precious girl was not here to see that day. Hugs from all of us. I do wish there was some wisdom or something profound to say but we can only sit here and give you that long cat look and turn our heads so you know we've seen you and hear you.

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  2. Oh that's so true, Abby wasn't able to hang on much longer to see her anniversary. She is an angel now. WE are so very glad we got to "know" her here.

    Emma and Buster

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  3. Your's was one of the very first blogs we followed. We celebrate all you have shared with so many, even this time of sadness.
    all our hearts
    Harry, Dexter, Willow and Tipp
    Cherry City Kitties

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  4. Happy 8th Blogoversary! Your blog was one of the first ones we found when we came across the CB just shy of 3 years ago. We have always loved your blog with your gorgeous photography, your beautiful quotes and the love you have for your beautiful kitties which is palpable. We know that is must be bittersweet following so close to your loss of Abby and continue to hold you in our thoughts and hearts.

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  5. This is a bittersweet blogoversary - I wish Abby were here for it... although I guess she actually is! Many purrs to you today.

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  6. Wow, 8 years is an amazing milestone and accomplishment you can be proud of. This blogoversary though is for Abby. She brought much beauty and smiles of enjoyment to me as a reader and she'll continue as Angel Abby. Purrs to Boo, Gracie, Jinx and Ping who grace these pages with feline purrfection.

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  7. This is my first visit to your blog, coming from Layla's catwisdom101.com, and I was so touched, I've read your last five posts. Your Abby was a love and so are you. I have to go wake up my 19 year old ragdoll right now and give him a big hug. So sorry for your loss.

    ༺✦❀♡❀✦༻

    Much love,
    Cokie the Cat's mom

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  8. Congratulations on 8 years! I'm sure Abby is smiling down on you all today.

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  9. My friends, congratulations. I know that Abby sees this and smiles.

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  10. This is a lovely post and so poignant! Yours was one of the first blogs we came across and we treasure each and every moment we shared with sweet Abby! xoxo

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  11. Eight years of blogging is quite a milestone. Abby is most definitely here to share it, as she will always be in your heart and in all of ours, too. Happy blogaversary and big purrs!

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  12. Congratulations on your 8th Blogoversary.
    We are so happy to have been able to follow on your adventures over the last 2 years when we started blogging more actively.

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  13. 8 years of blogging is a lot of posts and millions of words. We started to follow you when Mum set up our blog and we visit almost every day.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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  14. We're not certain it's appropriate to wish you a "happy" blogoversary, because we know this is a very difficult time. But we do think blogging for 8 (!) years is quite an achievement, and we hope you'll be blogging for many years to come.

    Purrs and peace.

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  15. I am like Fuzzy Tales. I can wish you a Happy Blogaversary with certain knowledge that you know how it is meant. Your baby will see you again one day as you will her. <3

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  16. We are happy to have shared at least 6 of those years :)
    Having 8 years of blogging about your kitties and especially Abby is reason enough to wish you a
    Happy 8th Blogoversary !
    Hugs and Purrs,
    Tillie and Georgia,
    Treasure,Tiger,JJ and Julie

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  17. Sammy has put up a post for his beloved sweet tuxie.

    PURRRRSSS MomDeb, we love you and always will.

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  18. i am just so sorry for your loss honey...

    hugs, bee
    xoxo

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  19. oh mine Abby, of course I will watch over your mom for you. My mom knows how shattered her heart is. heck, Ralphie has been gone for 12 years and she STILL talks to him every night at "their time". AbbysMom, it's ok to feel so sad it's ok if you feel that way for a long time. Abby is always in your heart and she always will be. Our hearts are all hurting for you MomDebra, and mine heart is hurting because mine Abby is gone, but I will never forget. And I will always watch over your Mom for you Abby.

    Sammy

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  20. je suis contente d'avoir connu Abby avec son blog, elle est un ange, toujours présent.

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  21. Thank you for 8 years of great posts. We wish it could be a happier celebration for you. Hugs.

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  22. I am sure that Abby is lovingly proud of you for your eight years of blogging.

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  23. We are sending purrs, prayers, thoughts, wishes of love and support. Dad says we have insight that he never will into the workings of the universe. I do not feel that way some days but I do know that our love does make a grand difference.
    Reading over the past difficult days has really reminded us about the importance of doing things for those you love. A look, a touch, a word is all it takes to connect on a deep level.
    We need to remember how short our time really is.
    Love you
    Timmy and family

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  24. such a bitter sweet occasion..

    Happy Blogoversary..

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  25. Oh my, 8 years of blogging. That is a milestone for sure. Every time you write about Abby I learn something new. I didn't realize you had Abby for just 8 short years - but what a good life it was for her. Two of the best pawparents a kitty could ever ask for. Hugs.

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  26. 8 years is one hell of a long time to blog. You deserve a medal for sure. We are glad to be around for the past 4 years with you.
    We just came from lighting Abby's candle
    (((((hugs)))))

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  28. Your blog was one of the first ones we found when we came across the CB We have always loved your blog and Abby has always had a special place in our hearts as she reminded us of Whiskers. We know that this anniversary must be bittersweet following so close to your loss of Abby and continue to hold you in our thoughts and hearts. We will be here for you as your blog takes a new path.

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  29. Cannot believe Miss Abby is missing this day. We know she would have hung on if there was any way possible. We remain here for you in any capacity you should need, even if that is only reading of and acknowledging your grief and loss. Eight years of blogging is quite a milestone, and we hope you will not always associate this date with the sadness of Abby's passing. You continue in our thoughts and prayers. Purrs and hugs, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth And Calista Jo and Mom Janet

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  30. We think it is right to honor Abby by celebrating the 8 years of the blog that was started for her. So celebrate this blogiversary for itself, separate from the sadness of Abby's departure for the Bridge...

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  31. We have not been blogging for that long, and though we know this is a sad anniversary in many ways, we know you will continue to blog with your other beautiful kitties. We hope they can fill some of the empty spot Abby has left.

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  32. What a bittersweet blogoversary. Abby will live on forever in our hearts. Will continue to spread the word on the candles. Love ya.

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  33. Congratulations on your 8th Blogoversary. I only wish that Abby was able to be here for it. You were one of our first friends and I value the friendship you have shown over the years. I keep you in my thoughts.
    Jackie

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  34. Congratulations on 8 years of blogging. Bittersweet, we know, but still quite an accomplishment! We know Abby would want the blog to continue. Here's to more years of blogging...and friendship. ♥♥♥

    And Mom Debra, Abby talked to me from the Bridge and she asked that I send you some extra special headbutts. So I'm headbutting you right now...can you feel it?? I hope so. And Abby told me Wally is her daddy's name. Did you know that Wally was my grandpa's name? I never met him because he went to Heaven before I was born. But the mom named me after him.

    Wally

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  35. Concats for 8 years , I'm so sorry about Miss Abby.me & mom didn't visit you much this week, it's just hard for us too.especially, my mom she is really feel for you & having miss Abby in our thought.
    Purr and Hug to you
    xox

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  36. Concats for 8 years , I'm so sorry about Miss Abby.me & mom didn't visit you much this week, it's just hard for us too.especially, my mom she is really feel for you & having miss Abby in our thought.
    Purr and Hug to you
    xox

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  37. We are so very sorry about the loss of your beloved girl.

    Nubbin wiggles & hugs,
    Oskar & Pam

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  38. I say you never need to apologize to us for however you feel or whatever you want to write about. We are all here for you as we can be - and you need to work your way through this time in whatever way feels right to you.

    I can only tell you that for me I had periods when I was okay and periods when I was a huge blubbering mess. Just be kind to yourselves and honor your feelings whatever they are.

    And Happy Blogoversary!

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  39. Eight years....this is so very special.
    You know, we had no idea Abby was such a tiny little girl! We were never able to tell that from her photos. ...and oh, you have some absolutely gorgeous photos of her.

    We know your pain, we know how hard this is. And we also know how wonderful her love and memories are. You'll carry them with you forever. And yes...eventually, it is easier. But you'll always miss her. And I'm guessing you wouldn't want it any other way.

    (((love)))
    Glogirly

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  40. We lit a candle in honor of your Abby, and in prayer for comfort for you.

    Some kitties are special. When I had Mr. Teeth and Clarkie, Mr. Teeth was my very special boy. I didn't have a blog then (nobody did), but if I had had one, Mr. Teeth would most definitely have been the "Leading ManCat," as Abby was your "First Lady" of the blog. When Mr. Teeth went to the Bridge, I was bereft. If I'd had a blog then, I might've been tempted to close it.

    But in small and interesting ways, former sidekick-cat Clarkie began to Step Up--over those first very painful weeks, he started to come and meet me at the door when I came home from work, something Mr. Teeth had always done. He began to trail after me through the house, and began to meow and chirrup to me in ways he hadn't previously. He became a lap cat. Within some months, Clarkie had assumed the role of First ManCat (although he was also the only kitty).

    I wonder if you will see such changes in one or more of your sweet kitties?

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  41. We just came back from lighting a candle for Miss Abby. Yes, you need to work through all of this. We know that Miss Abby will help your heart smile with the best memories ever.

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  42. Such a bittersweet occasion. Eight years of blogging is an amazing achievement, and we are so thankful that you have shared -- and continue to share -- your lives with us.

    Thinking of you all, and sending purrs and prayers.

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