I posted this photo on Facebook a few days ago. But I am reminded again as I sit here at my computer desk of Gracie. She loved to be right here beside me. So I honored her by placing this picture of her in the windowsill which she so loved to lay in and watch the birds and the squirrels and chasing lizards as they ran across the window.
She so loved the outdoors. When I say outdoors, for us that is a screened in porch. But all the cats loved it so and spent hours coming in and out. The above photo was taken a little over two weeks ago now. Time will move further and further away and the memories will have to suffice during my lifetime. But as I work on the computer I am struck again by the vacuum that is created by my little friend not being here with me. I see her photo and can remember but it's not the same. I know to the world she was a little tabby cat with nothing special to mark her entry or exit into this world but she was special to us. Gracie was so shy and I often featured her on the Feral Friday posts. She took a piece of my heart with her when she flew away and yet I know she would not want me to be sad. That is something I cannot help because I miss her and will always do so. Grief is different for Grace than for Abby, but the two are mingling together. I can't believe it's been 7 days, because it feels like so much more. But, at least I can see the forest and the trees this time. It will just take some time to take the raw rough edges off, and I know now that it will. I just had to say I miss you Gracie Grace, my little cashmere kitty.
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The Last Battle" - Author Unknown
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- I have won!
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done,
For this -- the last battle -- I have won!
You will be sad I understand,
But don't let grief then stay your hand,
For on this day, more than the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.
We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn't want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.
Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.
Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do;
We've been so close -- we two -- these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
