In memory of Calleach.
Thank you for the 18 years of
companionship. They are just cherished so much. I couldn't have asked
for a better companion. You were one of 3 sisters I was given by a
neighbour when I lived on Dowden St. I can remember taking you out to
the back yard as a kitten of 6 weeks and you were terrified of the
grass. So much so that you dug you claws into my leg to hold onto me
for security. I soon got you over that by wiggling my by toe which
was poking through a hole in the sock. And boy did you pounce on it.
And the look in your eyes was sheer magic. You never looked back. In
fact you became a very strong and independent soul. Something that
gladdened my heart. I never thought of you as a cat. Rather as a
daughter.
You were a Mum a good few times over
and 2 of your daughters are still with me. You were always a great
Mum. Gilly now 7 years and Megs now 5. Both of them equally beautiful
souls like you. And both of them helping me cope with your passing.
And I remember your Mum “Zelda” who was a tortoise shell like
you. A very sweet natured girl whom I encouraged to keep in touch
with you and your sisters. Even though I knew your time was fast
approaching, it didn't help lessen the pain. It feels like my beating
heart was ripped out of my chest. Whilst I know the pain will
gradually lessen I will never stop missing you. I did my best to find
good homes for your children and find great solace that your line
will continue.
You used to spend a good deal of your
time sleeping either with me in the bed (more oft than not on top of
the sheet and between my legs and sometimes on my chest) or on my
lap. It seemed like I couldn't sit for more than 30 seconds before
you'd jump onto my lap to curl up and sleep. You had the cutest sound
when your where surprised. There was no mistaking it as a quizzical
sound, something akin to a “Huh?” from a human. You'd also make
sure you used the litter tray beside the toilet when I went. You'd
often wake me in the morning with the gesture of placing your paw on
my lips, learnt from me putting my fingers to my lips and then yours.
Clearly you understood it as a gesture of love. You were far more
intelligent than most people would have given you credit for.
Most nights you'd greet
me a good half block away from home when I came back from work at
around 11:30pm. Either that or you'd greet me the instant I'd open
the front door. When you met me down to street I'd give you a pat, a
cuddle, and we'd walk together until we got home. I cherish every
moment we got to share. You were/are a treasure beyond compare and
will always be a part of my heart. You were an incredibly loving
soul. Far more than most people I know. And your love was
unconditional as is my love for you. Lately you had a favourite spot
in the back yard where you loved to sleep as evidenced by the
depression in the grass and the numerous times I saw you sleep. Now
you sleep there eternally.
You were curious about
everything I did from food I was eating (you'd paw at my fork or
spoon so I'd give you a taste of what I was having ) to checking out
what I was doing whether it was typing at the computer, soldering
some electronics, or anything else. You loved to sleep on my lap any
chance you got or with me in the bed either between my legs on top of
the sheets or on my chest. You also loved Hungarian Hot Salami which
was quite a surprise to me. The more that was put down the more you'd
eat. Seems you never could get enough of that. You seemed to love it
as much as I do. You even use the litter next to the toilet when I
went. It seems you just wanted to please me
You passed away at 2:08AM
on the 25th of January, 2012. Not even 3 hours after I got
home from work. I got home at 11:30 on the 24th as usual
and for some reason you were outside perched under a home made desk
in the back yard in the rain. I picked you up and instantly I knew
something was wrong. You just felt so weak. I gave you a hug and a
kiss, asked you to hold on till I could get you to a vet and took you
inside. I tried to feed you but all you would take was a little milk.
And you purred so weakly as I stayed with you. I don't know if you
knew your time had come but I could sense you were tired to say the
least. I was crying before you passed on and hoping like hell I'd get
you to the vet in the morning and have you get better. Alas that
wasn't to be and my heart was torn asunder at 2:08AM when you
suffered a heart attack and took your last breath some 12 minutes
later with your eye open and most probably unconscious. At least I
hope you were at that time
I tried to give you a
good life and I hope I did that. I'm grateful for every moment I got
to share with you. I couldn't have loved you more if you were my
biological daughter. Your daughters woke me exactly 1 week to the
minute from the time of your passing. I wonder if they understood
what has happened. Maybe they felt my grief, or maybe you were able
to communicate with them in an attempt to let me know there's
something beyond death. I still don't know but I'd like to think
there is. You were so incredibly giving of your love to me and so
unconditional in your trust. Most humans I think could learn a lesson
from you.
Finishing up I'd just
like to say thank you the the time you shared with me. Thank you for
the love you shared. And just plain thank you for being you. You have
enriched my life more than you can ever know. I couldn't have asked
for a better partner. Calleach my dearest, I love you and miss you
terribly. Your absence has left a huge hole in my heart. You've also
touched more lives than you'd likely know. Everyone whose ever met
you loved you. Then there's all the kids you had which found their
way into the lives of others. Rest in peace my lovely girl. You'll
always be in my heart
Daddy
