But sometimes we lose things that are irreplaceable. We lose friends & loved ones. When we lose someone that is so special to us, so irreplaceable, it naturally takes its toll. For me, I have been so blessed to lose so little in my lifetime. I can count my losses on one hand.
One such cat made an indelible mark in my childhood. GrayB. Short for Gray Bear, as my mom named him, was the son of Budgee. He had a calico sister and a polka dotted brother, and he himself was a beautiful mix of gray and white, with the softest fur you've ever stroked. He was the pick of the litter, in my opinion, and the most loveable cat anyone had ever met. He always wanted to be where the people were- as an outside-cat, he would sit patiently outside our screen door, watching us go about our lives, wishing more than anything that he could join us inside the walls. Each day as we would come home, he would meet us on the balcony of our back porch and walk along the railing with us as we strolled toward the front door. We never failed to stroke his back as we walked along, and I'm pretty sure that was the best part of his day (as it often was mine).
He was the kind of cat who could never get enough snuggling. He could never sit on your lap too long and even as he slept soundly, he would keep up a steady purr. It was a purr you could hear from across the room, through the walls, and even through the telephone. A rhythmic purr of delight. When he laid eyes on you, his motor would start up and you knew you just had to pet him. What sort of cat follows his owner around the house, purring loudly for the world to hear? A cat that is a fool for his owner! GrayB had no limitations, no restrictions- he knew who he loved and wasn't afraid to show it. In return, we loved this Gray Bear with all of our hearts and would never cease to tell him so.
The years passed by, our family moved, and GrayB fulfilled his lifelong dream of becoming an inside-cat. He even gained a sweet little companion named Kimmie! At 8 weeks old, Kimmie met her new Uncle- Uncle GrayB. He welcomed her with open paws! They would snuggle on the back of the couch, the back of the chair, in a shoe box... anywhere that GrayB went, Kimmie-girl would follow close behind. He taught her how to purr loudly and how to be intuitive into his owners lives. Both cats were skilled at knowing what kind of mood we were in- and I am not saying that lightly. On a rough day, they would both be glued to my side, or lay on top of me as I cried on my bed, or cuddle into my arm wherever I was. On a good day, which most were, they were full of energy and ready to entertain! GrayB had an obsession with wrapping paper, and that always kept him busy for a full afternoon of staying indoors at Christmas time. He also loved to sleep in boxes- and I think we have about a million pictures of him chilling out in his beloved place of rest. He loved getting into plastic bags, paper bags, any sort of bags!
If on a day GrayB was no where to be found, we knew exactly where to look: The towel closet in the bathroom! He would somehow find a way to get up on the third shelf and snuggle deep into the towels, taking a nice, long nap. I remember a time or two that he got locked in the closet- but he wouldn't make a peep until someone thought to open the door. On the opposite end of towels, he's about the only cat I know who would actually prefer to play with the birds in the birdbath instead of eating them for lunch. A cat that loves water, you ask? Yes. A cat that truly didn't mind. When I came home from Brazil, that nontraditional cat made it known how much he missed me by literally hopping into the shower with me. That is truly amazing.
At night, one or both kitties would sleep on my face, my chest, or tucked into my arm. As the night progressed, they would move down to my feet, but they would always be there for me in the morning. When I took a shower, they would wait outside the bathroom door, purring loudly to remind me they were still there. They loved being held when I had wet hair, and they liked to dig their faces into it- I didn't mention that these cats were a little bit human, did I?
When I came home from school, my welcoming party would consist of GrayB and Kimmie. They've welcomed me home more times than any human I've ever lived with- how's that for relationship? The difference between them and my parents, roommates, or husband is that their only job in all of life is to love on me. They don't have to go to work or school- they hang out all day dreaming of the next time they'll get to see their beloved master. It's something I never, ever took for granted. Friends would always comment on how loyal and loving both cats were, and it never ceased to amaze anyone who stopped to notice.
Eventually, I had to move away for college, and then I moved away for good when I married my wonderful husband. My dad would always be sure to complain about those "darn cats" in an effort to get me home for a weekend- and on the occasion that I would sneak a trip home, I'd find my dad letting those "darn cats" sit on his lap and on the back of his chair. No matter how much they shed or how much they made me sneeze, I could never get enough of those darn cats- and I have a feeling my dad couldn't either. As a college student, I'd receive letters from my dad in a cat language only we could understand- letters he claimed were from GrayB and Kimmie. :)
In all honesty, on every trip home, I was truly excited to spend some time with my family... but also getting to spend time with these two cats was never far from first priority. I'd tell my husband in the car, "I am so excited to visit with everyone, but man, I just can't wait to hang out with GrayB and Kimmie!" How could I not be excited when I knew they'd be excited to see me too? GrayB never met a stranger he didn't like- "warming up" to someone was not even in his vocabulary. And as for that certain someone, it didn't take them long to "warm up" to him either.
That day came on Thursday, December 9th, 2010. My Gray Bear was laid to rest. It is unnecessary to repeat what an effect he had on my life and how much more he was to me than just a cat. He was the model of what all cats should strive to be, and the most perfect example that could ever exist. He was The Perfect Cat. I am completely heartbroken that I will never get to hold him in my arms on a trip home again, but am reassured that I will see him again someday. My idea of Heaven definitely includes this almost-human cat, and I have no doubt that the Lord will bless me with his presence once again.
Until then, I can only continue to love on who I have left, and fondly hold in my heart the memories of my beloved GrayB. With love, to my playmate, my confidante, my best friend, and my brother; We will always love you.
My snuggle buddies :)
Gray B and me at Christmas- his favorite season!
Gray B was what we call a "Christmas Kitty!" This cat TRULY loved Christmas. Well, at least the wrapping paper, tissue paper, and boxes! He helped me wrap as much as his little paws could. We will always miss him especially at Christmas.
He helped me edit pictures and do homework...
We'll always love you and we can't wait to see you again someday!
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