Thursday, July 24, 2008

A Tribute to Real Love



We had to say our good-byes yesterday to part of our family.

18 years ago a curious kitten was born in a closet. A few months later I met her (and the compassionate man that assisted her mother giving birth to she and her liter mates amidst piles of his clothing). I fell in love with the man, and his cats. He and I got married. We had two children. And we have never known one another without the cat family in our lives. The mama left us first. And then a sister. And yesterday, the last of our cats had to let go too. 18 years later and the end of such a rich chapter of our lives. The hole she has left feels cavernous. There will always be the open space in our hearts that can never be filled by any other and we will lovingly hold her memory there for always.


Good-bye sweet friend. We have loved you for so long and we shall never forget how blessed we were to have you with us all these years.

35 comments:

The1stdaughter said...

Tracey, I know I haven't posted a lot on here but I saw this post and needed to tell you how sorry I am. Some of the saddest times in my life have been when my kitties have left and I pray that you and your family will be comforted during this time.

But what an amazing long life she had and I'm sure the great memories will be something you can hold on to for a lifetime.

Anonymous said...

Wow! 18 years is so long for a cat. I know you will dearly miss her. I'm sorry for your family's loss.

Anonymous said...

Oh Tracey, how sad. This post made me cry. My kitty is only 2 and I can't imagine her leaving me. I'm so sorry.

Christy said...

Tracey so sorry for your family and their loss. It is never easy, but cherish the memories.

iMother2.0 said...

How sad, but so beautiful. What a beautiful story about how a litle kitten brought so much to your life.

ELK said...

I am so sorry for your familiy's loss and I know it is very painful. Pets are such a part of our lives and for so long...take gentle care of yourself.

deezee said...

the love of pets. it wraps itself around our hearts. :(

tangobaby said...

Oh, I'm so sorry to read this, Tracey. I wish you and your family comfort in this sad time. Take care.

Petra a.k.a The Wise (*Young*) Mommy said...

Hi Tracey. I am new to your blog and have put you on my blogroll and saw this a moment ago. I want to say how sorry I am for your loss; I know what it is like to lose a pet that is so much a part of your family. Enjoy your memories and God bless!

Anonymous said...

love...and wishes for the happy memories to hug you

Vered said...

I am so sorry!

Christina said...

Oh Tracey! I have tears in my eyes for you. This is a beautiful story with a sad ending...so bittersweet. Our cat has always been a aprt of our family, too...but I see him getting old, and it breaks my heart. Hugs!

tracey clark said...

thank you everyone. your love and support means so much.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. Such an amazing story and I'm sure you have many wonderful memories to hold to.

Anonymous said...

Love is
green eyes
in the night
with soundtrack.

Meryl said...

I read somewhere sometime that cats are the visible embodiment of a home's soul....so sorry for your loss.

Lara said...

i'm sorry, tracey. i can only imagine the pain you all must be feeling. :(

Leslie said...

Oh, I'm so sorry for your loss. Pets are such a big part of our lives!

Conchi said...

Sorry, sorry. I can understand your sad. My cat is my best friend and he has 14 years old.
I can´t imagine my life without him.

Now you have great moments with him and a lot of love.

Kisses

Megan said...

so sorry for your loss. we lost our 14yr old dog last year, and it indeed leaves a big hole. hope your family can grieve together.

bonggamom said...

Oh my. Tracy, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your sweet kitty. When our Kenya was run over, we cried for weeks.

Anonymous said...

Awwww! That's so sad! I'm so sorry..big hugs to you, Al and the girls.

Unknown said...

We have two cats - with us since they were kittens (they are now 13 and 12) and I think they are as much a part of our family as our two girls are (well, they were HERE first!).

I can only imagine what your family is feeling right now. We are so sorry for your loss.

Dana a/k/a Sunshine said...

So sorry for the loss of your cat, your family member. That is heartbreaking.

Lu said...

oh...this post made me think about my family pets over the years. they really do have a place in your heart. Especially when they leave.

landismom said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your cat. It really is hard when a beloved family pet dies.

Lawyer Mama said...

Oh, I'm so sorry, Tracey. We just lost one of our cats and I was overwhelmed by how much it hurt. xoxo

kim the midwife said...

losing my cats last year was harder than i imagined.

thanks for the lovely tribute- and story.

Lindy said...

so sad for you- 18 yrs is a long time to share your life.

kelly rae said...

oh honey, i love how the story of these kitties brought you love and family.

i'm so sorry for your loss...

Jaimee said...

I know exactly how you feel...we lost our cat just a few months ago and it is such a hard thing to get through. She will never leave your heart!

mandaroo63 said...

Oh Tracey, I am so sorry for you and your family. I've lost two cats that I've loved very much over the last two years, and know how heartbreaking it is. I planted a yellow rose bush that the husband and kids gave me when I lost my Sassy, and now I sit in my garden and think about her still quite frequently. A big hug out to you and your family.
Mandy

Unknown said...

I can understand your feelings. Having to say goodbye to 3 dogs was hard for me as well.

Caroline said...

Tracey- I am so sorry for your loss. I know well how painful it is to lose a much loved animal. Thank you for honoring the relationship by writing about it. When I lost my cat many played it down talking to me, as if a pet is a less significant family member. Those of us who have lost one know it isn't. I send you much love, support, and gratitude for sharing your love for your cat. Take care of yourself.

Krista Heiser said...

I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. ~hugs~