Monday (in) Mourning

"Abigail," by Edward, age 6

Taking a pause in my Monday musings...

Life is all about beginnings and endings, isn't it? Knowing that doesn't actually help though.

The beginning of our week isn't starting in the happiest of ways since we've come to the decision point in our dear ol' kitty's life.

Last Friday morning, I took Abigail to the vet's to figure out why she had not been eating very well. We found out she had diabetes among other problems. Since Stuart was on his way home from Brasil, and she was a family member, I didn't feel it was my choice alone to "call it quits" for her. It was something Stuart and I had to talk about together...and I thought there might still be hope for her.

If Abigail were a younger cat with many years of life ahead of her, it would be an easier choice. We'd fight on for her. Diabetes is treatable, and we can do it. But she's elderly -- nearing 66 in fact -- and it's time to bid her farewell.

* * *

Well, it's done. She is gone.

Our hearts are breaking, but we know it was the right -- the kindest -- thing to do for her. Even in death she had the sweetest smile -- with her jutting jaw and curled tongue.

She was smiling...

Perhaps she is chasing our dear long-gone bunny, Wellington? They were such good buddies years ago...

Emily wrote a poem which she read at Abigail's funeral:

Abigail's Resting Poem

We have loved you, but the time has come

To put you down to sleep.

We have loved you throughout your many years,

But the time has come to put you beneath the soil deep.
There you shall rest

Upon your quest

To find a place where you may rest

In Kitty Heaven.

Be with God and rest eternally,

And one day in Heaven with you we shall be.