goodbye ceej

Sixteen years ago I welcomed a teeny tiger kitty into my life. He was ornery and needy. Had this annoying habit of licking skin and photographs. He played fetch like a dog and had some seriously bad breath. Snuggling was his favorite, vacuums were his least favorite. This cat needed me to save him and I was more than happy to oblige. Little did I know how much of my heart he would occupy. Little did I know how much comfort he would bring. Little did I know that at certain times I needed him more than he needed me.

Today we are saying goodbye to our beloved CJ. I kept telling myself this would be easier. Three years ago we said goodbye to his buddy Stew, in almost the exact same circumstances. I was pregnant, he was suffering, it was hard. Last night as I looked at my poor frail kitty it hit me all over again that this was the end. No more CJ snuggles, no more purrs, no more excited welcome homes. A link to a past of living by myself, failed relationships and countless moves will fade away. The cat that somehow burrowed his way into Sticky’s heart will be gone. But the absolute, very worst of all is that I’ll never see this sweet scene again:

Oh CJ how you won the hearts of so many. Thank you for being such a wonderful companion in a roller coaster ride of life changes. But most of all thank you for loving our girl in a way that only you could. We are blessed to have those precious memories of you and her. We are blessed to call you family.