Friends and Kitties!
Sheebie here.
I like to consider myself a hardened, crusty, cynical curmudgeon...and then my world gets rocked. I should know better than to presume to understand myself. I have been incredibly moved by the outpouring of love and compassion after the passing of my darling Grayce; you have restored my occasionally shaky faith in humanity, for which I am grateful.
Every comment and email has been treasured and appreciated, they have moved me to tears and helped me grieve. If it were possible to wear out electrons like paper each missive would be transparent with use by now.
Tiny Grayce was a powerhouse cat, everykitty avoided her ire and mighty rapid-fire left hook. She got her way in most everything--food, sleeping spots, laps. The words "no" and "can't" didn't exist for her! Her loss is keenly felt among the Horde--she was the Alpha female--and the hierarchy is shifting. The spot to the left of my pillow is vacant, waiting to be filled, and the morning undercover cuddlebunny spot is open as well. It is lonely in bed, even with three kitties, but I'm sure in time one of them will step in to fill the empty positions. Rupert has been noticeably subdued; he and Grayce used to jockey for prime chesticle position and I think he's confused, wondering where his rival has gone.
Having the vet come to the house was such a kind and peaceful way to euthanize. Scott and I agonized over the decision to let Grayce go, but it was time. Her appetite had dropped off in the past week, and she was lethargic if we weren't paying her direct attention. We had been tallying the good days against the bad ones and the bad days were dominating the calendar. The vet was wonderful; she petted and cooed over Grayce with us, and made sure we were sure. Grayce had one little pinprick for the sedative, and she was gone almost as soon as it took effect. We stroked her and told her how much we loved her; and although I miss her with a searing pain I am so glad we let her go...her little body had had enough.
I don't hold any belief in an afterlife, but I'm content with what I have here and now, knowing that I was fortunate enough to have my life intersect with Grayce's beautiful, funny purrsonality.
Thank you all, once again, for your support.
Thank you all, once again, for your support.
XX Sheebie XX
*We will resume regular blogging on Monday*
Purrs to you - Grayce's loss is very much felt here too.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful, moving post and most excellent tribute to Grayce, and the responsibilities of being a feline servant. I know exactly what you mean and I still grieve for Alphacat Stran. I expect to see him running down the stirs at feeding times, and to be there when the others grouch. Knowing of Grayce's illness and now her passing have brought that back so I really feel for what you are going through. But it indicates just how loved Grayce was and what an amazing pair of humans she had found! She was loved, as are the rest of the Horde who will maybe keep some of those spaces unoccupied in her honour. Afterall, they cannot really be filled.
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you about a vet visit for the Final Journey. I have a money pot reserved for that - the last moments of life should be in safety, in a familiar environment not the stress of a PTU.
Thank you for posting this, and thank you for sharing Grayce's life on this blog.
Karin, and your Finnish feline friends
Our hearts have all felt the pain you are dealing with, and I hope that may be a true solace to you. Karin is so right about having a vet visit for that Final Journey - it is as much easier on us as on our furry friends, the smells and sounds of home to guide her way, instead of the acrid smell of the vet's office and perhaps the frightening barking or dogs. As Grayce was loved, so are you. :-) XOX T.
ReplyDeleteBlessings to all of you
ReplyDeleteBriony
x
Sending you lots and lots of hugs. Anesha
ReplyDeleteYou and Scott, although I have never met you, hold a special place in my heart. I think we can identify with each other because cat people and owners have a bond that goes deep. Things are understood without lengthy discussions because we know how it feels. Okay, enough of that, I am very happy you and Scott were able to accommodate and make it as comfortable for Grayce as you possibly could. And please know she loves you for it.
ReplyDeleteYour friend from Kansas (and of course the Ghost Crew, always alert!!!!)
Glenda
Sending you lotsa purrs and hugs.
ReplyDeletePurrs and hugs from us as well. I don't think the "ego", the "self," continues after death...but who knows? I do believe that all is energy, so perhaps Grayce is stardust now.
ReplyDeletePeace to you, Trish.
Love and light to you all. xoxo
ReplyDeleteSuch a moving tribute for your beautiful Grayce. Continued purrs and prayers to you. Sweet Rupert, I hope he will be OK... Hugs to you all xo
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful tribute to Grayce.
ReplyDeleteIt doesn't matter how tough we think we are, when you lose a much loved family member, being strong and capable counts for nothing. Both Ivor and myself still find ourselves with tears in our eyes at times when we think of Eric even though it is 2 1/2 years since he had to leave us.
I am glad Grayce was able to take her final journey from home with yours and Scott's love surrounding her.
Grayce was super special and one day soon your hearts will smile when those loving memories pop up. Hugs from all of us.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely post my friend. We are so sorry for your loss. If you need to head out in the worl and talk about it all (or not) please let me know. Namaste
ReplyDeleteThis is such a beautiful picture of Grayce and a lovely tribute. She is such a special girl.
ReplyDeleteGrayce was such a special kitty. I know her loss is felt by all. Thank you for sharing your story and your decision process. My elder cat Charlie is 17 and I'm really seeing that he has good days and bad days. The good still outweigh the bad but I know the time will come. I love him so much but will not let him suffer if I can help it. Big hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteLinda
Such a beautiful post. Grayce was so very special, and your love for her will live on forever. Hugs, purrs and prayers to you.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh. You have captured my own loss completely. Word for word, this is how I feel, unable to type the words for myself. I still miss my Grace...sorely. Not a day goes by that I don't have a small crying spell--sometimes 2. It's awful, isn't it? I still cannot write about it.
ReplyDeleteSorry to hijack your grief for the moment....I just wanted you to know that you are not alone. The loss is palpable and I am very sorry that we share it.
Grayce held such a special spot being the alpha female. That role is hard to fill. You're right in time somecat will find that role to play or it may be combo role many of them play. But for now that spot which was Grayce's is empty and your heart and Scott's are missing that part of your daily routine. Soon you'll have a new normal, but I hasten to say it will never be the same. Life indeed does go on, but it's always bittersweet when we lose part of ourselves, and no question that in losing your Grayce you did lose a part of your history, and only you and Scott will go forward and tell it. Wishing for your comforting peace.
ReplyDeleteSending so much love.
ReplyDeleteWe are sure all cat lovers and compassionate people understand this loss.
ReplyDeletePurrs and Hugs.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
and mom Nancy
She will be membered furever.
ReplyDeleteLuv ya'
Dezi and Lexi
What a beautiful and moving tribute to your sweet Grayce. We share your tears....
ReplyDeletePurrs and hugs...
Sue and the Island Cat gang
What a beautiful tribute to Grace. You're in our thoughts. Purrs and hugs
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you lost Grayce. I understand how much it hurts. Every little one means so much.
ReplyDeleteDebby in Prescott Valley, Arizona
http://homelesscatcare.blogspot.com/
Here I am, getting all leaky eyes again! The photo of Grayce, with that wonderful crocheted toy, is simply beautiful. Grief is a big, ugly lump of goo that sits on one's heart, making it hard to breathe, hard to function. Not only do the cats also miss her, but with their two humans feeling sad, they all know change has taken place. It's obvious to me, as a perfect stranger, that Grayce received lots of love, and had a great life. Sending warm thoughts and purrs.
ReplyDeleteWe are constantly amazed at how emotionally involved the Mommy gets with the CB kittehz (and even some woofies and a bun). Grayce's death has definitely been felt here and by many over the blogosphere. We're so glad she had a great life there with all of you. Sending you peace, love, and light.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful comments. Beautiful cat. She was so special in countless ways.
ReplyDeleteLove the picture and nice posting too. Glad to hear their is some hope for a curdmudgeon.
ReplyDeleteWe know how hard it is to let go.
ReplyDeleteGrayce was beautiful. I know all about the empty spaces and change of power, it is so difficult to deal with. XO
ReplyDeleteMum sends hugs, she knows what you are going through.
ReplyDeleteShe will come back all full of piss and vinegar and enjoy her next life whatever it may be.
ReplyDeleteA very beautiful tribute to Grace. And we are so impressed that the Vet came to you, that Grace did not have to make a "last" car trip.
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute to your beautiful Grayce. Grayce was the first Lounge kitty we met since she was, well, lounging on the couch as we walked in. As you know I'm a softie so the loss of Lin's Grace and your Grayce have my eyes leaking quite a bit. Sending both you and Scott hugs and comforting purrs.
ReplyDeleteWe suspect there will be a gradual Dance of the Cats as they all adjust to Grayce's absence. As Charles Darwin showed us all, no vacant niche remains unfilled for long...
ReplyDeleteTrish, this was so beautifully written, and you made our Mom cry all over again. She says there is something about these grey (blue) beauties that is extraordinarily special, as was true with our angel Louise. You will carry your beautiful Grayce in your heart always. Please accept our purrs and prayers as we know your grieving is far from over. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
ReplyDeleteWith love and hugs, Janet
We could have written this post after Tucker died. He was such a big presence in the house that even with other cats remaining, the house seemed "empty." We are glad she had a quiet passing, and we continue to think of you. Sending a hug.
ReplyDeleteI'm crying again.
ReplyDeleteSo beautiful
(((hugs)) and love
catchatwithcarenandcody
The internet can be an awesome place! I hope to meet you in the flesh one day. Big hugs... so hard to lose our little furry friends. xoxox
ReplyDeleteSimply a lovely tribute to Grayce, and the photo is so sweet. It's amazing how a little creature can wind their way so far into our hearts but they do, and the loss leaves such a void. I'm certain Grayce was grateful that she found her way into your lives as well, she was a fortunate kitty to live with such a special mom and dad...and all the annoying fursibs!
ReplyDeleteTake care!
What a beautiful tribute to Grayce - I am sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteLump in throat, leaky eyes again. This is beautifully said. I am nervous about Skootch - he seems creakier and more unsteady than ever. He IS 17, and he had a glowing report from Dr. Jeff last spring. He definitely is nearing the end, but I hope I know when it's "time". Dreading it.
ReplyDeletePurrs and hugs to you.