my dear Stella,
this is a tough letter to write and also one of the most
natural things i’ve ever done
we are sitting outside watching the birds
drink from your water bowl
their beaks clinking enthusiastically
against the metal
another winged friend comes in closer
perching its small body next to ours
she’s performing a solo dance on the tip of a stick
sunlight glinting off her wings
we can’t help but smile
we feel you all around us
our girl with the softest ears
and the warmest belly
our girl with the expressive brows
and sock filled cheeks
our girl with the enviable appetite
and fondness for ridiculously large sticks
slipper snatcher
popcorn catcher
room reader
natural healer
our home is not the same without you
the silence feels so loud
you’ve blessed us for 12 years
and taught us so much
if we can walk this earth with half your grace
we know we’ll be doing something right
slow down long enough to
embrace what’s here
and allow our minds to come into
harmony with our hearts
—————————-
Blackie (Monsieur Black) 2008-2021
grief is the price you pay for loveĀ and i wouldn’t want it any other way –
Our brave, quirky, cucumber loving cat left this earth
on Saturday, May 29th, carving a deep imprint.
HeĀ was well-known and (mostly) loved by the
neighbors in the communities heĀ roamed in
Ottawa and Mountain View — legendary for
taking evening walks with his goldenĀ retriever
sister, never backing down from a dog fight
(especially withĀ his sister fronting him), and
shamelessly sprawling (spilling himself really)
across the neighbors lawns during happyĀ hour,
his favorite time to say his hellos.
A crafty fellow who was never short on
mischief, Ā he realized early on that a meow
doesn’t alwaysĀ cut it when it comes to getting
what you want so he figured out precisely how
to mobilize us into action; his top strategies were:
launching our eyeglasses off our desks; dumping
water-filled vases of flowers; chewing our phone
charger wires and, the death blow, giving his sister
little love bites.
He didn’t always get glowing report cards at
the cat boarding centreĀ either (he found himself
in the penalty box more than once I’m afraid)
but he was the only one in the family to get
love notes in the mailĀ from admirers on Valentine’s
day and to routinely draw a crowd inĀ front of the
house with passersby – both young and full grown –
stopping to mingle with his unusually engaging,
offbeat personality.
Handsome and charismatic (always in formal
wear we would say), his antics and interactions
with his sister brought us hours of entertainment.
He had a knack for knowing when one of us needed
him most and would show up, seemingly from out
of nowhere sometimes, and install his warm soft body
and purr machine beside us through the toughest
moments.
A self-respecting feline, he prized his freedom and
pushed the limits of his 9 lives, surviving the most
unlikely situations, always managing to find his way
home. We were beginning to think he might outlive
us all.
What a guy; our little buddy with the single canine
tooth.
It’s hard to believe you are gone. You are missed
beyond words and by many, including your sister
who continues to look for you. I have a feeling you
will see each other again.
catch you on the rainbow bridge mr. black –
Thinking about you! Our pets leave their paw prints on our hearts. I will always remember Stella running through Patterson Creek park and playing on the fire station lawn as a puppy.
such sweet memories for us too ā„ cheers to Ottawa… thank you Heather, x
This hit me hard, and left me without words. The picture of the two together deserves some type of a prize, so much expression, so much joy and love. And fun
I can imagine the empty space left and how hard it must be.
I hug you. At least in the virtual world.
(your tribute was just beautiful and perfect and complete)
thank you so much ā„
What a character! And such a beautiful tribute. I understand your loss and I send my condolences. Was he sick Kelly or was it sudden? You must miss him terribly. Hugs.
thank you so much ā„