Fare Thee Well Big Kitty...

We said our final good-byes, to Big Kitty, aka, Richie Havens, aka, The Old Man today. He was 18 and almost 1/2, which in human years is around 90. He started failing dramatically these past couple of weeks, and just Monday, 2 days ago, we knew it was time. As in life, death comes in waves, as first thing Monday morning I received an email that Mom's dearest friend from camp had passed away. The wires were burning, our camp wall on Facebook was lighting up all day, it was all day. All the while I was on the phone w/ our Vet to finalize today as we were deeply nuzzled in waiting for the storm. It was a good day to be home. There were allot of people feeling terribly sad on Monday. One of my #favoritepeople posted a song from 'Israel and NewBreed', and I wound up buying the album. I would say, timing is everything. It kept my spirits up. The music will keep my spirits up. (Thank you  #favoritepeople).

The day we brought Big Kitty home...a forever friendship was born..

We got Big Kitty from the North Shore Animal Shelter on Long Island. He was 4 months old, Edward was 8ish. From the minute we brought him home, he was present, he was totally with us. He was one of the best animals I have ever met. He moved with us 5 times, from our apartment in Mt. Vernon, to the 2 houses in Rhode Island and then the 2 houses in Colorado. He was a natural hunter, stalker of mice, moth catcher extra-ordinaire, insect eater, he was very fast. He was totally laid back and was the best snuggle buddy, always with an immediate loud purr. In 2005, I had some outpatient surgery, and he did not leave my side for days. He was the same way with Edward. Ever present during stomach aches, all nighters when not feeling well, and was especially close with Edward's initial diabetes diagnosis. He tolerated The Girl, barely, all these years. Somehow, they worked. I am curious to see how or if she is any different or even cares that he is not here. 

We are so grateful to have had him all these years, and the Vets all said, he was blessed to have us. We are so grateful that the process was quick and peaceful. I know Edward and I are both going to 'think we see him', probably for a while. 18 and almost 1/2 years was a great run for The Old Man. We are so grateful...

Mt. Vernon...

Rhode Island, the Big house..

Colorado Springs...

On his 18th birthday...

Always in our hearts, Big Kitty, aka, Richie Havens, aka, The Old Man.

A special thank you to everyone at The Aurora Animal Hospital, for your gentleness, your compassion, your thoroughness, overall care  and time, not just for our 4 legged loved ones, but for Us.

We are so grateful....

Richie Havens...Follow

Let the river rock you like a cradle
Climb to the treetops, child, if you’re able
Let your hands tie a knot across the table.
Come and touch the things you cannot feel.
And close your fingertips and fly where I can’t hold you
Let the sun-rain fall and let the dewy clouds enfold you
And maybe you can sing to me the words I just told you,
If all the things you feel ain’t what they seem.
And don’t mind me 'cos I ain't nothin' but a dream.

The mocking bird sings each different song
Each song has wings - they won’t stay long.
Do those who hear think he's doing wrong?
While the church bell tolls its one-note song
And the school bell is tinkling to the throng.
Come here where your ears cannot hear.
And close your eyes, child, and listen to what I’ll tell you
Follow in the darkest night the sounds that may impel you
And the song that I am singing may disturb or serve to quell you
If all the sounds you hear ain’t what they seem,
Then don’t mind me ‘cos I ain’t nothin’ but a dream.

The rising smell of fresh-cut grass,
Smothered cities choke and yell with fuming gas;
I hold some grapes up to the sun
And their flavour breaks upon my tongue.
With eager tongues we taste our strife
And fill our lungs with seas of life.
Come taste and smell the waters of our time.
And close your lips, child, so softly I might kiss you,
Let your flower perfume out and let the winds caress you.
As I walk on through the garden, I am hoping I don’t miss you
If all the things you taste ain’t what they seem,
Then don’t mind me ‘cos I ain’t nothin’ but a dream.

The sun and moon both are right,
And we’ll see them soon through days of night
But now silver leaves on mirrors bring delight.
And the colours of your eyes are fiery bright,
While darkness blinds the skies with all its light.
Come see where your eyes cannot see.
And close your eyes, child, and look at what I’ll show you;
Let your mind go reeling out and let the breezes blow you,
Then maybe, when we meet, suddenly I will know you.
If all the things you see ain't what they seem,
Then don’t mind me ‘cos I ain’t nothin’ but a dream .
And you can follow; And you can follow; follow…