Today is the fifth anniversary of your passing. I'm still missing you.

1/24/11

I miss you and still think of you often.

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1/24/10

Kimba - Hard to believe that it has been two years. I still miss you so much.

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1/24/09:

Kimba - today is a year since you passed onto Rainbow Bridge. I know at 12:40 p.m. today I will be wracked by guilt because of the painful decision I made at that precise time last year. I remember your laboring for breath and looking into your eyes and hoping that you saw me and knew I was there with you. I will never forget how quick it was - one minute you were there and the next you were gone. Sometimes when I close my eyes, I see as you were when you were brought to me aftewards, still warm, with your beautiful eyes open and at peace. I remember laying my head down on your soft fur and crying as my heart broke.

You know (because you know me so well) that since your memorial I have not been back to this site. I have thought about it, felt guilty about it, but ultimately been unable to come . . to be presented with the irrefutable proof that you are gone from me. My grief continues to be beyond description, my guilt my secret shame.

It is painful to remember that you died at my decision. . . that even though it was the right decision it was still my decision, I said the words I gave the consent. I know that had I not opted for surgery by now you would probably be gone, but my guilt at what I believe to be the decision that hastened your departure still hounts me. Please forgive me. . . if I had it to do over, I would not have done it that way. I would not have been selfish and opted for the surgery.

I want you to know that at night (our special time) I still miss the weight of you in my arms - the feel of you as you crawled up my left shoulder and very deliberaterly laid across my heart. I know that I would be unable to make anyone else understand your need to be that close to me . . .that it was not enough to be next to me but you had to be in my arms in a very partifular way that let you be so close to me. The hours I would sit with you just that way folded across my heart. I remember the smell of you - your partiucular kitty smell. And yes I miss the sound of your very occasional meow that was was always just one meow and accompanied by that look either over your shoulder or head on. Most especially I miss the sound of your loud purr when I held you in my arms. My darling Kimba, wherever you are, please know that while I struggle to put into words the depth of my longing for you, I want to tell you simply that you are deeply and profoundly missed. With all my heart I love you and not a day goes by that I do not wish that you were still here with me. Rest in peace my baby. . . Mommy loves you and wishes you were still here.
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1/30/08:

How could I ever have known. . that when I first saw you sitting in a cage, quiet, serene and dignified in the midst of the chaos of the other kitties, that I would choose you. I remember standing in front of your cage staring at you, watching you stare at me and wondering what you were thinking and why you were not speaking. I was so scared when I took you out and held you -- and still you remained quiet -- but in spite of the other lovely kitties that clamored for my attention it was your quietness that drew me to you.

How could I ever have known. . . that while you chose not to speak (although you could be vocal when you felt the situation warranted it) we would find a way to communicate that did not need words (or in your case meows!)

How could I have ever known . . what you would become to me? My dearest companion and my best friend.

What I do know now is that you are always with me - I see you in the stars and feel the warmth of your touch when the sun shines on me.

And, while I may have rescued you 15 years ago, you alone knew that you rescued me too. For your unconditional love has been and will continue to be a constant source of strength for me. . .

I love you, Kimba, now and always. . . Mommy

From your Auntie Jacqueline:

If I were a cat, Just me hanging out with Kimba gossiping - I don't know about you Kimba, but I can't resist the CATNIP!!

From Grandma:

Kimba,
I appreciated having a wonderful loving kitty as part of my family. I hope you knew how much you were loved. I am going to miss your yearly visits. Thanks for all your tender loving care. I will be forever grateful for the wonderful time we spent together.

You will live in my heart forever.
Grandma

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Kimba wishing with all my heart that this is true . . .

just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.

All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. Her bright eyes are intent. Her eager body quivers. Suddenly she begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, her legs carrying her faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together