by Catherine
I miss you so much Bootsie, I almost can't stand it. You were my angel. I can still hear your purrs and I wish you were in my lap now. Oh, how you loved to touch me at all times. I miss you sleeping entwined in my arms every night since I was 13 years old. 16 years is a long time to spend with that kind of closeness. I don't know what to do now. I can't even sleep at home, because the pain is so intense. I kept expecting you to come screaming after me everytime I opened the refrigerator, in hopes you'd get some milk. I hope that forbidden treat, that you enhaled daily the past month, showed you how much I love you. I hope I pampered you enough the past few months. I wanted the end of your life to be as special as possible. I hope you are happy now and free of pain.
I am so sorry that I wasn't there when you could no longer move. But, thank you so much for waiting for me. That last hour holding you, will forever be cherished. I'm also sorry that we couldn't get to the vet fast enough to ease your suffering. I drove as fast as I could. Two more minutes and we would have made it. I just wish you could have made it, because I wanted you to pass in my arms, not in my mother's, but she loved you too. I guess you passed over the Rainbow Bridge in my car for a reason. I like to think it's because you want to protect us when we are driving.
You were born in my presence and you died in my presence. Thank you for letting me share your life from the very beginning to the very end. Now, you go run off and play and eat lots of crabmeat. You're free now my dear, free to run and play and jump once again. Don't ever forget me. When I pass, your ashes will be buried with me. You can help me cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Your purrs will forever ring in my ears. Till we meet again, my best friend. I love you! I love you! I love you! I love you! I love you! I love you! You were the greatest!!!!!!!!!!!
Your mommy!
P.S. Daddy wrote the most beautiful thing to me in a card he gave me after you passed. I wanted to share it with you.
Earth hath no sorrow that Heaven cannot heal.
Thomas Moore
Inside:
Heaven's deep love has brought your loved one peace at last. May it also bring you comfort in your sadness.
He wrote under that:
Remember....in heaven there's a never-ending plate full of crabmeat for him. He thanks you....and He loves you!
This part was written on the inside also. It's very beautiful.
I thought I was holding up pretty well until I started reading these cards. Bootsie taught me how to love cats. He was the best cat anyone could ever have. Please remember what I said, Saxon(my Chow who passed on) and Sylvester(my mother's cat that he lived with for 12 years) are standing with Bootsie, and Saxon just nudged over a plate full of crabmeat in front of him. They're all happy right now being together - looking down to you and saying "We're alright mommy - please smile! I'm sure Bootsie has already walked with Saxon around a lake, protecting him while Saxon is peeing a thousand times. ( In an apartment complex we lived in about 6 years ago, Jay used to walk Saxon around a lake, and although Bootsie was an inside cat, he would go with them and follow them the entire way. People used to get such a kick out of watching it. Especially since he was an inside cat and would not wander off, but instead stay right by their sides the entire time) If we could just see him now - he's in his prime - but maybe he still only has 3 toes just so you can identify him when it's time. ( he had an inflammation of the bone marrow in his foot years ago and had to have one toe amputated) Can you hear him purr - it's so loud and comforting - he feels perfect - he's so happy. He's just sorry you can't see how happy he truly is. And foremost - he misses you! He's not gone Catherine, just close your eyes and there he is - strong & full of attitude. Oh, he's the best anyone could ever have. I just thank him that he let me into his life for 6 years. Now, because of him, I love cats - None can ever take his place - but I know he taught me how to love them.