Saba Saba passed away this morning, February 8, shortly after 4:00 a.m. She spent a quiet weekend with me. Somehow, we both knew that the time for leaving was very close. Saba was very dignified during this time. She had lost her appetite and occasionally had little crises with her breathing, so I knew that she would be leaving soon. It was very difficult for me, but I did say my good-byes and thanked her for the steadfast love she had given me over the years. I tried to project peace and happiness instead of sadness. I didnt quite get the hang of it until early Sunday, but I believe she knew that I had finally made peace with her passing on. In my sleep I heard the bathroom door creak; I found her on the bathroom floor. She was still breathing when I stroked her and she put her paw on my hand. Although I knew she probably wanted to be left alone, I put her in her spot on the bed with me, gave her some strokes and once again told her how grateful I was to have been blessed with her love. About an hour later, she was on the bed, I felt her stir. I sat up and put my head near her. She was sitting up facing toward me. I leaned toward her and for the last time she gently rubbed her face against mine. Then, she lay down and slowly breathed her last. All I could do was stroke her and pray for her. It took about a minute, maybe less. And then, she was gone. I wrapped her in her blue blanket. Things Saba enjoyed: Gjetost cheese for afternoon snacks. Being brushed. Pets and scritchies under the chin. Mr. Mouse. Her water glass on the nightstand. Being held and walked around the apartment. The sun on the bay window box. Her spot on the couch. Resting her head on my foot in the bathroom as I prepared for the day. Breakfast and dinner. Being petted and purring the last thing at night. Saba was eighteen years and almost eight months old. She brought out the human best in me. She is now a beautiful cat in her prime watching over us. She was my dear friend with fur on her face and will be greatly missed. Saba. Saba: 6/10/80 - 2/8/99 ML