A Tribute to Real Love

A Tribute to Real Love

We had to say our good-byes yesterday to part of our family.

18 years ago a curious kitten was born in a closet. A few months later I met her (and the compassionate man that assisted her mother giving birth to she and her liter mates amidst piles of his clothing). I fell in love with the man, and his cats. He and I got married. We had two children. And we have never known one another without the cat family in our lives. The mama left us first. And then a sister. And yesterday, the last of our cats had to let go too. 18 years later and the end of such a rich chapter of our lives. The hole she has left feels cavernous. There will always be the open space in our hearts that can never be filled by any other and we will lovingly hold her memory there for always.

Good-bye sweet friend. We have loved you for so long and we shall never forget how blessed we were to have you with us all these years.
35 Comments
  • 1stdaughter
    Posted at 16:02h, 24 July Reply

    Tracey, I know I haven’t posted a lot on here but I saw this post and needed to tell you how sorry I am. Some of the saddest times in my life have been when my kitties have left and I pray that you and your family will be comforted during this time.

    But what an amazing long life she had and I’m sure the great memories will be something you can hold on to for a lifetime.

  • angie
    Posted at 16:33h, 24 July Reply

    Wow! 18 years is so long for a cat. I know you will dearly miss her. I’m sorry for your family’s loss.

  • Paige
    Posted at 16:51h, 24 July Reply

    Oh Tracey, how sad. This post made me cry. My kitty is only 2 and I can’t imagine her leaving me. I’m so sorry.

  • Christy
    Posted at 17:05h, 24 July Reply

    Tracey so sorry for your family and their loss. It is never easy, but cherish the memories.

  • Mia's Mama
    Posted at 18:34h, 24 July Reply

    How sad, but so beautiful. What a beautiful story about how a litle kitten brought so much to your life.

  • Deezee
    Posted at 18:43h, 24 July Reply

    the love of pets. it wraps itself around our hearts. 🙁

  • ELK
    Posted at 18:43h, 24 July Reply

    I am so sorry for your familiy’s loss and I know it is very painful. Pets are such a part of our lives and for so long…take gentle care of yourself.

  • tangobaby
    Posted at 18:55h, 24 July Reply

    Oh, I’m so sorry to read this, Tracey. I wish you and your family comfort in this sad time. Take care.

  • Petra
    Posted at 19:12h, 24 July Reply

    Hi Tracey. I am new to your blog and have put you on my blogroll and saw this a moment ago. I want to say how sorry I am for your loss; I know what it is like to lose a pet that is so much a part of your family. Enjoy your memories and God bless!

  • melody is slurping life
    Posted at 19:45h, 24 July Reply

    love…and wishes for the happy memories to hug you

  • Vered
    Posted at 19:55h, 24 July Reply

    I am so sorry!

  • Christina
    Posted at 20:06h, 24 July Reply

    Oh Tracey! I have tears in my eyes for you. This is a beautiful story with a sad ending…so bittersweet. Our cat has always been a aprt of our family, too…but I see him getting old, and it breaks my heart. Hugs!

  • tracey clark
    Posted at 20:11h, 24 July Reply

    thank you everyone. your love and support means so much.

  • laura - dolcepics
    Posted at 20:33h, 24 July Reply

    I’m so sorry to hear of your loss. Such an amazing story and I’m sure you have many wonderful memories to hold to.

  • jfrancis
    Posted at 20:42h, 24 July Reply

    Love is
    green eyes
    in the night
    with soundtrack.

  • Meryl
    Posted at 20:49h, 24 July Reply

    I read somewhere sometime that cats are the visible embodiment of a home’s soul….so sorry for your loss.

  • Lara
    Posted at 21:58h, 24 July Reply

    i’m sorry, tracey. i can only imagine the pain you all must be feeling. 🙁

  • Leslie
    Posted at 23:10h, 24 July Reply

    Oh, I’m so sorry for your loss. Pets are such a big part of our lives!

  • Conchi
    Posted at 23:29h, 24 July Reply

    Sorry, sorry. I can understand your sad. My cat is my best friend and he has 14 years old.
    I can´t imagine my life without him.

    Now you have great moments with him and a lot of love.

    Kisses

  • Megan
    Posted at 01:51h, 25 July Reply

    so sorry for your loss. we lost our 14yr old dog last year, and it indeed leaves a big hole. hope your family can grieve together.

  • Bonggamom
    Posted at 15:47h, 25 July Reply

    Oh my. Tracy, my heartfelt condolences on the loss of your sweet kitty. When our Kenya was run over, we cried for weeks.

  • PeetsMom
    Posted at 17:59h, 25 July Reply

    Awwww! That’s so sad! I’m so sorry..big hugs to you, Al and the girls.

  • carrie
    Posted at 21:06h, 25 July Reply

    We have two cats – with us since they were kittens (they are now 13 and 12) and I think they are as much a part of our family as our two girls are (well, they were HERE first!).

    I can only imagine what your family is feeling right now. We are so sorry for your loss.

  • Dana a/k/a Sunshine
    Posted at 22:32h, 25 July Reply

    So sorry for the loss of your cat, your family member. That is heartbreaking.

  • Lu
    Posted at 00:26h, 26 July Reply

    oh…this post made me think about my family pets over the years. they really do have a place in your heart. Especially when they leave.

  • landismom
    Posted at 02:13h, 26 July Reply

    I’m so sorry to hear about your cat. It really is hard when a beloved family pet dies.

  • Lawyer Mama
    Posted at 05:17h, 27 July Reply

    Oh, I’m so sorry, Tracey. We just lost one of our cats and I was overwhelmed by how much it hurt. xoxo

  • kim the midwife
    Posted at 06:26h, 27 July Reply

    losing my cats last year was harder than i imagined.

    thanks for the lovely tribute- and story.

  • Lindy
    Posted at 23:10h, 27 July Reply

    so sad for you- 18 yrs is a long time to share your life.

  • kelly rae
    Posted at 01:34h, 28 July Reply

    oh honey, i love how the story of these kitties brought you love and family.

    i’m so sorry for your loss…

  • Jaimee
    Posted at 05:44h, 28 July Reply

    I know exactly how you feel…we lost our cat just a few months ago and it is such a hard thing to get through. She will never leave your heart!

  • Mandaroo
    Posted at 17:30h, 28 July Reply

    Oh Tracey, I am so sorry for you and your family. I’ve lost two cats that I’ve loved very much over the last two years, and know how heartbreaking it is. I planted a yellow rose bush that the husband and kids gave me when I lost my Sassy, and now I sit in my garden and think about her still quite frequently. A big hug out to you and your family.
    Mandy

  • geoPirat
    Posted at 18:08h, 28 July Reply

    I can understand your feelings. Having to say goodbye to 3 dogs was hard for me as well.

  • remabulous
    Posted at 21:29h, 28 July Reply

    Tracey- I am so sorry for your loss. I know well how painful it is to lose a much loved animal. Thank you for honoring the relationship by writing about it. When I lost my cat many played it down talking to me, as if a pet is a less significant family member. Those of us who have lost one know it isn’t. I send you much love, support, and gratitude for sharing your love for your cat. Take care of yourself.

  • Krista
    Posted at 15:49h, 29 July Reply

    I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. ~hugs~

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