Ode to a Cat

For much of last year I was in the hospital.  I fractured my ankle in March and it wasn't set properly.  In May I needed surgery.

My son came to my house on a daily basis while I was in the hospital to look after Felix - to feed him, give him scritches behind his ears and administer a dose of insulin for his diabetes.  I know he liked John, but I like to think that he missed me.  Suddenly, on the 3rd of July Felix passed away. I was still in the hospital at that time.  I never had a chance to say goodbye to him.

My darling Felix.  He was the best cat I ever had.  He slept with me in my bed and in the mornings he would 'meow' a wish to me for a good day.  He always came running when I called him.  Felix came to live with us when his owners didn't want him any more.  He and his brother Oscar had been kept in a closet.  Their owners were planning to euthanize them.   They also had them declawed.  My son convinced me to adopt him.

Felix lived with us for about 14 years.  He really enjoyed my quilts, especially when I used the floor as a design area.  Hie loved to spend his day in the solarium, gazing out the window..  We didn't allow him to go out so watching the birds and squirrels in the garden was a favourite pastime.

An Ode to Felix

The purr-fect source of comfort and love,

With your paintbrush tail your love declared.

Wagging it as robins in the garden dance.

Chasing squirrels with little mews.

You brought me joy.

You made me smile. 

Who loved whom more?  You or me?

You endured the pain of clawless paws, 

But never lost your innocence.

Your soft round face.

Your bright green eyes.

Your black and white tuxedo coat.

Your ears tilted back to catch sounds that escaped me.

No longer here.

My quilts are lonely.

The room is empty.

My bed is cold.

I miss you so.

I hope he now has the freedom to romp and play and chase the squirrels in the here after.  And that he is reunited with his brother Oscar, and 'sister', Mimi.  I pray they are happy.  I'll miss you my furry friend.  Rest in peace.