God,
I'm here on the porch. In front of the tree. With Sammy.
You'll know him when you see him. He's the black and white tuxedo cat
with white spats. He walks so lightly on his feet he almost seems to
float. Take good care of him. He was, and is, much loved. He was partial
to warm places: on top of the heat register, on top of the old dryer
when it was running, the center of the gas stove directly over the pilot
light, the second floor porch when the sun shone in on the chairs.
He liked to sleep under the covers in the crook of my
arm until I was dozing off. Then he would get down and go wrap himself
around Violet in the round bed. There were many other things Sammy
liked, too. He liked to play, mostly with Sylvester and the three-legged
cat, Pharaoh. A cat version of hide and seek that had some elements of
tag. He liked to run out the door of the downstairs porch and throw
himself on the concrete floor – a full body slam. He liked to doze on
top of the TV with his tail hanging down in front of the
screen. He liked to sit on my dresser with his head up the lampshade
when the lamp was on. He liked the round cat tunnel in the dining room.
And he liked being carried around in it while I sang all the verses to
Amazing Grace. He and the grey and white cat named Clarke liked that
song best of all. Sammy liked all of these things and many more, but
there were two things that Sammy loved.
He loved having a family. Sitting between Phelps and me
while we read at night was sheer heaven on earth to him. He purred until
he fell asleep. He often followed Phelps around the house until he sat
in his chair to read. Then Sammy would mark the chair with his scent
pads on his paws and leave to find Violet.
Sammy loved Violet. From the day she came to us nine
years ago May, Sammy loved Violet. He ate with her, slept with her,
groomed her, and yes, loved her. He was steadfast and true. On those
occasions when he did leave her side, she had only to call out and he
raced back to her.
Take good care of Sammy, God, for he is much loved. As
he began to grow weaker, the two-legged man he loved took him four times
a week to the doctor for fluids; all in the hope that he would stay here
with us awhile longer. But he grew so tired and thin. And the day came
when we knew we had to let him go. And we said good-bye. Now he is with
you. Hold him close because we no longer can. I've enclosed a picture of
Sammy and Violet – it seemed right, somehow. And please don't let him
get cold. Remember, after Violet, and his family, he is
very partial to warm places.
Oh, and God, when you get some time, could you make that
torn away spot in our hearts hurt a little less.
Sorry. Patti
Go on to The Five
"C'S": Principles Of A Vegan Life By Steve Best
Return to 5 April 2000 Issue
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