Thursday, October 21, 2010

The Happiness Project :: Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow (An Oxymoron)

Dear Slinky,

I am happy that that stupid coyote only got eight of your nine lives.

I am happy that a half crazy and very boisterous country vet declared, ‘We can fix her!’

I am happy that you were a fighter.

I am happy that I couldn’t bear the thought of putting you back in that barn where I found you.

I am happy that you were too mangy and scrappy and squirrelly and stinky for anyone to adopt.

I am happy that your scavenging rid my garage of its mouse problem – even if the same habit did result in other more complicated situations…like the time you got the spine from my salmon steak lodged on your canine teeth.

I am happy that you were not a “yacky” cat like the other two high falutin' pedigreed city cats you shared the house with. It’s hard to believe that in so many years I can count the furballs on two hands.

I am happy that the other two high falutin' pedigreed city cats taught you to talk - even though your voice was a bit shrill.

I am happy that the move to California didn’t kill you.

I am happy that the addition of two hairless apes and a move back to Texas didn’t kill you either.

I am happy that, at the end of the day, when the noise died down and the lights were low that you trusted me enough to snuggle up on my lap - even though you never completely lost your feral instincts.

I am happy that, although you knew the food supply was bountiful, you still felt the need to taunt, kill, and hoard your treats.

I am happy that on every vacation we took, the nervous look in the eyes of every bird, squirrel, and rabbit we passed reminded us of you -- and always will.

I am happy for the 15 years we had together.

I am happy for the millions of belly laughs you gave me.

I am happy that you are no longer laboring for each breath.

I am happy that you purred in my lap on the drive to the vet’s this morning.

I am sad…very sad, that you will not be sleeping next to me tonight, but I am happy that I found you and that you found me on that hot Texas day so many years ago.

Thank you, Sweet Slinky-Do, for bringing me so much joy.
 
 
 
Believe it or not, this kinda sad post was brought to you by Leigh vs. Laundry and The Happiness Project.  Sometimes the things that bring us the most joy also bring us sorrow.  I hope your day was filled with joy.  And if it wasn't...well, I hope you can find the joy in your sorrow.
 

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6 comments:

T.Allen said...

Farewell, Slinky.

Chelle Lynn said...

I just teared up thinking about the day I will have to say goodbye to my own furry children. Goodbye, Slinky, you sound like one hell of a cat!

Jenny said...

Goodbye Slinky you sound like a wonderful kitty. xoxo

Vanessa said...

Very sweet post -- sorry for your loss. :-(

Susan Anderson said...

What a wonderful tribute to your Slinky cat.

=)

T@PoppyPlacePdx said...

WOW! That made me sad and happy at the same time. What a lovely way to show your love.

Have a lovely weekend, T. :)