Farewell, Old Friend

 

On December 31st, our family had to euthanize our cat Wally. It was a hard decision for my parents to make and Wally's absence leaves a huge hole in all of our lives and hearts. For a stray cat, he was a kind-spirited creature with a great sensitivity for when someone was having a bad day or was in low spirits.

I know he was well cared for and we did the best thing by him at each step along his journey with us, but I must say he left a mark on me that no cat since the original stray, old Puss. Wally was social and affectionate from the very first, as was old Puss, and both were gentle spirits.

I've broken down a couple of times and I know both my mother and father have as well. I suppose in my case, things could be impacted by my current emotional vulnerability, but he was a good companion and I hope, if there is a Heaven, that I will see him there one day.

I'm not strongly religious, but I said a prayer to ask a merciful God to see to it that Wally was kept warm, well-fed, and cared-for and that he got to know sunny days and play without the cares and infirmities of age again. I figure it can't hurt to wish for the best for my companion, even if that's all it ends up being.

If there is any lesson here, it is love those dear to you every day because you never know when their span will be over (or your own will).