Last night, at 11:30, in the comfort of our bed, nestled next to me, Nainey crossed over. It was a very long and sad week watching my friend, my beautiful little black flower, wither. I wanted to be with her when she went and God graciously allowed us that. Today we will put her to rest, under the pine Christmas tree in our back yard.It doesn't matter if you have two years, two weeks, two days or two minutes when one that you love is dying. I believe death is most painful for those who are the bystanders, not the participants. Those who are left behind, holding the memories, and the joy, and the loss. Yesterday my mind put my heart at peace. In my struggle I thought to myself, only a fool would forgo the love for the fear of the loss. A fool I am not. She made my life richer, full of great stories, great memories, great love.
We met on Wednesday, June 24th, 1998. She was a part of a litter of kittens that was born behind a nutrition company that I worked for in Santa Ana. Unbeknownst to me, several of the staff were worried that these kittens were going to get hit by the train that passed behind the building so they tried to "capture" them. Only two were so fortunate. I was introduced to her while she was in the bathroom. Our first of many great stories.
My boss was out of town in Hawaii and the Orange County Health Inspector decided to show up unannounced. Being the Office Manager it was my duty to give her a tour of the facilities and let her test the water in each of the bathrooms, of which there were five. As we approached the last bathroom, Cashelle, one of the "rescue" employees, threw herself in front of the door and said "You can't go in this bathroom." I explained who was with me and that she had to go into the bathroom to test the water. Then, Cashelle blurted out in a rushed and run-on sentence, "There is a cat in there, that we rescued from the railroad out back and the ASPCA is coming to get her." Of course, the gravity of her confession, at that moment, forced me to decide.... what to do? I looked at the Health Inspector and said, "Would you excuse me for one moment?" Turned back to Cashelle and said, "Maybe you didn't hear who is with me today, Cashelle, she's the HEALTH INSPECTOR. What is a cat doing in the bathroom!!! Today of all days????" Cashelle nervously explained everything to us as the inspector tried her best not to laugh. She graciously touched my arm and said, "Obviously you don't always have cats in your office, I can check that bathroom when I come back next month for the re-inspect."
Later that day, when the ASPCA didn't show up, I went to the cat rescue group and asked what their "real" plan was. "Well, Jack said he would take the gray male, and we figured since you're allowed to have cats at your apartment, and already have two, what trouble could one more be? Besides, you love cats. You're the crazy cat lady." Being cornerd I decided to take her until we all cound find a home for her. I knew some people, they knew some people, yadda, yadda....Well she became my "accidental cat". While we were looking for a home for her, she found one for herself, and honestly, I couldn't be happier with her choice.
So we started out great, and she taught us and the other cats so much. Here are just a few of the Nainey lessons we learned.
-Me - "You can lock a small kitten in a glassed in tub, close the bathroom door and leave for work and she will still find a way to escape them all." She was a houdini cat.
-Rick - "I don't care if you don't want me to sit on your lap. It's the best seat in the house, and I deserve the best." She loved her daddy.
-Boo-Boo (aka Rex) - "You can treat me like you are the Alpha Cat but I'm gonna love on you anyway, even if it has to be when you're not feeling well."
-Toby, our GIANT, white, male cat who outweighed Nainey by 18 pounds - "Listen big guy, you mess with Sammy, you mess with me. Never underestimate the attitude of a little cat." She would smack Toby around when he wasn't acting like a gentleman.
-Sammy, our other kitty - "I love you, I love you, I love you. You are my Ying, I am your Yang." The feeling was mutual between them both. She grieved the loss of Sammy a year and a half ago. She was a bit heartbroken ever since. They were definitely two halves of a whole. Now they're together again.
-Syd, our Australian Shepherd - "I really don't care how badly you want to be my friend. I don't like you. Except when there is a thunderstorm, then I will be your friend. You see, I'm a bad-weather friend, not a fair-weathered one."
She and I had a closeness I can't explain. I will miss her greatly and thank God for her always.
So good night my little friend. You were such a great cat. I will forever miss your deep eyes, precious eyelashes, little nose, soft, tiny padded feet, your velvety fur, and your special love. Say hi to all the kids for us. I'll see you in the back right corner.
