Tag: cats

The goodbye I wrote for Mela was uploaded around two weeks from the time she disappeared.

The day after it went live, Mela came back!

She crawled in through my bedroom window, mewling, then made a run for her foodbowl. I could only gawk at her in disbelief.

The following morning, I gave her a bath and a hug. She has since stayed close to home, and taken to scaring the housemate’s dog just by sitting there.

Thank you to everyone who has sent her goodbyes, and to all those who wished her well upon news of her return.

Welcome back, my Mela. I missed you.

Written January 12, 2013.

In the simplicity of your existence: grooming, cuddling, nibbles of food, then sleep; it’s easy to forget that pets – our babies – do grow up.

In a way, some months ago when I realized that you’ve been with me for over 10 years – I prepared myself for a day like today. I wondered if you would die a natural death, and perhaps a memorial would be made in your honor. Maybe your ashes would be cast out to sea, just as Mom’s were.

You chose to wander into the world, alive and well. No dramatic goodbyes, just a quiet thank you that last morning I woke up to you cuddling next to me.

You have been with me since college. I picked you up from under a car on a stormy afternoon, struck by the loneliness in being away from family and in an unfamiliar home. You have seen me through four relationships, five apartments, several jobs, and waited for me after long nights at the theater and work.

I will miss you, Mela. But I know your journey is the time for things to come full circle, and find the exclam to close your ninth life.

Thank you, for choosing me to be your Mommy.