My cat is dying


Posted by cinthia ritchie ® (Cinthia Ritchie,cinthia ritchie), Jun 14,2001,01:52   Archive
My 14-year-old cat is dying. He's lying on the fluffy rug, with a towel under his head for comfort. He doesn't seem to be in much pain, so I've decided, with advice from the vet, to leave him be tonight; I know he would rather be at home.
Watching him die, I suddenly realize that I am going to die, also. And the dog. And worst of all, my son (though please, god, let me go first). Which makes me realize how unimportant my broken voice really makes. Superficially, at work, it bothers me greatly. But when I'm 95 and looking back at my life, I really doubt that I will spend much time obsessing about how my voice cracked or broke; I doubt that it will really bother me that I messed up a phone call or was afraid to call someone back. I think it will be other things, more important things, that I will remember: my son, my sisters, hiking early in the morning as the sun comes up, mountain biking through northern Arizona, or maybe just the memory of the sun hot on my face.
In light of the important things, the essential things, my voice is minor. And yet I waste so much time worrying about it.
Today I interviewed four people over the phone, three of them "cold," meaning they had no idea I was going to call. My voice wavered, especially when introducing myself; this was a small, remote town that doesn't take kindly to outsiders asking questions. Luckily, it is an entertainment-related story, so no one was hositle. Still, I thought: how much easier it would all be if I could just open my mouth and talk. Yet I finished the interviews and if the story goes as well as planned, those very people will call and thank me. So maybe in the long run, how we speak isn't important; maybe it's how we use our words that really matters.
Just a few thoughts, late in the evening, as my cat lies dying beside me.
Cinthia



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Re: My cat is dying

Re : My cat is dying --- cinthia ritchie
Posted by Joanne Matuzas ® , Jun 14,2001,11:50 Top of Thread Archive
Cinthia,
I am so sorry you are losing your cat. My 11 year old golden retriever died 3 months ago of cancer and it nearly broke my heart. But look at the realization and beauty that is eminating from you as a result of this. And, yes, it really is how we use our words for both those with
spasmodic dysphonia and those without. Thanks for blessing us with
your insights. God Bless, Joanne M. San Diego, CA



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Re: My cat is dying

Re : My cat is dying --- cinthia ritchie
Posted by michael martin ® , Jun 14,2001,15:30 Top of Thread Archive
I really am sorry. We all get so attached
to our pets. We know they will die but
they bring us such great joy.
sincerely
mike



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Re: My cat is dying

Re : My cat is dying --- cinthia ritchie
Posted by Anne Brett ® , Jun 14,2001,15:59 Top of Thread Archive
Cinthia I am so sorry about your very loved cat. It's always so hard to loose a pet. A dear friend shared this verse with me when I had to part with my much loved dog..............

The Rainbow Bridge

There is a bridge connecting Heaven and Earth. It is called the Rainbow Bridge because of its many colors. Just this side of the Rainbow Bridge, there is a land of meadows, hill and valleys with lush green grass.

When a beloved pet dies, the pet goes to this place. There’s always food and water and warm spring weather. The old and frail animals are young again. Those who are maimed are made whole again. They play all day with each other.

There is only one thing missing: They are not with their special person who loved them on Earth. So, each day they run and play until the day comes when one suddenly looks up? The nose twitches. The ears are up. The eyes are staring. And this one suddenly runs from the group.

You have been seen, and when you and your special friend meet, you take him or her in your arms and embrace. Your face is kissed again and again and again, and you look once more into the eyes of your trusting pet.

Then you cross The Rainbow Bridge together, never again to be seperated.




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Re: My cat is dying

Re : Re: My cat is dying --- Anne Brett
Posted by fancynancy ® , Jun 15,2001,20:08 Top of Thread Archive
I'm sorry to hear about your beloved pet and companion. I know how you feel, as my cat of 17 1/2 years passed away a couple of years ago, from kidney disease. It wasn't easy. But, as they say, time does heal.

There's a nice web site for those of us who wish to remember our pets.

http://www.petloss.com

It's a very comforting site, and you can put a memorial to your pet there, with photo. I put one up for my cat, and sometimes I visit. Seems they also feature the lovely Rainbow Bridge story.




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