When I was young...

When I was little, cats lived forever.  I'll never forget our childhood cat living til 18 years old, wandering off one day to curl up under a tree and pass away at a ripe old age.  Me, as a distraught teen bringing him back and tucking him up in the warm, only to have him make his poor weary self back to the tree. He only lasted a day after that.

Anyway.  Cats seemed to live forever.  They were a part of life for our whole childhood.  There was "the cat I had when I was growing up".

When Paul & I decided to get two kittens a few years ago we did so to give our kids life lessons that we thought were important.  Caring for a pet, learning to be responsible and being accountable to another little being.  There was also the companionship and the fun times that would be a bonus.  We searched out two gorgeous little kittens, brother and sister and they joined our family, Jackson & Molly.

Molly quickly became Abby's kitten, cuddled up constantly, a true companion.  Jackson became the staunch cat, a real man's man.. not so cuddly but a real mate to the boys in our family.

Then there was a little bit of heartbreak.   Molly disappeared at 3 years old and never came home.  It was summertime and it was hot, so at first Abby didn't notice so much.  Molly didn't seek cuddles as much in summer, in winter she was a constant companion on Abby's knee.

 After a lot of searching, mail drops, wandering the roads looking and calling, we realised poor Molly was never coming home.  Abby realised too, she pinned a favourite photo beside her bed and there were a lot of tears, despite us reassuring her that Molly probably got lost and found her way to a fabulous home with lot of cuddles and a different family.

Molly wasn't quite three years old.  We still don't know what happened to her.

10 days ago Jackson got sick.  It was incredibly sudden.  At lunchtime he was fine, by 2pm I was wondering if he was unwell.  At 3.30pm I took him to the vet and said "This is probably a false alarm but I don't think he is right".  By 4.30pm we were told he wouldn't live through the night without surgery. 

Kinda sudden.  Kids with me at the vets.  We chose to try and make him better.  Nagging in the back of my mind that Molly had already broken these kids hearts, we gotta at least give Jackson a go at sticking around.

This is where I get back to my observation at the start of this post.  Cats lived "forever" when I was younger.  18 years was a fabulous innings for my childhood friend before curling up in the sunshine under the tree.  It's sad that my children have now had two heartbreaks, because at just 4 years old we lost Jackson last Saturday too.  We wanted our kids to learn responsibility and accountability, and in all honesty we wanted to teach them the circle of life too.  But perhaps when they were a little older.  Sad times at the Howard home.  We miss you Jackson.

I'm just glad that starting Project Life made me take pics like this..

Laters

 

 

Comments

[Megan Gourlay]

Not one to comment much but that post tugged at my heart strings and brought a tear to the eye. A very sad day in your household and indeed probably for a while. For such little creatures, they bring incredible, nonjudgmental, unconditional love to our lives - I think thats why we love them so much, all our pets, because it doesn't matter what we do they will always be there for us, and we never forget.

[Linda]

So sad to hear what has happened to your "fur Babies" I know lessons are learned thru our lives....but sometimes I think there are those we could live without ever learning. Hugs to you all
P.S if you believe, then know that our Halli was waiting and she LOVED kittens, she will keep them company. :)

[Anita Bownds]

It's really sad when you lose pets we lost one of our cats 5 months ago and it is really strange because she never left the yard,but these thing happen ..but it is amazing how much love they give and make us happy but as long as we have happy memories for our kids to remember and lots of photos of her we can look back and remember how much we loved her.....hugs Anita...xx

[Linda Langes]

I'm so sorry to hear that Nic - that sux for your kids (and you) to go through that twice now. We have 2 little dogs and I know how attached you get. Sending cyber hugs to you all.

[Rachel]

Our fur babies are part of our family and leave a HUGE gap, sending you all BIG hugs Nic.

[Dee]

My thoughts are with your family as you grieve for your loved animal. I, too have cried many tears these past two weeks, over the deaths of animals - first my son's dog and then last week the death of a special dog that used to come and stay with us when her dad went away!!! It's so heartbreaking especially for the children. Big hugs

[Deb]

My thoughts and prayers are with your family during this most tender time. How well I know the heartbreak when a beloved furry family member leaves us; it is always too soon. In the days ahead may your fond memories help you to smile through your tears. Blessings to you all!

[Sally]

Too sad :(

[Stacy H-W]

So sorry for your loss. It is heartbreaking when you lose someone you love. Hugs to your and your family.

[Lainie]

Nic, I am so very, very sorry to hear about Jackson. Reading your post and all of the comments has me in tears. Much hugs to you and your family.

[Jane]

I'm so sorry for your loss Nic - life lessons can be really, really painful at times.

[Erica Lasham]

So sorry to read your very sad news. Hugs to you all.

[Nancy]

Your story reminded me of the many cats I have 'owned' over the years and I miss them all. Spoilt Joel, Prince Bira who never grew up even though he died of old age, first cat Tojo, big kind Ginger, Martha with a mind of her own and the list goes on. Jackson and Molly will always remain in your hearts.

[Annette]

Life takes us on a journey of ups and downs. It is hard that your children had to experience loss and death. What lucky kittens Molly and Jackson were to be part of a family and truely loved.