Sunday marked the two-year anniversary of my beloved Emeril’s passing. Now for some people the fact that I continue to mourn a cat may seem strange. I will remind you that Americans spent more than $60 million on their pets last year. It may be an insane number, but pets hold favored positions in our homes. And my home was no different.
Emeril may have looked goofy when I brought him home, but as his fur grew back, he quickly became The Most Handsome Cat in the World. Okay, okay, I am the one who gave him the title, but he was a handsome devil and he knew it.
He would preen when I’d tell him how handsome was and he never grew tired of hearing it. He loved being brushed, although he seemed to prefer it when my Mom brushed him. In fairness, I tended to be an aggressive brusher while my Mom babied him.
Side note: My Mom was an aggressive brusher when she used to comb my hair as a child. It’s not fair that the grand-cat received better treatment. It seems like whether it’s – cats or kids – grand-babies are always spoiled.
Emeril was pretty laid back cat except for two things:
- He had a blankie that he loved and expected me to spread over the sofa before he would deem it worthy of him laying on.
- He expected to be feed three meals a day at specific times. He would yowl and throw a fit if his meal of kibble was not served as expected.
He did enjoy a routine. I remember one night when it was clearly past our bedtime and I was still watching TV. I could hear Emeril meowing and went to investigate. He was in bed, waiting for me to join him. Time for bed, Mommy! Or more like time to give my bedtime treat, woman! Meow!
He was a healthy cat until the last couple years of his life. He started having personal private bathroom issues (i.e. he was constipated) which was annoying, but we managed it. Then CRF (Chronic Renal Failure, aka kidney disease) reared it’s ugly head. He managed for almost 11 months but ultimately my brave, strong kitty couldn’t fight any longer.
It broke my heart, even though I knew he had been suffering and now was at peace. I tried to find solace in that fact, but it was so hard. Emeril was my kitty soul mate. Animals seem to instinctively know their owner’s heart and he was no different. He knew how to play me (and pretty much everyone else) and how to comfort me.
After he died, I went home to visit my parents. Before I left, I was doing some laundry and found one of his bouncy balls in the dryer. Somehow it must have gotten tossed in with the laundry, which was strange because it had been months since Emeril had the energy to play. It felt like a little sign from Emeril saying he was okay and I should find someone who could help mend my broken heart. And who might appreciate a bouncy ball.
I did, Emeril. Thank you for sending a big, goofy cat who makes me laugh every day.
Emeril was such a part of my life for so long that somedays I still forget he’s gone. Those days are the worst. They happen rarely now (thanks to MaxE), but every once in awhile something happens and I think Emeril would like … and then I remember.
Two years later, I still wait for the pain to subside, until I discovered …
It’s not pain, but love. Endless love for a faithful companion who I will see again.
I miss you, Emeril!
Tanya