It’s been almost 16 years since we had to make that fateful decision to have you put to sleep. Buttons, my baby, please forgive me for not being willing to hold you while you got the shot. I was considerably younger, immature, prideful & God forbid I let the veterinarian see me bawl. I will never forgive myself for that. Never. But I hope you will forgive me.
You were a constant companion of mine for several years as I transitioned from high school to military life & back home again. I will never forget you waiting for me at the window every night after I came home from the swing shift at the IRS. You were a constant comfort to me as working that shift can be pretty lonely.
But unfortunately somewhere along the line you were shunted aside in favor of other cats & pets. Our house was always full of them. But looking back, we never really knew how to properly take care of a pet. I hope you didn’t feel neglected during this time, baby. At one time, you were the queen of the house and probably felt a little territorial. With good reason. I have learned so much more about taking care of an animal as I’ve grown into adulthood. I have 2 cats now with my roommate Gary & I swear one of them, Pippin, has your eyes. Sometimes when I look at him, I think I’m looking at my sweet baby, Buttons.
Please be waiting for me over Rainbow Bridge, baby. You are the first one I want to lay eyes on when crossing.