At the end of the year 2005 I went and chose myself a little friend that I didn’t know at the time could change the lives of those in my family and me. I named him Tom from the character Uncle Tom (Uncle Tom’s cabin). Tom was an adorable black kitten with the most roundest sparkling eyes that never ceased to squint, even in the sun! When I first brought him to his new home, he was so shy. Being MY special kitty, I spoiled him rotten! He had every kind of cat toys, and kitten treats…and soon he grew to be chubby and very confident.
At first we were scared that the older 2 cats Honey and Cushy would bully little Tom, but soon proved to be quite the opposite! Tom was the boss of the house. And soon, he won the hearts of my parents, my dad especially who decided that Tom was born a prince 🙂 Tom would come out and greet every one of us. I would come home at late dark hours and there he would be, out of nowhere rubbing against my legs. He would follow everyone around and demand attention and a kiss. Oh how he got that attention. All he had to do was stare up at us with his big round button eyes, and we would melt! He had us all under his leash 🙂
On the night of 3rd May 2006, my dad had just fed him and he, as usual went outside for his evening exercise. We were so shocked to find out later that someone had run him over and stashed his body in a sack and hid him in the bush. Whoever did it must have felt guilty because they came back and told us where the body was. I ran outside to where Tom was, and the breath was taken out of me when I saw him. His tiny little body wrapped up, but his big round eyes open in shock. I couldn’t help myself. We were just devastated and couldn’t stop crying. In the dark, my dad and brother carried Tom and buried him in our garden.
I’m sorry Tom. I’m sorry I didn’t grab hold of you and hug you and kiss you. I was just so afraid. I was so scared to see you like that. Mitchell said you were still warm. But your eyes were cold 🙁 You are supposed to be the lively little kitty that brings joy to my family! I’m so sorry Tom. That is my biggest regret…that I couldn’t look at you one last time and say my goodbyes. I visit you everyday to see you. I think about you every day. I call your name every day. It’s just so hard. You were my special friend. You loved me and you made me feel loved. I can’t believe you are gone forever but the memories of you will never leave us. Your grandad misses you the most! The one that never liked cats before you. And grandma…she puts fresh flowers every day on your grave. Mitchell and Lucy, Honey and Cushy. And lastly, me, your mommy. I miss you so much. I love you. I’ll never forget you. Tom, you are truly an angel.
With Love,
| Kim's Family |