You were the pick of the litter,
a ginger and white ball of fluff with a tiny ginger-colored mustache,
when we had to move from Orlando to Starke.
You were born on our back porch
on July 23, 1985, in Orlando, Florida.
When we moved to Starke in September 1985
you were still just a tiny kitten.
You grew quickly to become a big handsome cat.
Your white fur was always
the whitest of whites and your ginger
a deep orange. Your little mustache
gave a distinguished look to your white face.
Your nine lives lasted a long time,
through wounds and abscesses,
and even a snake bite.
You were a pampered and loved pet.
It is hard to believe you have left us,
we listen for your meow,
your peeping through the front window at us,
your running inside
whenever we came home,
winding yourself around our legs
in the kitchen, leaving paw prints on the cars.
I will miss kissing the top
of your head and hugging you tight and
rubbing under your chin.
Your fur was so plush.
How many times have I been chastised
by my husband for finishing up a roll of film
taking pictures of you?
I couldn’t help it, you were a beautiful cat.
I knew that you were dying.
After seventeen years and one month of sharing
your life I knew that your time had come.
I held you in my arms with great love and
affection and stroked your fur
for the two hours that passed
before you left us.
My tears rained down on you
as I prayed for the end to be swift and
whispered my goodbyes to you.
We buried you in the back yard
in a shady place where you can rest in peace.
Later, we discovered your paw prints
in our new driveway…
a going away present from you.
My heart is broken by your death
but you will live forever in our memories.
You brought much love to our lives and
we will never forget you, dear Charlie.
With great love and affection,
Cynthia