My Sweet Francis Xavier,
I first met you outside my church one morning, or should I say that you found me? You came up to me, and I could see that it had been awhile, if any, since you had been loved and cared for. I gave you my lunch and said I would be back from work to get you. I came back four hours later and you were there. I picked you up and put you in a box in my car, promising to take you to the animal hospital for a good checkup before taking you home with me.
I took you to the vet and told him that you were to be mine, proudly naming you Francis Xavier. After carefully examining you, he sadly told me that due to years of neglect and malnutrition that you were not long for this world. The room was silent and you could hear my heart break. I didn’t know what to say. He said that he would call a friend who specialized in animal rescue and have her call me before any decision was made.
As I drove home, I turned on the radio and it played “Wind Beneath My Wings”, which made my heart break more. I came home, got her call and as painful as it was, I realized that you had suffered so much and was in such bad condition (severe respiratory problems being the least of it) that like the vet said, you more than likely would not even survive treatment.
I agreed to send you back to your Creator and asked that the vet call me when it was over. My new friend agreed and ten minutes later the vet called. He gave his condolences and said that I had saved you from a painful death, that you were so far gone. My head said I agreed with him but my heart was inconsolable and for the next two days my pillow felt the drops of my tears for you as my 4 year old cat Othello snuggled with me in sympathy.
I was told that it sounded as if you chose me to rescue you when you came up to me that day and if that is what it indeed was, then I am honored more than you’ll ever know. I only wish I could have found you sooner, to have given you the home and love that you deserved. At least you had someone to love you and be with you in your last hours and you had a name as my cat, not just for that day but for Forever on.
Two days after that my new friend had a 5 month old rescued cat brought to me. This new little girl looked just like you, and when I mentioned this, friends and family said that God must be telling me something. I do believe He was. She was named Frances Victoria in honor of you. She got along with Othello and I am sure that if things had been different, all three of you would have become great friends. Little Alex was adopted years later and he would have liked you too,
I am sure.
I still think of you sixteen years later and I still love you as if I had you from kittenhood. Now my cats are gone over the Rainbow Bridge and I am sure you are with them and they love you like I do. You will never be forgotten F.X., and I thank God for bringing us together. I love you, my adorable tabby boy.