Rusty by Drew

Rusty I miss you immensely; I feel so fortunate to have had you in my life for over 17 years and I know that mom dad and Eric feel the same way. I’m having an extremely hard time staying composed as I write this; it’s just so difficult to come to terms with having seen you as recently as Wednesday morning and then having to contend with your not being around. Last night before I left for work after saying good night to your sidekick Simon I reflexively looked around for you intending to stroke your fur and say “Good night old buddy; see you when I get home,” as usual. I’m not sure how I made it through the night at work without losing it; one of the great joys of my life for years has been coming home going down to the basement and saying to Simon and you together “Hi guys; great to see you–always great to see you guys!”

I could not ask for a more wonderful cat; I’m so glad I was able to make you happy by playing soothing music for you on the stereo as you’d lie at my feet kneading your paws and licking my sandal-clad toes.

Our ping-pong games are also among the highlights I remember; it was a lot of fun to see you display such impressive paw-eye coordination and serve-return abilities. I still think you had the ability to play professionally. 🙂

I was also moved the time you tapped me on the leg as I was about to leave for work; you started rolling around as if to say “Stay home with me; look at all the fun we can have!” That made me glad we’d been able to romp around so much over the years…

Also when I think about you I can’t help but think “What a musical and talkative cat!” I loved it when you’d meow with vibrato when I’d pause while practicing the bass; I could tell from the way you’d imitate some of the measures I just played how you were absorbing and enjoying the music. What a variety of spoken expressions too; I will always remember your forthright meow and your more subtle “meh” variation…It was always a pleasure to open the basement door and hear one of your famous stairstep monologues.

Another day in particular stands out in my memory; it was in February 1999 and it was an unseasonably warm day. We sat together on the steps outside the pool room door taking in the sunshine and enjoying the day together. I remember how happy you seemed to me that day and how happy I was that you were enjoying yourself.

Gosh Wednesday night of last week we were sitting together in the pool room enjoying Christmas music as I fed you Tender Vittles. I’m so glad you got to take in some of that Christmas spirit and that you were with us for Thanksgiving this year; you are without a doubt a blessing to be thankful for.

We’ve had many wonderful times together through the years and I’m sure we’ll have many wonderful times together still in store. I believe that we will be reunited and I draw considerable strength from that; what a joyful reunion that will be! 🙂 God bless you Rusty; I will be overjoyed to see you again!

Drew