An ode to my sister’s cat

Minxy, little one, you were born over there, on 64th Street.
Somewhere in someone’s backyard.
From the beginning you were unwanted. Your family murdered.
As would be apparent later in life, your unwavering determination helped you to survive. You were snatched up by a kind neighbor who brought you to Lorraine.
Lorraine offered you to Dolores.

I held you in the palm of my hand, marveling at your diminutive size.
Such a small being with so much will to live.
The first night you wouldn’t sleep.
I held you next to my heart and you finally fell fast asleep.
I had to leave you though. I didn’t really think of you when I did because I knew you were in good hands.

And sure enough, for eighteen years you went on and prospered in your new home with your new family.
Dolores loved you like no one else would have. You both shared a special bond that few of us ever experience. You didn’t show your loyalty to her until a few years before you’d gone away.
I guess you had your reasons. Cats are mysterious creatures that do not
like to be examined. But when you did share your love with Dolores, it was sublime.

Through the years, when I would visit I noticed you had become distant with me.
I didn’t mind as I didn’t live there anymore. Plus, it was an innate part of your feral beginnings.
I watched you grow up to be the most handsome physical specimen of a gray tabby I had ever seen. Maybe I was partial though. But even your grandmother would comment on what a beautiful, small head you had. You were very regal.
And your aloof attitude was consistent with that of a very proud feline. It matched your looks.

Soon, before we knew it, the years accumulated and you were getting ready to leave.
And just like when you were a kitten, something tried to kill you. But you fought hard and maintained your dignity.
And the whole time you continued to show nothing but love and respect for your soulmate, Dolores.
Then you left.

Minxy; it would be an impossible feat to describe the empty hole you left in our lives.
But wherever you are, just know that when you were on this earth, you were worshiped by us.
You probably didn’t realize then, but do now, how lucky you were. For not everyone on this earth feels the same.
I mean, you lived, like humans do. You breathed, like humans do. You played like humans do. You slept like humans do, you ate like humans do, but yet you are not considered on the same level as humans.
Hopefully, Minxy, we will have the joy of re-uniting with you in Heaven.

Love, your former owner