Farewell Max

It's been almost 17 years since this striped, soft ball of fur with 7 claws on each foot, entered our lives. When we lived in the city, he was the neighborhood prowler and warrior. There was no cat too big or too mean to win over Max. He was king of his territory. When we moved out here to the farm, Max was upset and ran away to find his old home in the city............and he let us know that he was a city kitty, not a country prowler. Four days later, he returned, worn out and starving, but glad to be back with us............and soon accepted his more quiet and peaceful life. Over the years, he changed from the king rodent hunter to passively lying on the coolness of the front porch..............sleeping, while his tail flicked and his mouth quivered in some dream of catching his latest bounty..................a surrendered country gentleman.

 I 've been preparing myself for this day..................all of the signs have been here in front of me for the past week.  Yesterday, I found him, curled up in his favorite spot, where he had gone to sleep, and dreamt a dream of thick green woods, full of mice and other small creatures to chase..............this time, he kept on chasing them to where ever these sweet creatures go for eternity. No matter how much I was ready, I was not ready to let him go..........although I know it was the best and sweetest way for him to do so.

  As the years go by and we get whacked by life's stick of disappointments, I have always thought that our hearts are supposed to grow tougher............isn't that the way it works?? 

Well.............it has not happened for me yet.................or my heart just hasn't gotten that message.

For awhile, I will still fix an extra plate of food, go out and call Max's name and wait for him to bring me a small captured prize from his prowling, and shed a tear. For a little while ......................

farewell Max.