This summer we said a tearful goodbye to Smokey who had been part of the family for 16 years. We know she was "just a cat," but to the kids that had grown and flown she represented "home" and memories of childhood. Seth just turned 17 so doesn't even remember our home without her. She loved snuggling, eating cheese, being warm, and lying outside in the sun.
I asked the kids to send me some of their favorite Smokey pictures and here is what they sent me:
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| This is my favorite memory of Smokey--on Nicolas' lap in the recliner while he read. |
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| Our last picture of Smokey at the vet office as we said goodbye. |
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| We buried her in the backyard under our plum tree and Seth made sure her little grave was well taken care of. |
"I'm tired," you say
Marching on
Miles tracked behind
For you are young
Agile still
Even in mind
"I'm tired," you say
Moving states
Home now behind
Older now
But young in heart
A family to follow
"I'm tired," you say
And just this time
You think you really mean it
But the sun is warm
A breeze is blowing
Smoke twists through the air
"I'm tired," you say
Without a doubt
Pleading on deaf ears
A desire to rest
Tired eyes
Beneath heaven's arching rays
"I'm tired," you cry
And now we see
A life well lived and ending
Fading light
Shadowed corners
A memory lives on
Smoke twists through the air
Blowing in the breeze
Caught
Twisting
A rebel in the sky
Carried on
But fleeting all the same
Stars come out
Night has come
Smoke fades to memory
Rest my love
Sleep at last
Under the bowing plum tree
by Seth Herman
