Smokey

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:

This is my favorite memory of Smokey--on Nicolas' lap in the recliner while he read.

Our last picture of Smokey at the vet office as we said goodbye.

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