R.I.P.
Monday, November 7, 2011 at 5:00AM Well.
Yesterday was just awful.
I spent Saturday night in Reagan's bed while she slept on the floor with Jones who was too weak to get into her bed. Throughout the night he was having small seizures and she was getting up every couple of hours to throw up because her stomach was so upset from the stress.
By morning all three of us were worn out - Jones the most so. I talked Reagan into taking a shower a little after dawn to try to ease her nausea and while she was gone, Jones died.
You would think that having buried three previous cats in the last eight years that by number four, it would be a little easier. I wish that were true. If anything, this was worse because along with, "Why didn't God heal him Mommy?" was "Why did God let this happen again?"
There are so many answers to those questions and not a single, solitary explanation ever brings peace. Death is the only certainty in life and yet it always catches us by surprise. We are hurt and confused when life ends and always feel like it's the wrong time.
Why is that?
We put Jones' body in a box in the garage and Rich left to play guitar for church. I got the kids settled down and then just had to go back to bed. On top of the all-nighter, I have a cold and I was wiped. When I got up, there was no choice but to get started on housework.
Not even death can stop laundry.
In fact, this particular death made a mountain of it. Because we don't know what caused the cat's illness, I kept making the kids change clothes after they held him to try to protect the other pets and the sick cat in Reagan's bed meant every stitch of her bedding had to be washed too.
And of course we needed groceries.
And dinner had to be made.
I had the better end of the deal though. When Rich got home from church he did grave duty which makes me glad I'm not a man. While he dug the hole, the kids wrote letters to Jones and I ran out and got some air-dry clay. The each made little plaques and we put Jones' paw print on them. Then we gathered and the kids read their notes and we prayed and cried.
It's fortunate that I had already made chicken soup. It was needed last night.
Bedtime was awfully quiet without Jones' customary "come to bed NOW" yowl. Reagan slept with me because her bed was too quiet and lonely.
Today we have to get back in the swing of things. You can't stop death, but you can't stop life either. It goes on, even when you don't want it to. I'm worried about Reagan. Jones was a one-person cat and Reagan was his person. She's going to miss him a lot.
A deep and heartfelt thank you for all your kind comments and notes left on the facebook page. She read them all and I truly think the well-wishes and kind words did her heart good.
Y'all are the best. :)
Reader Comments (21)
Oh boy... This is so sad! But I also have to say, it's a very well written post. Thoughts are with your family!
I'm sorry for you all, especially for your daughter. Life is sometimes oh so hard.
I'm certainly praying for Reagan today. I remember losing our family cat when I was about her age, and I can't imagine having it happen more than once. Animals really do become part of our family, and I wouldn't trade having pets for anything. (Even when the sad parts come.)
I am so sorry :( I am no stranger to losing pets and I know how hard it must be on your family. My thoughts are with you.
I'm so sorry about Jonesy. I've been thinking about you all and hope Raegan feels some peace soon.
I am so sad for you all today. It is so hard to lose a pet. I wish peace for your hearts!!
Oh how sad :( poor Reagan. I hope she's doing okay. Losing pets is just awful. Thinking of you all!!
I'm so sorry! As a fellow Siamese mom, I know how interactive, and smart, and devoted they are. Thinking of Reagan.
I'm so sorry for your loss. Losing an animal is heartbreaking but losing such a young animal that had bonded so much with your child must be horrible. I wish that you could have known the reason he was ill and at least had some closure.
Make sure to print off the picture and caption about Jones on your inhabitants page. Its a lovely little reminder of him, and will make you smile everytime you look at it.
And my heart goes out to Reagan. I wish a long life to her next kitty, should she choose to open up her heart again for a furry friend.
seriously, seriously sad. i'm so sorry for your family. a beautiful post.
i had hoped for a different outcome. i am so sorry. what a terrible weekend. but what a beautiful expression of love you gave reagan by sharing her grief.
in your sadness, you still managed to pull off amazing one liners...
"You can't stop death, but you can't stop life either."
"Not even death can stop laundry."
you are such a great writer. i hope this post was a part of you being able to process the sadness of the loss and the sadness of not having any answers.
I am so sorry for your sweet daughter and the terrible feelings that come with the death of an animal or anyone you love for that matter. It just plain STINKS!!!! Praying for peace and comfort in the days ahead! Kudos to you Mindy for such a well written post!
I'm so sorry. :(
Such a sad time...I keep trying to write something but nothing really fits. You are a wise mama. Praying for your family.
I'm so sad. I saw this post this morning, but couldn't bring myself to read it until this afternoon. Your kids are lucky to have such a great mama. I am so sorry for Regean, and the rest of your family. Our pets are so special to us and Jones was lucky to have such great people.
I'm sorry. :(
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of Jones, and I'm praying for you all. Been there, done that, and it is definitely awful!
I'm so sorry for teh loss of Jones. I can certainly understand how you are feeling. My thoughts and prayers are with your whole family, but especially Reagan. Hopefully, through her faith she will be able to find peace soon.
I am so sorry for the loss of Jones and for the heartbreak you must all be feeling, especially Reagan. I was in high school when I lost my special cat and remember the hours of grieving. And look at us now; it doesn't get any easier when we grow up, does it?
I love to read about the support you gave Reagan while Jones was sick. She will remember that for always. You're a good mom.
Hang in there, everyone. God Speed, Jones. RIP.