Oh, Mike. That was truly beautiful, and I'm sure it was awe-inspiring in the moment. Y'know, the moment that Nelson decided to be brave. As I said when I shared this on Bluesky, I find your writing to be both a revelation of my interior and an inspiration for further empathy & good deeds. I'm so glad that Nelson braved his demons to find warmth & acceptance before his passing. <3
Our cat, Clyde, died late last year at the age of 12, also of a heart condition that got too much for his body to bear. We have had other beloved cats pass over the years, but his passing affected my husband and I more deeply than anything.
Clyde was a cantankerous old man, even in his kitten stage. He had a hip problem as a kitten, and would often sit in a mermaid pose to keep the weight off of his hip. He would also lounge an elbow over pillows and shoes in the floor. This gave him the look of a bar regular, pontificating to his buddies about how he would run the world if only someone would ask him.
In his younger years, he would stay active by chasing receipt balls and bringing them back to be rethrown. He enjoyed birdwatching, whether it was through a window, on YouTube, or at the end of a fishing pole.
Even though he never had offspring of his own, he would often act as the patriarch to our other cats. He would old lady meow at anyone stepping out of line of getting a little too rambunctious in his general vicinity. The younger cats seemed to respect him for this. In the end, they would lay with him as he would lounge next to me. It's just not the same without him.
Whether the family members we cherish are human or otherwise, we always think we will have more time until we don't. That is one of the hardest realizations I have made as a result of losing our Clyde.
I am sorry you are also moving through this grief with your Nelson. Still, I am glad you were able to experience such a one-of-a-kind friend.
Thank you for this reflection. I have been thinking about unsubscribing, but this piece reminded me why I started following you on twitter years ago. Thank you.
Oh Nelson, what a story of "love" you created... God Rest your beautiful little soul...thank you for sharing this amazing story. And no matter who's cat, dog, horse, spider, etc. it may be a bond is a bond and there ain't nothing wrong with that... :)
"We’re all just trying to get home." You got me. Had to add this paragraph into my journal of favorite poems and quotes. Glad you had those few days with Nelson.
What a beautiful tribute - to a cat - to love - to the fear that holds our broken hearts back from loving again. Your deeper message resonated with me. Thank you.
Sweet story, and I'm glad Nelson came around ~ for the both of you, really. I.do animal rescue and 10 animals currently live with me: 3 dogs, 6 cats, 1 Big Boss Cockatoo. I've had animals for 50 years and of course, many have come and gone in that time.. They are all dear and a comfort to me and it's always a hard loss and heartache when they go. But the love we give each other for however many years we have is the most precious gift; I can't imagine life without their dear little beings in the house.
Oh, Mike. That was truly beautiful, and I'm sure it was awe-inspiring in the moment. Y'know, the moment that Nelson decided to be brave. As I said when I shared this on Bluesky, I find your writing to be both a revelation of my interior and an inspiration for further empathy & good deeds. I'm so glad that Nelson braved his demons to find warmth & acceptance before his passing. <3
Our cat, Clyde, died late last year at the age of 12, also of a heart condition that got too much for his body to bear. We have had other beloved cats pass over the years, but his passing affected my husband and I more deeply than anything.
Clyde was a cantankerous old man, even in his kitten stage. He had a hip problem as a kitten, and would often sit in a mermaid pose to keep the weight off of his hip. He would also lounge an elbow over pillows and shoes in the floor. This gave him the look of a bar regular, pontificating to his buddies about how he would run the world if only someone would ask him.
In his younger years, he would stay active by chasing receipt balls and bringing them back to be rethrown. He enjoyed birdwatching, whether it was through a window, on YouTube, or at the end of a fishing pole.
Even though he never had offspring of his own, he would often act as the patriarch to our other cats. He would old lady meow at anyone stepping out of line of getting a little too rambunctious in his general vicinity. The younger cats seemed to respect him for this. In the end, they would lay with him as he would lounge next to me. It's just not the same without him.
Whether the family members we cherish are human or otherwise, we always think we will have more time until we don't. That is one of the hardest realizations I have made as a result of losing our Clyde.
I am sorry you are also moving through this grief with your Nelson. Still, I am glad you were able to experience such a one-of-a-kind friend.
Our cat of a lifetime was also named Nelson. He was the best cat ever.
Thank you for this reflection. I have been thinking about unsubscribing, but this piece reminded me why I started following you on twitter years ago. Thank you.
Do they get to become US citizens after dinner?
I'm glad he trusted you to love him.
Oh Nelson, what a story of "love" you created... God Rest your beautiful little soul...thank you for sharing this amazing story. And no matter who's cat, dog, horse, spider, etc. it may be a bond is a bond and there ain't nothing wrong with that... :)
"We’re all just trying to get home." You got me. Had to add this paragraph into my journal of favorite poems and quotes. Glad you had those few days with Nelson.
Gingers have a way that makes them special. 😹😻
Oooh what a nice soft belly!
What a beautiful tribute - to a cat - to love - to the fear that holds our broken hearts back from loving again. Your deeper message resonated with me. Thank you.
When a cat bonds with their person, it's the ultimate judgement, the ultimate in Trust. A truly beautiful thing.
Condolences on the loss of Nelson.
Congratulations on a Life Learning moment. Definitely a significant thing, Mike.
Sweet story, and I'm glad Nelson came around ~ for the both of you, really. I.do animal rescue and 10 animals currently live with me: 3 dogs, 6 cats, 1 Big Boss Cockatoo. I've had animals for 50 years and of course, many have come and gone in that time.. They are all dear and a comfort to me and it's always a hard loss and heartache when they go. But the love we give each other for however many years we have is the most precious gift; I can't imagine life without their dear little beings in the house.
🫂 The Writer wrote, & it was wonderful as usual in it's ability to touch others & share deep feelings 🫂
😢 Heartbreaking!
Ohhh, I’m tearing up. Being a cat lady I want to say that cats choose their people. You were honoured by Nelson. 😻