Just a Cat...

Written by David DiCrescenzo on . Posted in Obituaries

He was just a cat in a lot of ways.  Slept most of the time, ate when he felt like it, and did what he had to do when he had to do it.  

We met him back in August of 1996 up in the Boston area when he was just about 6 months old. When we walked into the shelter, he looked at us as if to say, "it’s about time you got here, I’ve been waiting a while, now bring me home.”  On that first of what would become many rides in the family cars, we asked him his name…several times.  Since he didn’t respond, we decided that it would be appropriate to make it easy and fun, and just named him after us.  That was it…'David’ was the name, and mischievous kitteh would be the game.  

From that day forward, and for the next nearly 18 years, he frolicked, acted insane, loved on and smote the other cat we got for him as a playmate many times before that poor guy passed away, snuck outside when he could once in a while, and just brought a tremendous amount of joy and fun as a permanent member of our family and household.  He became my faithful companion and travel partner, taught me a bit about myself, and thereby helped me do my part to raise my son into the tough/tender, amazing man he has become, and he was always glad to see me as my personal reception committee whenever I arrived home from the day or frequent business trip.  

He never demanded much really.  Just for me to meet his basic needs; and for that, he loved me unconditionally.  He loved to be patted, loved people, and loved the other pets that he met along the way through his long life.  I will always miss the low rumble of his purring and the neat way he would answer me when I talked to him by simply opening his mouth and not making a sound or just flicking his tail in response. It was as though he just wanted me to know that he heard and understood me.

I found this little poem that I felt appropriate to share at this moment.

Member of the Family...

What would I do without you, my precious furry friend; part mischief, but all blessing and faithful to the end.

You look at me with eyes of love, and you never hold a grudge; you think I’m far too wonderful to criticize or judge.

It seems your greatest joy in life is being close to me; I think God knew how comforting your warm soft fur would be.

I know you think you’re human, but I’m glad it isn’t true; the world would be a nicer place if folks were more like you.

A few short years are all we have, one day we’ll have to part; but you my pet will always have a place within my heart.

Author unknown. 

I don’t know if there is really a place in Heaven like the "Rainbow Bridge” for our furry family members, but I sure hope so, because I am going to miss my beloved pet and friend 'David’ until the day I am called home myself, and I’d sure love to be greeted by my personal reception committee once again.

Goodbye my sweet, precious kitten.  Daddy loves you.