Dear Maggie,

Thank you so much for being in my life for as long as you have been and still remain deep within my heart forever. I don't know what I would have done without your support, loyalty and affection when everything around me crumbled in dark times of my life. You were always there as a shoulder to cry on when no one else was or snuggled with me in my bed every night knowing I'd feel safe with you, especially during stormy nights. You've brought happiness into our lives and mine. I've watched you grow from an abandoned kitten being thrown out of a car and into our arms into a strong, independent firecracker cat like you were. Those beautiful green eyes you were proud of them, you weren't afraid to show it. The backyard was your playground and the cameras were the source of your fame. Maggie, you were and still remain precious to us and even more to me. I remember those walks I went on, you always followed at my side to make sure I was alright and didn't get hurt.

You were my best friend and nothing can replace the spot you have in my heart. You were the heart throb towards many male strays but she played hard to get. Our house was your territory and that was your top priority to make sure nothing harmed us. Even the mice, birds and other pests dared not to tread where you did. At night, you'd curl up on my lap and purr while I was playing games on the computer. In my bed, we'd fight over the blankets. And usually, you won.

You got sick the past winter, but you pulled through to see me recover from a second surgery and did not leave my side at night either. I'm sorry that your cancer and arthritis got worse this summer.

You lived a good, long life with me and my family. And we did not want you to suffer anymore when we saw you could no longer stand up and breathe properly anymore. I'll never forget the final moment you've spent with me before I had to drive you away on our way to help you to that Rainbow Bridge. You came out from underneath the porch and curled in my lap. I held you close and told you that you'd be alright and that you'll feel no more pain anymore.

As we entered the Vet's office, it was my first time doing this. But you were calm about it all and showed no fear. I held you in my arms, stroked and whispered sweet nothings to you. I'm sorry I had to do what I did so you wouldn't suffer anymore. The final injection was done and you closed those beautiful green eyes forever, going out with a purr. Then I kissed your head and whispered, "Go be the Queen of that Rainbow Bridge."

You now rest peacefully in the backyard you protected for 16 years with your name carved on a stone we made for you. And ever since you've been gone, the emptiness is still here and will always be. That day, along with you something died within me. My innocence was buried along with you and will remain there eternally.

We've witnessed your spirit and heard your meows haunting our home and yard. Please, don't stop doing it. It brings me comfort to know that you're still around. Although, you're not here physically anymore and remain a spirit, you're still in our hearts and nothing will replace you. For we know that an extraordinary cat you were and still are cannot be replaced in any shape or form.

I still have thoughts, I still think it's my fault for letting you go. I feel sometimes that you'll never forgive me, that it's only a nightmare and when I wake up I'd see you curled up beside me. But when I do, you're not there anymore and the scar rips open again and bleed.

I do believe in that goodbyes aren't forever and when it's my time to go to that Rainbow Bridge, I will see you. And we'll cross over it together, side by side like we used to do. For now, keep those pretty green eyes closed so no one can steal them from you and keeping dreaming. Because when you wake up, you'll see me staring down at you. And you'll jump in my arms and we'll embrace each other and will not be alone anymore.

We love you, Maggie. We always will. I'm sorry that I had to do what I did so you could feel better and not suffer anymore.


So long and good night, my dear friend.
Until we meet again.

Keep dreaming, your owner,

Lesley

~~~

On July 5, 2012 my beloved cat Maggie for 17 years crossed the Rainbow Bridge as I held her in my arms. These shots are from her grave when I buried her. I made the stone myself.

I'm posting this because it'll be a year in July. And I still feel so lost, empty without her.

Please be respectful.

Thank you.