06 June 2007

A Huge Thank You


I am totally overwhelmed by the response to my post about Oscar's death, both on this blog and on the Oscar's Chair blog. I didn't realise how many friends he had throughout the world. Thank you so very, very, much for your loving thoughts, prayers, purrayers, headrubs and nudges. It means so much to me to know there are so many caring catlovers around.


Well, I'm coping. On Monday, my work colleagues, once they found out about Oscar, clubbed together and presented me with flowers and a card they had all signed...and I fell to pieces...again. It's left such a huge gap and when I come home from work, the place is so empty and lonely without the Furball yelling at me for attention or demanding to be fed. I keep thinking I'm going to hear the cat door go as he barrelled through it the way he used to.


I no longer get hassled when I'm on the computer; I no longer get woken up with a wet nose purring in my ear or those sharp claws needling my head; I don't have the playtimes we use to have...when Oscar would prance up to me sideways and I had to chase him so he would hide and jump out at me; I no longer have my little mate to jump up for his spongy ball and bat it madly through the place, creating absolute havoc. It's hard to accept and I know I'm going to have to accept and eventually, I will.


I have been offered two other cats, but I just can't even think about it yet and I'm not sure I want to go through this again, it's too harrowing. I had another loved cat killed by a car about 15 years ago and I can still remember how I felt back then. This has brought it all back and I just don't want to go through the trauma of losing another loved pet. I've had enough.


I was talking to one of my work colleagues (who is a cat lover) and mentioned that people who don't know cats say they only show cupboard love. Of course, we cat owners know far better that's not the case. Tabitha made a telling point. She said that when cats come up to us for a cuddle, scratch behind the ears or to jump up and settle on our lap, they do it because they want to, not because it's their nature. She's so right, isn't she?

I really do appreciate the time you have all taken to let me know you care. But I especially want to thank Connie and Lee for their supportive emails and caring messages of love and empathy. Thank you, my dear friends, you have helped make it a little more bearable.

15 comments:

Lee said...

I know it's too soon yet, Robyn and I've said many times "I'll never get another cat" when I've lost a beloved mate....but I've had a cat or cats since as long as I can remember...and I can remember back a long, long way, as you know I can....a cat, for people like you and me, Robyn is part of who we are. I'm sure, like me, your life will not be complete without a cat in it. Give it a little while...but think...somewhere out there is a little kitten that is in need of a good, loving home and...you.

Lee said...

Have a read of my reply to your comment on my last post in my blog too, Robyn. :)

Merle said...

Dear Robyn ~~ Great to see a post from you, and I guess you will get back to us soon. Nice of your workmates to buy you flowers and a card. Kindness like that always brings on more tears. Is this your last week at work? Can you get away for a few days? A change might help a little. Thank you so much for your message, and It is nice to be a friend to someone like you. Take care Robyn, we love you, Merle.

You Queenslanders are a strange lot -- both you and Lee mentioned that you had had some "wet" rain. We have that here too. Cheers!!

rel said...

Robyn,
If it weren't for friends what would life be worth?
rel

Liz Hinds said...

Oh dear, now that's upset me, it's so lovely. I know the time when Harvey goes gets closer each day, but I can't and don't want to imagine it.

You must get another kitten when you're ready. As Lee says, there's one out there who needs you.

Jellyhead said...

Well you know we all wouldn't be fussing over you if you weren't such a sweetie!

Good to know our messages have helped, even if only in a small way.

And, for what it's worth, I agree with Lee.... one day you will probably feel brave enough to love another kitty again.

XO

Meow (aka Connie) said...

Hi Robyn, so glad to see a post from you again. It's great to see that you are doing ok, although I know it's terribly hard.
I just wanted to tell you, that when we lost Ratbag in 2004 (he was 16), it took us almost 12 months to get a new kitty, but I wanted one much earlier than that (we were planning on a long trip up North, so waited until after then). My home was too empty without a kitty. Although, like you, I was hesitant, as I didn't want to go through all that pain again, down the track. But, we can't hide away from such a thing, and as Lee said ... cats are part of our world. One day you'll feel ready, I just know it. Until then, know that we are here for you, whenever you need us.
Sending you hugs, and warm wishes.
Take care, Meow xx

Tammy said...

Clarence has been trying to get outside lately...a place that is tabu. He see's us out and thinks he should be with us...it terrifies me so bad. So far I've been able to catch him, give him a scolding and put him back in the house, but he is wiley!!
Praying for your tender heart to be on the mend soon!
(((hugs)))

Peter said...

Hi Robyn, welcome home.

Anonymous said...

Robyn, you do what is right for you. One day you may want another feline friend or perhaps not. Just go with what feels right.... and I know you will anyway.
I could'nt imagine losing Floyd... I have lost a few before him... and that was just horrific. I did get new feline friends after a awhile... but I still remember my lost loves and keep them close to my heart. I remember calling my Ginger my 'brother' a few times... I lost my brother when he was a baby and Ginger took up alot of that space that was empty. He was always appearing when I was sad and needed a friend... like an inbuilt radar. I understand how you feel. Your heart, in time, will mend. xox

Unknown said...

Robyn, your ordeal tears at my heart. You and Oscar have become loved by many of us, especially, I believe, those of us who share our homes with an adored cat. Your words and Oscar’s photograph have brought tears to my eyes. Please consider a new feline companion. I no that none can replace Oscar; however, the love you gave him remains within you and truly needs to be shared.

Many blessings to you, dear Robyn.

stinkypaw said...

Take time to mourn Oscar and who knows what the future hold.

Think of the Rainbow Bridge, you'll see him again. Read about the Rainbow Bridge on my blog "http://fourleggedlove.wordpress.com/, You'll see it's comforting...

Carole Burant said...

I can feel how much your heart is hurting...take it one day at a time and don't rush into taking in another cat. You need to mourn losing Oscar first. Only you will be able to tell when and if you're ready for another pet. Know that we're all here for you! xoxo

Gattina said...

Oh Robın I am sıttıng here ın a turkısh İnternet cafe and read thıs ! I shıver although ıt's very hot here ınsıde. How much can I feel wıth you and what you are endurıng now ! it's not so long ago Arthur was mıssıng and we all were sıck. İ sıncerely hope that he has been catnapped by somebody and can escape at the fırst occasıon (that was the case with Arthur) On Saturday I fly home and can follow up better. Here I have to wrıte on a turkısh keyboard that's not easy ! I hope he comes back. My cat Max had once dısappeared for a week and then came back suddenly ! Don't gıve up hope !!!

Crafty Green Poet said...

This is so sad. Our rabbit just died and its just awful. I'm glad your work colleagues have been so supportive.