It's just so incredible that next week, February 5th, marks an entire year without our Inky. It seems like it was just yesterday since we lost him, but feels like 10 years ago at the same time.

Life went on. That is NOT something I would ever have believed, but it did, does and will continue to. Not a day passes that he isn't thought of and mentioned... he was/is so much a part of our hearts that, although he isn't physically with us, he's still, most definitely, with us.

We love you, Inky.

I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Inky, the photo is amazing in that it looks exactally like my Samantha ~ right down to the white spot ~ Sammie is helping me feel sane in a world that is upside down since the loss of my other pets last year within 6 months of each other ~ I am lost ~ yet slowly I am finding them in my heart ~ brighter and flickering with rainbows ~ This journey of grief is so strange ~ Blessings to you ~

Dear luv,

So, you have a cat with Cream Filling, too?

I'm happy that you have Sammie to ease your heart. Losing your babies so close together is just heart breaking, but your Samantha is making sure you're going to be just fine. I think it's a "Black Cat Thing"!! LOL! They're just soooooo amazingly smart, aren't they??

Just before we lost Inky, we knew of a friends cat that was expecting and my husband "asked" the mom cat for a black kitten. We know that in the 5 previous litters she had, a black one probably wasn't in the cards.

Well, she gave birth... to ONE SINGLE baby... jet black, in January of last year. We knew she was most definitely a gift from Inky, knowing that she'd help us through our pain. We brought Solo (what else could I name her?!?) home in March and she's my Inky's spirit if ever there was one. I honestly believe that my sweet boy made certain that she was born.

I still just cannot believe that Sunday will mark an entire year, a year in which I really never thought I'd get through. Thank you, Inky, for making my pain turn to happy, loving and VERY funny memories. You will always be the most special baby and a very large piece of my heart.

I remember you quite well as my girl Lucy died one day before Inky. I also cannot believe it has been a whole year. The time has gone by quickly. I still miss Lucy so much. We got a new dog named Fergus and also a new kitten named Emmett in July. We had another cat Charlotte already so that makes 3 pets total now. It is good to hear from you and I will say a little prayer for Inky on the 5th...

Caroline

Caroline, yes... I completely remember both you and Lucy. Isn't it amazing that an entire year has gone by since our babies left us? I, too, promise to have Lucy in my thoughts on Saturday. I'm happy that you and Charlotte now have Fergus and Emmitt in your lives, just as I'm very happy that Luv has Sammie it ease her heart.

I never would have thought that I'd ever have gotten to the "healed" part, but that's just where I've surprisingly found myself. All of these newer folks that are in such fresh pain is heartbreaking, but I want them to know that time DOES heal. The time comes when thoughts of our lost babies are happy ones and that the tears do turn to loving smiles.

Thank you for your thoughts, Caroline. They are very much appreciated and definitely reciprocated!!!

Hugs,

Pat

I think it's really helpful and thoughtful of you all who've "survived" this experience to come back here and share with us. I know sometimes, especially after reading about some of the heartbreaking things that happen to people's pets, and how much people grieve, that we wonder if we will get through this time. After getting so close to our precious little ones, and sharing our lives with them, it can seem almost inconceivable that life will go on, and we'll ever heal. To hear from you who have is so encouraging, and I really appreciate it. Thank you.