Coal Miner


My love had a loyal friend. He had a hard life and she took care of him as best she could. An opportunity came for him to find a new home and a new life but it didn’t work out. He managed to find his way back to her and we brought him into our home. After a short time the friend passed away. We feel sad, angry, and guilty and wish we could do more for our friend. I think now, it is enough to cherish him, love him and remember him and his legacy.

Our friend’s name was Coal Miner and he was a courageous and loyal feline. He was a red-black sunset color with soulful green eyes. He lived for a time at my love’s workplace at the outskirts of the city and weathered a winter outdoors. In the spring she found him a home. About a week passed and he escaped his new home. Over a three-week period found his way back to her and her workplace through 3 ½ miles of city. He had lost a third of his body weight but seemed to be in good spirits. We brought him home and gave him love and attention. He was very happy and we found great joy in the newest addition to our family of now five cats. Unfortunately and with great sadness, I have to say he suc%%bed to a feline parasite two weeks after we brought him home. He passed today, July 6th.

We are grieving the loss of our friend. We feel guilt for not doing more.

I believe we found an exceptional spirit in this creature and as I have traveled and met many people, I must say he is one of the best of any creature I have met and a true inspiration for finding his way. He gave love and was loved.

For my part, I was only able to spend a short time with him. I am grateful for every minute and long for more. He showed loyalty and courage beyond any hero’s I thought to be. And truly a hero he is.

The truth to life is that no better friend can there be than one with unquestioning love..............

No matter what kind of creature.


With great sadness

Jeff Tysowski

Jeff,

So sorry to hear about Coal Miner. It sounds like you and "your love" saved Coal Miner in the first place and gave him a loving home he would not otherwise have had. He was a brave and loyal one, for sure. I know you will miss him very much. We know how devastating the loss of your "buddy" is, and we all have been through the guilt. That's one of the most difficult aspects to deal with for most of us. Please read the short article on "Dealing with Guilt" on this site. It's the first article under Important Topics in "Death and Dying."

Jeff, keep posting here and read others' posts. You'll find lots of caring and understanding.

Bless you all.
Marcia

Jeff, I am sorry for the loss of Coal Miner. You gave him some warmth and love - his life was enriched by you, as yours was by him.

He died with a family who loved him and friends that he can now wait for in the afterlife.

Finally, someone recognized his spirit and he passed on being remembered - something that, I believe, is the greatest gift that can be given.

Guilt? For giving him love at the end? For recognizing the strength and courage in his heart? What guilt is there to feel?

Every ache within your heart is a tribute to Coal Miner - and although I grieve with you at his passing, I am overjoyed to know that he finally found love before he was called away.

Thank you all most sincerely for your support in our difficult time.

I believe the best of people are those that love all creatures.

Again....thank you

Hi Jeff:

Coal Miner....what a very, very special friendship you all shared......


I love what DJ said.....Finally, someone recognized his spirit and he passed on being remembered - something that, I believe, is the greatest gift that can be given.

God Bless you & your family.....

Peace & Love to you all,

Denise

p.s. If you ever have a chance, I would love to see a picture of Coal Miner... Thanks!

Hi Jeff,
So sorry for the loss of Coal Miner. What an amazing cat! Traveled all that way home for a peaceful ending.

I hope you continue to post here and share more with us about your Coal Miner.

Here's a place where we all understand.

Your friend,
Ariel

I think you can tell alot about a man in how he treats an animal. You loved this cat
and treated him better than anyone had treated him prior, as evidenced by his return
to you.
I am glad your Coal Miner had you and your friend to love him and be loved by him!

Thank you all for your replys. It really means a lot to Jeff and myself to know how much everyone cares. We'll get a picture up in the next few days!

Thanks again for all your support
Lisa

Lisa! I would love to see a photo of this special animal! He must have loved you so much to come back to you. You were "chosen"!! what a wonderful thing to always carry in your hearts.

Hi Everyone:

I wanted to bring "back" a few stories which really touched me deeply.....

Believe me, everyone's story touches me, and changes me...........in great ways....

Just wanted the newcomer's to read some of the older posts....

Love, Denise