It's been 2 years to the day my Sir Thomas crossed over the Rainbow Bridge to be with the angles. I will forever remember that horrible night. Coming in the door from work, finding him on the cold bathroom floor. He appeared to be gasping for air about every 10-20 seconds. I would find out from the vet ER nurse that it was just involuntary; lungs shutting down. When I frantically called my cabbie friend to take us there, the vet confirmed he was gone

Most of you who read my posts already know this story, and how he battled diabetes for almost 4 years. To this day I cannot get over my anger at the so called substitute vet who put him under for a routine teeth cleaning when his BG was dangerously low! I truly feel in my heart and soul this was the beginning of his decline. It was so hard to watch him go down hill over the period of that last 9-10 months. Knowing that even if I had the money, Dr. Mills said it would probably only be a temporary solution at best to go through the expensive treatment of his thyroid (he was eating but losing a lot of weight over the last couple months) I wish I'd been there for him. I wish that I'd had the courage to help him pass over. But he fought so hard and clung to life like no other living being I have ever known. I didn't want to take that away from him.

Sir Thomas, I'm so sorry I was not there for you that day. I should have stayed home from work. In hind sight, I think you knew your time was near. The way you tried to meow, but could barely croak. The way you tried to stand brave even though your hind legs were giving out. I miss you my little man. You live forever in my heart and soul. Also thank you for looking over your little sis Theresa and sending your little brother in spirit Tang my way. Until we meet again Tommy Boy, at the Bridge. This one's for you. I love you.

Dad.

http://youtu.be/JxPj3GAYYZ0

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for sharing your and your beloved Sir Thomas' 2 year angel-versary with us, and your loving tribute to your beloved companion. I do so understand the heart-felt wants to change events - - to make the series of events better for our companions - - including when their earthly journey is coming to an end. As we continue to travel our earthly journey nothing in heaven or on earth will ever take these heart-felt wants away, for they are part of the "wisdom" we have learned from the hindsight of events as they unfolded. It is a reminder to us that we truly are not all-powerful and all-knowledgeable - - that we travel this earthly journey by faith and not by sight.

I know it is hard to console your heart when it is filled with sorrow. Still, Tracy, I hope somehow you be able to find comfort in my words that from everything you have shared with us it is quite obvious you did everything in your power with the information you had at the moment to provide for your beloved Sir Thomas according to his needs. Your beloved Sir Thomas knows this, too. But I do understand that there are experiences that happen in our lives that we will wish we could change - - and that this will be a part of us until it is our appropriate moment in time to leave the bonds of our earthly life and be reunited with our beloved companions in eternal joy.

When it feels like doubt and failure are overtaking you, Tracy, look into the loving eyes of your precious Theresa and little Tang. Hopefully your heart will find comfort and hope and encouragement to just keep doing what you're doing to the best of your ability, for as it is written, "Love is enduring" - - and your precious Theresa, little Tang, and beloved Sir Thomas know how much you love them.

Thank you again so much for sharing your and your beloved Sir Thomas' 2 year angel-versary with us. I hope today is treating you and your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, my friend. Please know you and your precious companions are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you and your precious Theresa and little Tang are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam

This post was really difficult to write. I had to fight back the tears when writing it and reading your response. I can't believe he's been gone for 2 years now. Sometimes I feel like his memory is slipping away from me, and it makes me sad. I sometimes wonder, is this what happens with the passage of time? Does he just fade away? I don't always "talk" to him out loud every day like I used to. I get so caught up with Tang's issues and trying not to forget that while fairly healthy, Theresa is approaching senior status. I don't even want to think about when it's her her time or Tang's. All I know is that Tom made me a better person for having known him. I hope I was able to give him a happy life in our all too brief 5 1/2 years.......

that was a quick 2 years. considering your undeniable love for Tom, rest assured your memories may soften over the years but will never be lost. after nearly 17 years, i remember and memorialize tribble's passing every New Year's Day. not so good memories of the days leading up to his death are still part of the process. but mostly good thoughts shine through. it comforts me that us and our departed pets (and human loved ones too) will meet at the bridge one day.

Dear Tracy,

Thank you for sharing your two year angel-versary with us. That was a beautiful tribute to your Sir Thomas. Your love for him always shows through when you write about him and he knew you loved him and of course, still do.

Your memories of him will never fade away. I think when a person has other pets, like you do, to take care of, you're thinking about their care and somedays you seem to forget. I remember when we got Mickey, it helped with my terrible grief over Annie, but I never forgot the memories of her.

You are a good dad, Tracy. I know we all wish we could have done a few things differently, but over all we do the best we can with what we have to work with.

My thoughts and prayers are with you.....God Bless..

LoveMyMickey

Thank you LS and LoveMyMickey

Tom taught me what unconditional love is all about. He was my child and my best friend. Even when I was cross with him (which I will always regret) he always shined through with that love.

I know that dealing with Theresa and Tang's issues and care takes up space in my head and heart, but still it hurts when I feel like I'm not connecting with Tom as much as I used to after he passed. Theresa and Tang are truly a gift from god. I just wish He would gift me with the means to care for them better. Thank you as always for the support.

Hello Tom's Dad

Thank you for posting this wonderful tribute to Sir Thomas the amazing cat. Yes, other pets and life's activities expand to fill the physical space in our lives, but in our hearts, the piece thate belongs to our soul-mates is always both filled and empty at the same time. Other animals have other spaces in our hearts, each one with his or her own.

Your loving posts remind us of everything our soul-mates taught us and how they SO enriched our lives and our spirits. Human teachers could never teach us the lessons that "speechless" animals do. because they speak with and from their hearts.

Please keep letting us know how you and your heart are doing.

Gretta's mom

I am so sorry. Don't worry about the memories, the good ones last forever. Some of mine have lasted almost 40 years so far.



Love,
Trevor's mom, Bobbie

Thank you Gretta's Mom and Bobbie for the kind words of support. It is appreciated. Tom was a huge part of my life for all too brief a time.

Speaking of older animal companion memories, one of these days I will need to write the story of an amazing Siamese boy cat named Chauncey who I had from 1977 - 1995. Alas, it has a bit of a sad ending. But they were a good 18 years. Take care.


TTT

Hi Tracy,

I would love to read your story about Chauncey, when you have the time to write it. You were blessed with 18 years, I'm sure you have a lot of happy memories....

LoveMyMickey

Thank you LoveMyMickey

Chauncey was from a Fall/Winter litter of Siamese my parents used to breed twice a year. I didn't realize at the time they were basically running a cat version of a puppy mill. Getting them from the HS back when they didn't automatically spay/neuter (but that's another sad sorry story)

He was the runt and his mother would not feed him. So, I regularly fed him formula from an eye dropper. I guess we bonded on that level. He followed me everywhere and laid on my chest at night. He would catterwall so bad when I was gone it was said he sounded like a crying infant. He didn't come to live with me full time until 1987. He moved with me one more time in Dallas and came with me to Louisville, KY (via North Carolina, also another story) When my parents gave up the townhouse and left me to fend for myself with only a PT job to sustain me, he came with me to live in a dingy attic apartment in Indiana. When the lady's husband died and she sold the house, I managed to get an apartment back in Louisville, but they were not pet friendly. So, I snuck Milo (the tabby I inherited from the old lady) in and put Chauncey with a friend whom he knew and liked and also had other cats. I was not able to visit as much as I would like. One day she called to say that he had passed away and that she burried him in the back yard. I'd always intended to go back for him, but it was not to be. To this day, even though he always suffered from respiratory issues and was 18, I feel like he died of a broken heart because I was not there

There is more, and I will write about it later. But that is my sad tale of the first cat who was truly "mine"

Tracy, no matter how sad the story of you having to move around so much, you were truly devoted to Chauncey and surely he knew it. We can't always control our circumstances, especially when we are young......He did live a long life, I'm sure from your loving care. I know you wanted to be with him in the end, but I bet he is looking down from Heaven thinking what a great dad you were.........Write more when you can.....God Bless...

LoveMyMickey

Well, Sir Thomas

Here we are on another 8th - 2 years and 3 months today you went to be with the angels. Not a day goes by I don't think about you little man. Nor the regret in not being there for you when your time came. That will never go away my dear Tommy Boy. Be good in heaven. Dad, Theresa and Tang miss you I love you.

http://youtu.be/GiE6xTmARro

Dear Tracy,

I love that song, a beautiful tribute to Sir Thomas. It brought tears to my eyes. I have been missing my Mickey so much this week and that song fit my feelings.

Don't ever forget, Sir Thomas knew and knows you love him with all your heart and soul. Take care.

Hugs,

LMM

Thank you LoveMyMickey

I have always liked that song. Sorry to hear you are blue missing Mickey. It's a cross we all have to bear. Hope you are doing well. Take care.

TTT

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for sharing your and your beloved Sir Thomas' angel-versary with us, and this beautiful tribute in song to him and the eternal love you and your beloved Thomas share. Music is a universal language because it comes from the heart. As LoveMyMickey so comfortingly shared with you, I affirm her words of wisdom: Your beloved Sir Thomas knows you love him - - and love is eternal.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, my friend. Please know you and your precious companions are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to knowing how you and your precious Theresa and little Tang are doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hi Tom's Dad

Sending my love to you and up to Sir Thomas today. Hope you are keeping well.

xxForeverxx

Well, Sir Thomas

Yesterday was another "8th" Two years and four months to the day you crossed the Bridge to be with the angels. I bet you thought I forgot, but I didn't. Just with your old dad's busy schedule lately I could not find the time to post. I thought about you all day though my special man. I'm sorry you were alone when your time came

Theresa, Tang and I really miss you (even though Tang only knew you in spirit when you guided him my way) Be good up there. I will always love you.

Dad.

Hello my precious Sir Thomas.

Today it is 2 1/2 years to the day you crossed over the Bridge to be with the Angels. Not a day goes by I do not think about you and hold you oh so close to my heart my special man. You taught me what unconditional love really was. You showed by your living and loving example that I could be a good cat dad. And, by extension, a better person. You are missed but never forgotten. Sometimes I wish I had more to remember you by than just your picture and clay paw print from that last night. But then, I remember that I do not need more. Because your living and loving spirit is with me always.

I have a favor to ask my Tommy Boy. Your little brother Tang is having problems with his ear more so that usual. Could you maybe ask God and the other beloved pets up there with you in heaven to send us some positive energy to help him heal? Sadly, your dad cannot afford to do any more than keep it cleaned out and watch over him as best I can. I could not bear to lose another fur child so close to your angelversary. Be good up there Tom, and know you are loved and missed by Theresa, Tang and me. Hugs and kisses

Dad.

http://youtu.be/WVt1pD0sT0k

Tom's Dad, I thought of you on the 8th. It's strange how time goes by so quickly sometimes. Danny has been gone 1 1/2 years and I still think of him. These little fur angels are so amazing, with the love they give us. They leave paw prints on our hearts.

Thank you DannysMom

Speaking of time, I listened to this on my MP3 player on the way in to work on the bus today. It made me think of Tom and all of the furry companions that have crossed over the bridge......


http://youtu.be/IZteVdxtky4

Well, Sir Thomas

Here we are again. Another "8th" It's been 2 years and 8 months to the date you joined the Angels my sweet baby boy. Not a day goes by I don't think of you and try to feel your loving, living spirit. Every time I see a butterfly, I feel like you have sent it just for me

Your little sister and brother are doing well, and we all miss you very much. Be good Tommy Boy.

Love, Dad.

Knowing
If I had known that on that day our time was near the end
I would have done things differently, my forever friend.
I would have stayed right next to you deep into the night
but I thought I'd see you in the early morning light.

And so I said "Good night" to you as I walked in through the door
never thinking of the time when I'd see you no more.
But if I had known that on that day our time was at the end
I would have done things so differently, my forever friend.

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for sharing your and your beloved Sir Thomas' 30 month angel-versary with us. It doesn't matter how much time continues with our earthly journey - - there is always a place in our hearts that is always holding close treasured memories of our beloved companions who are with the angels. I know your beloved Sir Thomas is always close to you keeping a loving vigil over you and his precious sister Theresa and little brother Tang.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, my friend, and that you and your companions will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Sir Thomas' sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious Theresa and little Tang, and thank you so much for honoring us in sharing with us your beloved Sir Thomas. Please know you and your precious companions are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Thank you moon_beam.

It's 32 months actually, but it still hurts regardless of the time. I found that poem at the bottom online and thought it summed up my feelings exactly. Pain is a part of life and it can't be taken away. I have heard it said if we lose our pain we lose ourselves. Thanks again for remembering with me. God Bless.

Hello Tom's Dad, I just want to remember Sir Thomas with you today. They leave such a hole in our hearts when they go. Even though 32 months have gone by the hole remains. These little fur-covered angels teach us so much about life and love. Wishing you and Tang and Theresa all the best...

DannysMom

Hello DannyMom.

Thank you for stopping by in rememberance of my precious Sir Thomas. They do indeed leave a hole in our hearts when they depart this earth. Tom did teach me what it truly was to be a pet parent rather than an "owner" A term I have come to despise in the intervening years.

Hi Tom's Dad,

Just want you to know I'm thinking about Sir Tom as well on this angel-versary. Thank you for sharing the poem. So many of us can relate to that poem.....Even though we were here with Mickey having a pretty good day, if I had known, I would have snuggled with him more.

God Bless you and your precious Tang and Theresa. Keep looking for those butterflies that Sir Tom sends.

LoveMyMickey

Thank you LoveMyMickey for sharing our rememberance.

Yes, so many regrets and "if only" Aside form the image of his still body on the cold bathroom tile, I will never get the sound and image of him trying to meow (barely a croak) pleading with me to stay with him that morning out of my head, as I believe he knew his time was near It does not matter how much time passes....

Hi, Tom's Dad. My condolences for the loss of your beloved Sir Thomas. I am truly touched by your great love for him, love that time obviously cannot diminish. Try not to think of those terrible last hours. Focus on the good memories and let go of the guilt. Life and its responsibilities have a way of sometimes keeping us apart from the things we love. Tom knows that you would have been there with him at the end if you could have. His love for you is as great as yours for him and is unconditional. He is waiting patiently for you at the bridge, my friend.

Thank you Jake'sGrandpa for your kind words.

I do think of the good times with Tom, and thank his living spirit for looking out for his little sister Theresa. And for guiding poor little Tang our way. I'm a better man for having him in my life. My best to you and your precious Jake.

Thanks, I appreciate it, Tom's Dad. My best to you, too. Jake and I will see you, Tom and Chauncey at the bridge one day.

Well, Sir Thomas. It's another "8th"

Two years and nine months to the day you went to be with the angles. But, it coincides with another sad day. Nine years to the day Allison left. I think you would have liked each other. And there in lies the irony. If she had stayed, I never would have met your former "owner" And you never would have come to be with me. And, by extension, Theresa and Tang. The lessons of love, life, and being a better person I failed to learn from her so miserably, I learned from you my little man.

So, until the next "8th" Tommy Boy. Be good up in Heaven. Me, Theresa and Tang will always keep you in our hearts.

Love,

Dad


http://youtu.be/Vcy28L9_fbI

Tom's Dad, thanks for sharing your Sir Thomas with us. What a precious kitty boy! I can only nod my head in agreement...these precious little creatures teach us so much. They are sweet and innocent and so loving.

Hi, Tracy, just want to let you know I am thinking of you on this day - - your and your beloved Sir Thomas' 3 year angel-versary. It doesn't matter how much time passes when our beloved companions precede us to the angels - - they are always with us in our hearts and memories, and we are forever blessed to have their eternal love.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, my friend, and that you and your precious companions will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Sir Thomas' sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious Theresa and little Tang, and thank you so much for honoring us in sharing with us your beloved Sir Thomas. Please know you and your precious companions are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hello moon_beam.

Thank you for your thoughts on this, Angel Tom's 3 year anniversary. I'd been thinking about it for days and what I was going to post. How could I have forgotten

Sir Thomas you were my best friend in the whole world. Your pictures still adorn the desk and wall. Your guidance of little Tang into mine and Theresa's life is a constant reminder of your big heart and a fine legacy to your earthly journey with me. I wish I had been able to do more to extend your time here with me. I hope you are getting plenty of sunshine and yummy treats up at the Rainbow Bridge my sweet boy. You are missed here by Miss Theresa, Sgt. Tang, and last but not least....

Your loving Dad

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for sharing with us how you're doing, and your and your beloved Sir Thomas' angel-versary. My friend, even though our beloved companions are not forefront in our thoughts, or we do not always remember specific dates of events, this in no way means that they are forgotten - - that our love for them is diminishing. It simply means that they are forever tucked into the warmth of our hearts and memories - - and their sweet Living Spirits are forever keeping a loving vigil over us.

Once again, my friend, I hope today is treating you and your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, and that you and your precious companions will have a very peaceful, blissful, and cozy evening blessed with your beloved Sir Thomas' sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Thank you for the blessing of your friendship, Tracy, and of your precious Theresa and little Tang, and thank you so much for honoring us in sharing with us your beloved Sir Thomas. Please know you and your precious companions are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I look forward to knowing how you're doing, and to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hello Tom's Dad, just wanted to let you know I'm thinking of you today. These angelversaries are tough. Your Sir Thomas was a special boy kitty, and it is good to remember him today.

Thank you moon_beam and DannysMom. I just feel kind of numb right now. Perhaps it's the depressing weather. Sir Thomas was indeed a very special boy who will live forever in my heart.

Thank you LMM. That's beautiful; made me tear up.

Hello Sir Thomas's Dad

They say that love never ends and I believe it. Every time a pang of loneliness stabs our hearts, we remember and love. We shared so much love with them that not being with them in physical form is almost more than the heart can stand. Oh, it ebbs and flows, but mostly flows. When they first come to us, we exchange pieces of each others' hearts. These we carry with us through our lives together here on earth and take them with us into the great beyond. Our fur-children go before us - sometimes long before us - and the pain of the hole in our hearts, the missing piece that the Special One is holding, into which the piece of their heart that WE'RE holding doesn't quite fit, is always with us. It's been a little over three years that Gretta (the kindest chocolate lab who ever lived) went home and nine months since Rufus (the half black lab-half Newfie) joined her. Every day I shed some tears for them, especially when I write here but at other times too.

Sir Thomas, Gretta, Rufus and every single other fur being, even those who did not have earthly parents are waiting for us at the Bridge. May they who were unloved on earth be the first to greet us, then our beloveds. No more tears ...... forever.

Gretta and Rufus's mom

Thank you Gretta's Mom

That's a beautiful sentiment. I still feel the pain of losing Sir Thomas, as I know you do your precious Gretta and then Rufus just nine months ago. Every so often I will feel his presence in our home. I know Theresa and Tang do from watching their actions. I was thinking of Tom last night as I was flipping through channels on TV and stopped at a movie called Marley and Me on Encore. Wish I hadn't though given how it ended Had a good cry, thought of Tom and settled in with the fur kids.

Thanks for stopping by and sharing. Blessings.

TTT

Reworded lyrics from the song "Ben". I don't know if I ever mentioned it, but Tom was an unwanted stray when he was found by my ex-room mate's co-worker. Before he came into my life and forever changed it for the better



Tom, the two of us need look no more
We both found what we were looking for
With my friend to call my own I'll never be alone
And you my friend will see, you've got a friend in me

Tom, you're always running here and there
You feel you're not wanted anywhere
If you ever look behind and don't like what you find
There's something you should know, you've got a place to go

I used to say, "I", And "Me"
Now it's "Us", Now it's "We"

Tom, most people would turn you away
I don't listen to a word they say
They don't see you as I do I wish they would try to
I'm sure they'd think again if they had a friend like Tom
Like Tom, like Tom

Sir Tom's Dad

What a wonderful song! We can all put a name of our own into it and have it express what is in our hearts. Thank you so much.

Gretta and Rufus's mom

Well, my precious Sir Thomas

Sunday was exactly 3 1/2 years since you crossed the bridge to Heaven. I can't believe I forgot to post then. I had been thinking about the date and you leading all up to it my precious boy. But I'm here now, and I want to tell you I think about you and miss your physical presence everyday.

Your little brother in spirit Tang is doing so well with his ear since the surgery. I just know you pulled some strings up there for us. Your little sister Theresa is well too. She likes to sit on the computer desk and stare at your picture from time to time.

We all miss you down here on Earth. Be good up there, I hope they have lots of treats for you. Love


Dad, Theresa and Tang.

Hi, Tracy, thank you so much for sharing with us your and your beloved Sir Thomas' 3.5 year angel-versary. While our companions are physically with us, we are focused on the daily blessings of their unconditional love and undivided attention. When they precede us to the angels we are cruelly reminded that no matter how much time we are blessed with the privilege of their company it is NEVER long enough, and we begin to count the minutes, hours, days, weeks, months, years we are physically separated from them.

But even though the deep grief eases, we are comforted by the love bond that is ALWAYS present, for love is eternal and is not dependent upon the physical laws of time and space. How very blessed your beloved Sir Thomas is to have you for his Forever Dad, and how very blessed you are to be his sole, and soul, heir to his eternal love.

I hope today is treating you and your precious Theresa and little Tang kindly, and that you will have a peaceful evening blessed with your beloved Sir Thomas' sweet Living Spirit to comfort you. Please know you and your precious Theresa and little Tang are in my thoughts and prayers, and that I always look forward to sharing your treasured memories of your beloved Sir Thomas.

Peace and blessings,
moon_beam

Hello Tom's dad,

Your love for your fur-babies has inspired and moved me ever since I joined this site three years ago when my Gretta died. Like you, I continue to miss her and to love her for all her wonderful qualities and the things she taught me. These spirit-animals come to us for reasons we don't understand at first. Thene LONG before we feel like we're ready to "graduate" they go back to where they came from and we're thrwn into the deep end of the pool and have to show our stuff. It's hard. It's sad. And the lessons are never forgotten.

God be with you during all your tough days - and all your beautiful ones, too.

Gretta and Rufus's mom

Well, my little man Sir Thomas.

Here we are on another "8th" 3 years and 9 months ago today you joined the angels. Ten years ago today someone very special walked out of my life forever. Not a day goes by I don't think of you and her. You would have liked Allison, Tom. Like you she was very special.

I continue to feel your presence in each day. From sending little white butterflies, to keeping me from falling on a slippery and rainy day, to that beautiful sunrise Sunday morning on my way to work. Yes, my little man you are everywhere in nature's beauty and splendor. Your little sister misses you and your in spirit little brother has just that little spark of personality that reminds me of you.

Stay gold, Sir Thomas. Until we are all reunited in a better world.

Love,

Theresa, Tang and Dad.

Dearest Sir Thomas

Day after tomorrow is December the 8th. Four years to the day you went across the Rainbow Bridge to be with the angels. I'm sorry I was not there with you when your time came. It's something I will regret for the rest of my earthly journey

Your little sister Theresa misses you too, still looking at your picture on the desk. You little brother in spirit Tang still does little things that remind me of you. I thank you for guiding him our way from that awful scary night he was left in the rain.

But, most of all Tom, I want you know how much your dad misses you. The way you stomped all over the apartment like your big wild cousins, and then suddenly flopped on your back to demand tummy rubs And the way you would sit on the back of the chair and pet my head with your tail. So many happy, loving memories. Be good up there and have plenty of treats in the endless sunshine. We love you and miss you. Dad, Theresa and Tang. I'll see you again.....

http://youtu.be/P7IbQyG9PL4

One more day Sir Thomas. I'm still missing you and thinking about you.