Eyes
January 22, 2013 § 7 Comments
Although he had been seriously ill for several months, his recent passing was sudden – or at least that’s how it seemed to me. “Death is so damn cruel,” I thought as I watched him take his last gasp of air. It was that last gasp of air that he struggled to take – probably wanting to fill his chest with pride or bravery. Our eyes met briefly – mine were full of tears, as I saw him close his eyes for the last time. I asked the doctor if I could sit with him for a few minutes – I don’t know why, but I didn’t want my dear friend to think that I was in a hurry to go somewhere.
His name was Felix. He didn’t have any family and only a few friends when we first met in the late ‘90’s. It was at the end of my driveway – I had been painting the fence when I first noticed him –he stopped walking and our eyes met. I waved and said “Hello.” He obviously wasn’t from the neighborhood but he seemed to be a nice enough guy.
He didn’t say much at first, so I did most of the talking. It soon became obvious that he was down on his luck – I could hear his stomach growling –he probably hadn’t eaten that day. I had almost finished painting the fence and was getting hungry myself, so I asked him if he would like to join me for some lunch. His eyes seemed to light up at the mention of food.
I rustled up some food in the kitchen and then sat with him in the family room. He smiled at me as I handed him his plate. He stared at the food for a few seconds and then looked at me. He waited until I started to eat before touching his own food – he had obviously been taught proper table manners in his youth.
I asked him several questions: what’s your name, where are you from, how old are you and where do you live? He just stared at me and shrugged his shoulders. I continued talking to him and noticed that he was struggling to keep his eyes open. “Poor chap – obviously exhausted”, I thought to myself.
I quietly got a blanket and pillow and was just about to cover him up when he suddenly jumped up and screamed!
“It’s okay, I’m not going to hurt you” I said, trying to calm him.
I started to pet him and noticed that his tail was broken. This cat had obviously been mistreated. I stood back and looked him over. He had long black fur and beautiful green eyes. I decided to name him Felix – after the cartoon character –Felix the Cat.
That was about 14 years ago. He was a great pet and a great friend.
And now he was gone. I stroked him a few more times and then kissed him one last time…. and told him I loved him. But I didn’t say goodbye –that’s just too hard to say to someone you love.
….
Originally published 2007 in Memoir
You have a way with words. Enjoyed reading this entry.
I am very touched by writing. Obviously, the reader has no idea at first that this is a beloved pet. I read it relating to the human aspect. But, after losing my sister April 2011, a cat mysteriously appeared at my back deck. Hung around for months. i called “her” Norma. HE has now been our beloved pet cat every since. We call him Kitty Clark. I love your blog.
That was beautiful. I like how you only reveal that felix is a cat at the end of this entry. Sometimes it’s difficult to explain to people that cat’s are as important to us as people. Thanks for sharing
ahhhh. you touch the heart of everyone who shares the love of a cat. Me included.
I’ve had three friends like that, Sheba, Ruby and Lass May they R.I.P
The hardest thing about sharing your life with an animal is that they die far too soon !
I can so relate. Buddy was the name of my friend.