I want to thank you all so much for you kind comments - I hadn't realised that my ramblings about our little catlings touched so many of you - thank you.
All we can surmise is that Holly slipped out through the back of our garden into the neighbours. From there she would have been able to get to the road and as she didn't know that area then got lost. She could have tried to return or was frightened by something and ran off in the wrong direction.
We had searched from about 2 hours when I received a phone call - her body had been found and carefully lifted off the road while her rescuers tried to trace us. We, Himself and I, left our sobbing boys at home and we collected her body.
At home we all cuddled her, Eldest - who was her human held her the longest and cried so hard while Himself dug her a grave in her favourite part of the garden. Youngest collected Lily as we all agreed that she should know her sister had died. He held his cat as I held Holly (Eldest too distraught to watch stood behind and sobbed) and Lily very very gently washed the small speck of blood off Holly's face. She looked as if she was just asleep.
I am crying as I type - sorry - who'd have thought that a small creature who we'd only had for 6 months would reduce us all to such floods tears. The rest of the evening was of self-recriminations of should we have let them play in the garden, should we have searched quicker, sooner, longer but what ever we could have done, we didn't and so the boys and I cuddled up on the settee and took turns to talk and cry while Himself seemed stunned.
Later, much later, once the boys had gone to bed, we talked about her and Himself summed it up in one sentence -
How could something so small and furry leave such a terribly big hole?
Lily seems to know she has gone, she doesn't look for her, but needs more loving and lap time. Yesterday she sat on me every time I had a lap or followed me and sat on my feet. She is sitting next to me now.
I promise my next posting will be a little more cheerful, but for the time being we all feel a little sad and a lot empty.
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I am so, so sorry to hear about your sweet little girl :(
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ReplyDeleteTake as much time to grieve as you need, don't apologise, she was a living creature and much loved by your family - something similar happened to our cat 15 years ago, I still miss her and remember what that day felt like.
ReplyDeleteHolly looks beautiful, keep her photos on display, I only have one of my 'Moggy' tucked in an album somewhere, and I have a painting of our much loved dog Shadow who had a long life and passed away 10 years ago. We have other pets but will always remember those who have passed on.
Love to you all
Susan
Our cat Ophelia was killed on the road at 7 months old, she was a brave cat but obviously not road savvy. I like to think of her life as bright and brave, if somewhat brief.
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Oh, the recriminations, the endless should I's, what if's, why didn't I? I know. It was not your fault tho', it was a series of events which ended in tragedy. I'm so, so sorry.
ReplyDeleteI am having a job to type through my tears, been off line so did not know details. I know how much she was loved and how much pleasure she gave you all. RIP dear little Holly. :>)xx
ReplyDeleteDear, I have 4 cats and a big silly dog. They´re all live together, sleeping, playing, eating. Sometimes is very hard, keep cats inside the house (my house is like prison, but we always have some boxes,tunnels and balls for them. A lot of them, believe me!). Once again, I'm so sorry for your loss. But try to find another little friend for Lily. I know is hard think about that right now, after such horrible event. But dear, we love cats, and those little creatures know how to love and give us a lot of joy. Do it: for you, your family and for little Lily. This is not a replacement. This is about love cats. Big kisses for all you and a special one on Lily.
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Thanks (it must have been very hard for you) for this posting. I cannot really add anything to what has already been said/written (tears are making it hard for me to type so please excuse the typos). I am thinking of you (and Himself, Youngest and Eldest) but try to concentrate on all the joy she brought to you and you will have lot so memories and photos. Hugs and XXX to you all.
ReplyDeleteYou couldn't have done anything to prevent it, cats are meant to be outdoors and you mustn't blame yourselves for letting them go out to play - it's just a terrible accident :-(
ReplyDeleteDear Hawthorn, you write so movingly about losing your little catling, but don't let guilt sour your love and grief. I am sure beyond anything that you did all you could to look after her well. I think that some things about having a pet are a bit like having a child: however much you love and look after them and want to keep them safe, they do have a life which will unfold independent of you, and you can't protect them from everything. Cuddle little Lily and cuddle your family and take as long as you need to think about Holly and grieve.She has been part of your family and the times you had with her will always be part of your lives.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs and hand-holds
Jane xx
oh my heart goes out to all of you. please try not to dwell on "what if's" and "if only's" - you are a fantastic cat-mom (and cat-dad and cat-brothers) who gave holly a secure home and a life full of love and fun. i really hope that the lovely times you had with her and the memories of the joy she brought to your lives will bring you all comfort. love and hugs to you all :)x
ReplyDeleteMy heart goes out to all of you. We will miss her greatly as well. You made her life a wonderful one! I wish there was something I could say that would take away the pain. Our thoughts are with you!
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