Yesterday did not dawn. It oozed grey with an oppressive silence, punctuated by thunder. There was a tornado warning in effect for the afternoon. Then, the storm clouds cleared, and the sun shimmered on the trees as we drove to the animal hospital to say goodbye to our cat Mickey. From the window of the little exam room we could hear birds singing. Maybe Mickey heard them, too, but I know he heard our voices and felt us petting him. He purred before he went to sleep, never to wake.
Today, dawn came. I walked, watching the sun rise and listening to the birds–and the world seemed a little less broken.
white cat paw clouds drift
slumbering in the sunshine—
trees drop pink teardrops
Mickey’s quirkiness matched his one blue eye and one yellow eye and his long legs. He loved chasing his orange ball. He hid from strangers and growled at some people, but he loved to sit with us at night and get neck rubs. We miss him.
Yesterday and today: Merril's historical musings 
Those paw prints in the sky are perfect.
I’m sorry for your loss, Merril.
Thank you very much, Ken.
I too like the paws in the sky. Sorry for your loss. I’m facing doing the same within a month or so.
Thank you so much, and I’m sorry you’re facing that decision. Years ago, when we had an old lady cat we knew we’d be facing it because she had kidney disease. I was sad, but I knew it was coming. This was just so unexpected. He was active and playing last week–and then suddenly he wasn’t.
I just read this out loud to my husband. Beautiful tribute to beautiful Mickey.
Thank you so much, Marie. ❤️
You’ve left me tearful. Sending hugs, K.
Received. Thanks os much, Kerfe.
Oh…I’m so sorry, Merril. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet family member. ❤
Thanks so much, Jill. ❤️
I am feeling for you. Friends like that don’t come around every day.
Thank you so much, Claudia. No, they don’t. He was definitely unique.
Tears with this tribute . . . yet, beauty remains.
Yes, thank you, Marian.
Makes me so sad. I’m so sorry. He must have loved being part of your family.
Thank you, Luanne. I think he did. We got him from the shelter when he was about 5 months old. We think he had had a hard life before then, and he was scared and angry at the shelter. But I think he felt safe and loved with us.
Oh, I’m sure he did. Many hugs!!!
❤️
I am so sorry for your losses, Merril.
Thank you, Luanne.
Oh, Merrill – so sad to read this. The photos make him seem full of vigor. Those clouds do look like paw prints. Perhaps Mickey angel paws kneading the sky like he once kneaded your lace tablecloth.
Thank you. That’s a nice image. He was full of vigor.
So sorry. You’ll heal.
Yes, of course, I will.
Your haiku is perfect! I hope you share it and the picture on FB. I have always enjoyed your pictures of Mickey, a beautiful cat. Feeling the loss is a way of keeping his memory alive.
Thank you, Shirley. I did share it on FB last night.
My commiserations X
Thank you, Derrick.
I’m so sorry you have lost Mickey. Take care.
Thank you, Janice.
So very sorry, Merril. Losing our fur babies is never easy. Hugs.
Thank you so much, Dale.
💞
Mickey is so beautiful, and he had you to look after him. I’m glad he found you. I’m so sorry for your loss. ❤ The little white paw prints in the sky are so poignant.
Thank you so much, Shuku. ❤️
Pink teardrops for sure. I know how much this hurts, and how much you miss Mickey. I hope you see his “love visits” in shadows throughout your home.
Wonderful!!!
Thank you.