5Max's Memoir – Katrina Gabrielle
The first day you get your pets is a cheerful day. The children are laughing as their new puppy chases it's tail, or as the kittens wrestle with each other. It's an experience that can never be forgotten. Each new day brings more laughter; the cat's basking in the sunlight, the dogs panting after a good run. Finding out just how fast a pig can run, or listening to the bird's early songs.
This memory can never be replaced, and like-wise, neither can these wild children, living in our hearts. Isn't it a horrible notion that the little fur ball in your lap will one day be gone.
And nothing can stop it.
My and my father's cat, Mr. Maximums Edward Winter Godfrey, has passed away. He was wild, and longed for the open outdoors. While most pets like exploring the world beyond their doorstep, Max was different. He needed to explore it. He needed to live in it. It's understandable. Watching the trees leaves sway in a sudden breeze; the chirping of the birds and crickets and frogs…
Maybe he needed it too much.
The day was peaceful, the sun bright. A bright June sky glittered overhead. My father let Max out, holding his leash tight, as always. He set him on the deck, far above the ground, and stepped away, for what seemed moments.
And he was gone. Taking a chance, he leapt away from the only real owner he had ever known.
We found him today… or… someone did.
A fence had caught the leash, strangling it's victim…
…
How did this happen? It's what anyone would ask themselves.
How?
Why?
I try to remember the good times we shared. But I can't.
I remember only the scars we, as a family, bore in light of acquiring this wild creature. The dozens of escape attempts, the fights between other neighborhood cats. Now this.
How could someone possibly think positive?
Well, I'll try.
I remember in our old house, there was a closet-top one could get to from the stairs. He loved jumping in-between the railing bars, watching us from his solitary post.
I remember when he went to the veterinary for a check-up. He was fine, in fact, we laughed as the Dr exclaimed, "These are the biggest cat thighs I've ever seen!"
I remember when we first got him, only my father could go anywhere near as the scared cat cowered in our bathroom. He and my father bonded quickly. He would jump into my father's chair at any meal, not going near the rest of us. They were soul companions.
I'm smiling now, as I type this up. I'm thinking of a beautiful tabby cat, with an equally handsome soul.
I remember his anti-sociality, his love of birds. I know he was the fastest cat I've seen, when it comes to catching those buggers. It's almost surprising, how much a positive thought can change your view. I can't see a mangled body, only a strong-willed, determined soul, whining at the gates of kitty-heaven for a cat treat or a brushing. I see a beautiful place, and I think of what a wonderful life he led. His wild nature only excites to the fact that he isn't really gone. Not in our hearts. So where ever this lonely creature happens to be, I hope he'll remember us.
Thank You Max, I'll never forget you.
Replies- (I guess I'll put what my dad said in response...)
"Now that was an email worth reading! Thank you so much Katrina, I really appreciate it. Helps me get through this day.
I love you,
Rick"