It’s hard to believe that it’s been eight years since Buckley passed away. Thanksgiving will always be associated with Buckley for me, and not just because Thanksgiving Day 2008 was the last full day I spent with her. It’s also because I am so thankful for the many gifts this gimpy little cat who captured my heart from the moment I first saw her brought into my life.
Without Buckley, I might not have become a writer. Without Buckley, The Conscious Cat might not exist. Even though Amber inspired this site, its original purpose, in addition to sharing my passion for making cats’ lives better, was to build a following prior to publishing Buckley’s Story. Most importantly, without her, my heart might not have been opened to the many wonderful lessons she taught me during her brief time with me.
She had been declining for several weeks prior to Thanksgiving, and a few days before the holiday, it became clear that she would not be with me much longer. I got one last Thanksgiving with her, and while I had hoped that I could keep her with me through the weekend, by the end of Thanksgiving Day, I knew that if I did that, it would be for me, not for her. That Friday afternoon, she passed away peacefully in my arms with the gentle assistance of my dear friend and vet, Dr. Fern Crist.
Remembering my special little girl is always a big part of my Thanksgiving weekend. This little cat changed my life in ways I never could have imagined.
Remembering Buckley still brings tears every year, but as the years go by, there are more smiles than tears as I recall more happy memories than sad ones. She took a big chunk of my heart with her when she left, but a part of her is always with me. This weekend, I once again honor the memory of her wonderful spirit and the blessings she has brought into my life.
The words that best summarize Buckley’s spirit are the same words you’ll find on the last page of her book:
I empathize … we have had to say goodbye to two of our beloved fur babies over the past three years — and emotionally and physically each decision and action took, as you say, a large portion of our hearts. But we hold them dearly in that Soul Room filled with joyous memories…and know that we will eventually join them as God calls us to our final home. I value you as a human to your lovelies, and thoroughly enjoy your blogs … thank you for time, energy and love!!!
Thank you for your beautiful words, Annie.
What a wonderful bond you had w/Buckley. I have a strong bond w/my Eloise, and wondered all weekend if this would be her last Thanksgiving with me because she has small cell lymphoma. You did the right thing by Buckley and I will do the same for my girl. Not for us, for them.
I hope you’ll have much more time with your girl, Jo.
Ingrid this was a beautiful tribute to Buckley, thank you so much for this post!
Thank you, Caren!
I have loved all my kitties, but some have been veryspecial to me. I understand your love. I am grateful for this site, you have done a wonderful job on it. I delete a lot of mail but I always look at yours. Thank you, God bless you
Thank you for your kind words, Vona, and I’m so glad you love my site!
What a wonderful way to remember a well loved family member who has passed. Reading today’s post made me give extra cuddles to Milla and Diamond, my two wonderful cats; and remember the ones who have gone. Thank you.
Beautiful!!
Thanks, Angela.
My heart goes out to you and every person that has lost their beloved fur-baby. I was so lucky to have had my fur-babies – cats and dogs – in my life and I can’t imagine my life without them. And oh how it hurts!
Even though it hurts when they leave us, I can’t imagine my life without them, either, Ashley.
What a beautiful tribute to your precious little kitty. The hardest part of loving our fur babies is when we have to let them go. I pray that they will be waiting for us when we cross over the Rainbow Bridge.
Thanks, Connie.
Ingrid- thank you for such lovely words during this time when we’re grateful for so many things…especially our relationships with cats.
Ingrid,
What a beautiful comment to, two beautiful cats. They crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Some day, you will cross that bridge and you with all your kids will be together forever.
I think the thought of being reunited with our lost loved ones is what keeps all of us going, Nancy.
Buckley was beautiful and it sounds like she was very special.
Beautiful kitty. Hugs.
Buckley had a great influence on me, even though I only knew her through your wonderful book. “Buckley’s Story” was the first book I read following our adoption of Anya, the first cat I ever shared my life with. Reading how Buckley changed your life helped me realize the wonderful gift I had been given when Anya literally walked into our lives. And every photo I’ve ever seen of Buckley tells me what a sweet little companion she was to you. I wish I had known her. Thank you for the gift of her story!
Thank you for your beautiful words, Will.
Tears in my eyes again this year, and every year as I read your remembrances of Buckley. She had the most peaceful face. Thank you again for her story.
Thank you for caring, Will. She was a once in a lifetime kind of cat.
Lots of love from Bibi and me. It’s so hard to loose a beloved cat.
Thank you, Anita.
you and Buckley were both blessed to have each other.You gave Buckley a good home with lots of love. Someday you will be together again.I know how hard it is to lose a pet who you loved so deeply.Buckley is smiling down on you and she will always be in your heart and you in her heart.
Thanks, Cathy.
This brought tears to my eyes. They were brought to us to teach us lessons in life. It’s blessings from God. Enjoy your Thanksgiving weekend.
Thanks, Wendy. I hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend.