It was 25 years ago, the first time I laid my eyes on her, and I had already made up my mind that she was not going to win. I knew in the pecking order of things that my decision should have been final. There was no way that she was going to weaken my resolve.
Initially, she was transparent to me, but within a matter of minutes, I could see the workings of her heart and mind. Her gestures were so perfectly human that nobody, even I, would mistake them, while she seemed to understand every word of mine.
"This creature will only be in the way," I told my 7-year-old daughter, but she assured me that it would be no trouble at all. Hoping to win my approval, she said, "Look at her, Mommie. She's all black with a little white on her face." Detailing the virtues of how she might be the most interesting member of our family, she then added "Let's name her '8-Ball." Thus, I gave in and accepted her as a new member of our family.
So began my life's journey with this little feline, 25 years ago, half of my life. I remember the neighbors initially giving me a second glance when I'd call out her name in the dark of the night, "8-Ball? 8-Ball?" When I was young and dumb and on the road, I'd sometimes come home dead busted and disgusted. 8-Ball would recognize the troubled look on my face and comfort me. After my mother passed away in '86, she kept me constantly in her sight. At night, when all was quiet, she remained vigile by my side and helped me get through the storm.
My beloved lifelong companion, 8-ball, passed away yesterday. I found her alone in the shower stall, with one arm stretched out. She appeared to be in peace. 8-Ball was 25 years old, and I cried like a baby. I have had many pets, but none do I owe so much as to 8-Ball. So today, I will go out and buy a tree in her memory and plant it alongside where she was laid to rest.
I've sent this poem [author unknown] to folks in the past who have lost their pets. Somehow it really hit home for me today, and for those who have not read it, I share it with you. Maybe some day, you can pay it forward to those who have been blessed to share their life with a pet, like my beloved 8-Ball. She will always be in my heart!
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends, so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
JAM
Initially, she was transparent to me, but within a matter of minutes, I could see the workings of her heart and mind. Her gestures were so perfectly human that nobody, even I, would mistake them, while she seemed to understand every word of mine.
"This creature will only be in the way," I told my 7-year-old daughter, but she assured me that it would be no trouble at all. Hoping to win my approval, she said, "Look at her, Mommie. She's all black with a little white on her face." Detailing the virtues of how she might be the most interesting member of our family, she then added "Let's name her '8-Ball." Thus, I gave in and accepted her as a new member of our family.
So began my life's journey with this little feline, 25 years ago, half of my life. I remember the neighbors initially giving me a second glance when I'd call out her name in the dark of the night, "8-Ball? 8-Ball?" When I was young and dumb and on the road, I'd sometimes come home dead busted and disgusted. 8-Ball would recognize the troubled look on my face and comfort me. After my mother passed away in '86, she kept me constantly in her sight. At night, when all was quiet, she remained vigile by my side and helped me get through the storm.
My beloved lifelong companion, 8-ball, passed away yesterday. I found her alone in the shower stall, with one arm stretched out. She appeared to be in peace. 8-Ball was 25 years old, and I cried like a baby. I have had many pets, but none do I owe so much as to 8-Ball. So today, I will go out and buy a tree in her memory and plant it alongside where she was laid to rest.
I've sent this poem [author unknown] to folks in the past who have lost their pets. Somehow it really hit home for me today, and for those who have not read it, I share it with you. Maybe some day, you can pay it forward to those who have been blessed to share their life with a pet, like my beloved 8-Ball. She will always be in my heart!
Just this side of heaven is a place called Rainbow Bridge.
When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of our special friends, so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable.
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.
They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him faster and faster.
You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your heart.
Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together....
JAM
