Saturday, we decided to cut the clutter in our house. We try to keep things in order, but even with the best of intentions, things seem to accumulate. We began in the kitchen cleaning out all the drawers. This seemed to be of particular interest to Annie. She stayed right beside Paul while he sorted and organized the cookie sheets and cooling racks.
Annie Takes Over
Annie kept Paul company the entire time he worked in the kitchen. But when he got to the drawer where we keep all the place mats and napkins, she decided she better take over. Annie had her own thoughts on the way the drawer should be organized. Paul did his best to satisfy his feline inspector.
Eddie Takes a Break
Eddie was not as interested as Annie in the cleaning of the kitchen. He decided to retreat to the top of the Cat Power Tower for a Saturday afternoon power nap. He needed to save up his energy for his late night marathon play sessions. As you can see, he was serious about this cat nap.
Gracey’s Chow Jar
While clearing out the cupboard where we keep all of the storage containers and all of the cats’ food and dishes, I found Gracey’s Chow Jar. It somehow was hiding in the back of the cupboard behind various water bottles and food storage containers. I saw that jar, about a third full with Gracey’s chow she loved to chomp and my heart sank. I pulled the jar out , held it close to me and broke down all over again. Sometimes it is the little things that hurt the most.
I couldn’t bring myself to empty that jar. I placed it on the counter and stood back so Paul could see what I found. I said, I know it is silly, but I just can’t empty this jar today. He simply said, ok. Then paused and said, I can’t do it either. Let’s just keep it a while longer. Remember there are no rules in the grieving process.
We kept working and didn’t say anything for a bit. When I finished organizing the cupboard, I placed Gracey’s chow jar back on the shelf beside Annie and Eddie’s and Maggie’s jars. I don’t know why, I just did. Paul smiled at me and we moved on to the dreaded spice cupboard.
Maggie Knows Change Isn’t Easy
Maggie knows that change isn’t easy. She is not adjusting very well to living with Annie and Eddie. We are taking it easy and slowly trying to get Maggie to accept sharing the house but she doesn’t seem to like the thought of this. We all have work to do.
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Right now I have tears in my eyes. I know how you feel. I just lost my old boy Vinnie just 2 months ago and I keep his dragonfly he won on his last birthday when he turned 18 by the lamp in the living room. Don’t cry as much as I did it is getting a lot better hope it is for you.
Your post brought tears. Hugs Joanne. I still cry if I see something that reminds me of Squeaky or BearBear.
Sue B
Thank you for reading Sue. It helps to have friends that understand.
My heart goes out to you, Joanne. After my first cat died, it took me three months before I could even put away his litter box (and I didn’t have any other cats at the time.). There is no schedule to grief, and no right or wrong way to grieve. Sending lots of love your way.
Thank you Ingrid. I know it is so hard to put things away. Little by little we adjust. Annie and Eddie are helping us to recover.
Thank you so much for sharing Gracey with me and all of us! I’m sure she knew how sad you would be when she had to cross the Rainbow Bridge, so I believe that she “arranged” things to bring Annie, Eddie and Maggie into your lives. It never gets easier to have to let one go. It was obvious that she adored both of you so much! Again, thank you for allowing me into your journey.
Retta, I think so too. I first saw Annie on Facebook when Gracey was sitting on my lap. I told Gracey that Annie looked like she had spunk. And boy does she. Thank you for being a part of The Tiniest Tiger community.
I understand! I have had several furbabies come and go throughout the years, and I think I still have something that was special to each of them. When you love them that much, the hurt doesn’t go away overnight. All the more reason to bring Eddie and Annie and Maggie into your home–not to replace Gracey, but to help with the grieving. I am sure Gracey would be proud of you for giving other kitties the second chance at a good life, like you did for her. You are very special people–Gracey knew it, and now Eddie, Annie, and Maggie know it.
Sherree, thank you for your kind words. Annie and Eddie sure keep us on our toes. We forgot how much energy kittens have. At least they have each other to burn off some energy. Poor Maggie, though. She isn’t so fond of them.
Maggie will get adjusted–she is older and is just not into all that rambunctious stuff! We have a senior kitty that isn’t sociable, so she decided to live downstairs in our den–where she has been for the past 8 years! The other two live upstairs with us! It’s not an arrangement that I am fond of, but it makes her happy so we tolerate it. We go spend time with her several times a day.
That might be what will happen here too. I don’t want to isolate Maggie but if she can’t deal with Annie and Eddie she might be happier in a one cat home or living downstairs. Still hoping they can all get along.
Your words about Gracey never fail to make me tear up. I lost Tara 3 months ago tomorrow and you’re right, it’s the little things that hurt the most sometimes.
Melissa, I am so sorry for your loss of Tara. It is so difficult to lose our loved ones. I am sending you a hug. Thank you for being a part of The Tiniest Tiger community.
Its been eleven years since my RaisinBran left. Wevwere pals for nineteen years. It still hurts.
What a great name RaisinBran. So wonderful to have such a good pal for 19 years. I know the pain doesn’t go away we just hope it blends in with the good memories.
Oh, Joanne! I just love you all!.. Thinking of you with much love!
Oana, thank you so much for being a part of The Tiniest Tiger community and for thinking of us. We couldn’t make it without you.