Last week we said goodbye for now to Paul’s mom. Friends of The Tiniest Tiger know that Paul’s Mom, who liked to be called Tootie, and her cat Mercy came to live with us a little over two years ago. She had suffered a broken shoulder after a fall and decided she no longer wanted to live alone.
We rearranged some furniture and made sure to have the newspaper delivered for her to read every morning. Mercy got along fine with Annie and Eddie, even though they were just kittens and he was 7 and used to being an only cat. He adapted. We created some private perches for him to escape the kitten shenanigans.
Paul and his mom reading on their devices while Annie looks over the comic section of the Sunday paper.
Sunday mornings were quiet and spent reading the news. This is one of my favorite photos of Paul and his mom reading articles on the computer and iPad. Annie seemed more interested in the comics section from the Sunday paper.
She loved to do word puzzles and spend time with Mercy in the sunroom. I am not sure who enjoyed the birds on the feeder more, Tootie or Annie. Some days we were lucky enough to have a gorgeous fox visit. There were often white-tail deer, groundhogs, squirrels and raccoons but Tootie loved the little curious chipmunk that entertained her just outside the window.
We placed a small recliner by the fireplace to help keep her warm. Annie loved to lie on the floor in front of the fireplace beside her recliner. When Tootie wanted me to turn on the fireplace, she would say with a twinkle in her eye, “The cat would like you to turn on the fire.”
Tootie loved lemon pie, cookies and cake. Another favorite photo shows her tasting the lemon icing on Paul’s birthday cake. Paul’s favorite cake is chocolate, but we made lemon anyway for his mom.
Tootie with her My Heart Cat Necklace
Tootie loved checking out the jewelry that arrived for Triple T Studios. Her favorite was the My Heart Cat necklace and she wore it all the time. When this necklace arrived, her face lit up and she said, “Could I buy one of these necklaces?” I said no, but you can sure have one as a gift. She was so happy I took this photo and sent it to Paul at work.
One day in the late afternoon, Tootie thought she might like to have a glass of wine. So we sat at the kitchen counter and enjoyed a nice glass of Pinot Grigio together. When Paul came home from work, he said, “Is this what goes on here all day?” Tootie answered, ” So what if it is?”
During her time with us, we tried to make her laugh and if we didn’t Annie, Eddie and Mercy accomplished this every day. Tootie loved watching them play and romp around the house. There wasn’t much time during the day where she wasn’t being kept company by one of the cats. She loved them and they loved her right back.
Paul’s Mom and Mercy
In the care of hospice, Tootie looked at Mercy’s picture, smiled from ear to ear and whispered, “that’s my baby.” Paul smiled and said, “What about me?” and she said, “You too. I love you.” He squeezed her hand and said. “I love you too.”
There is never enough time no matter how much time we are given.
i am very sorry for your loss. i hope that you and your family are remembering the wonderful times that you had together. i went through this abt 5 yrs ago with my mother. my oldest dog loved her. i can even still call “where is grandma” and Evie (when she could hear) would go searching the house for her grandma (my mother). i hope that Mercy is doing better as well. the pictures are wonderful memories.
I just now saw this story. I am so sorry for your loss and feel so bad for Mercy. Has he turned to your other kitties for comfort and friendship?
BTW, I’m like Tootie when it comes to lemon-anything. I’m very partial to lemon.
<3
I’m so very sorry and even so rrisrael@gmail.com that I didn’t check your page when it happened. I literally just saw this (stupid facebook!!!).
I pray you and Paul and all of your kutis are doing okay. I feel awful for not seeing this earlier. Lots of hugs from Sam and me…
This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful woman! I am so very sorry for your loss. It is very obvious to me that you and Paul loved her dearly and made your home a welcome retreat for her and Mercy, She looks so happy in all of these photos. Please accept my condolences on your loss. Like you said…there is never enough time…
I am so sorry for your loss. She sounds like a wonderful lady. I love her picture with the cat necklace and Mercy. Beautiful tribute!
I think she lived a good life and for sure had a great family, my condolences to you all.
So sorry for your loss of Paul’s mother. Her photo with Mercy is such a wonderful memory & shows her love for him.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute.
What a lovely tribute to a wonderful lady. Purrs to you and Paul.
Sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you. She looks like she was a happy lady.
Sue B
My condolences, what a beautiful post about a lovely woman! I am grateful for each day for time with my family. I enjoy each day, every bit of it. We never know when this ride will end and I am making the most of it! <3
My deepest and most sincere condolences to you & Paul on the loss of Tootie. The last photo shows her utmost love for Mercy and it’s easy to see where Paul’s love of animals originated. My thoughts are with you all. <3
Please accept my condolences to your family for your loss. Tootie did her job as a mother well, instilling in her son a love of animals and a sense of fun. Tonight I will have a glass of pinot grigio in her honor.
I am very sorry for your loss.
Joanne; my sincerest sympathies to Paul, you and your family. Tootie sounds like a fun spirited gal; thanx for sharing your memories of her. with hugs and love; Laura ???
{ photo 5 is priceless ?
What lovely memories of your time with Paul’s mom. She sounds like quite an interesting lady who gave her son a love of felines.
Thank you for sharing her with us and give a little extra love to Mercy. I am glad Mercy has y’all as one of the best forever families ever!
My sincere condolences to you and Paul. How nice that you had these last 2 years to share with her. You are right, there is never enough time.
Oh Joanne, i am so sorry for your loss! <3
She looks like such a wonderful, loving woman!..
You are so right, there is never enough time, no matter how much time we are given..
Thinking of you all with much love!