Wednesday, April 8, 2015

Until We Meet Again Sweet Lily


  This one is hard to write.  On April 7 we took our dear Lily to the vet for the last time.  The cancer had grown to fill her mouth and she was not able to eat or drink.  In spite of this, she was as loving and silly as always, right to the end.  Her passing was easy and peaceful - she was ready.  Don and I were loving her as she crossed over.  She would have been 10 this spring.

Lily with her babies outside


 What can I say about this cat who was the embodiment of love?  She had an amazing life for such a short one.  She gave birth to three litters outside and all survived to become wonderful cats themselves.  She was smart enough to not get caught in our humane traps and taught the kittens to keep clear of us - it made trapping them all a challenge for sure.


She was a mother to us as well.  Lily was the one who would be sitting with us if we were not well, ever watchful.  She was always on hyper alert - listening for unusual sounds of alarm.  She loved to sit looking out our windows, keeping an eye on things.  I looked forward to coming home to her  face peeking through the screen.  I knew I had left everyone in good hands.



Even tho she was able to live her life with most of her kittens, she was a stern mother at times.  She had little patience with them.  If they got too rough or playful around her, she would hiss or whap them.  Often she preferred the company of non family members like Ivy.  Ivy, being our oldest at 17, brought out the maternal in Lily - they were always together.  When I read in bed, Ivy sat on me and Lily would lay next to me with her head resting on my body.  Oh how I will miss that.

Ivy and Lily
 
 She could be so silly as well - diving into the refrigerator whenever I opened the door, looking for treats, letting me dress her in costumes for the holidays, begging for a lick of butter with Ivy when I ate my breakfast muffins.


Punk Lily
 
Lily was stubborn, independent, and strong willed, all infused with an incredible unconditional love for us. While all the other cats would be sleeping the days away, she followed us around the house, involved in every activity.  She didn't want to miss a minute of life with us.  She slept only when we were not home or sleeping ourselves.  Perhaps she knew her time with us would be short.  I will end this tribute to our beloved Lily with this quote.

Under the Christmas tree

"When animals enter our life, we start on a journey filled with adventure, learning and love.  The animals reach deep into us and change us in ways that can hardly be described.  We grow in love.  And upon their leaving, we are lost, devastated.  Over time, we explore the story and see the meaning, and stand in awe of these remarkable beings.  What an honor they give us when they walk a part of our lives with us."
-- Barbara Janelle


Thank you, Lily, for sharing your life with us.  We will see you again one day.

90 comments:

pilch92 said...

I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful Lily. This is a touching tribute to such a sweet, loving cat. I pray Ivy will be able to adjust without her snuggle partner.

Cathy Keisha said...

I’m here early to pay my respects to Lily. She was beautiful, inside and out. *bows head* Sending comforting purrz to those she leaves behind.

Marg said...

Oh gosh, that is so sad. We are so sorry and send many hugs. That was a wonderful gift that you gave her to let her go.

Angel Prancer Pie said...

So sorry to hear about the beautiful Lily.
WE are sending soft purrs of comfort your way.
XOXO

Fuzzy Tales said...

Cheri, I'm so sorry. I'm sorry Lily's time here has ended and so sorry for the grief I know you're experiencing. You wrote a beautiful and moving tribute to a very special soul, and I know her energy will be with you, always.

Purrs from the boys and hugs and peace from me.

Vanessa Morgan said...

Rest in peace, beautiful girl. My thoughts are with you and your family.

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

I'm crying just reading this. I am so, so very sorry. Lily was such a beauty and you were so lucky to have had those precious years together, just not long enough. Sending gentle purrs of comfort and love your way.

Jacqueline said...

Such a lovely tribute to your gorgeous Lily...I am so very sorry for this huge loss to your heart and your family=there are no words for the deep sorrow we endure when we must let precious loved ones like darling Lily go...Wishing you comfort, sending purrs and prayers for you all at this sad time, lots of hugs as well...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat

Random Felines said...

we are so very sorry and sending purrs.....she certainly had character and we know she will be missed

TimberLove said...

Soft wooooos,

Nuk & Family

Eastside Cats said...

My sincere condolences on the loss of Lily. What a beautiful tribute you've written! A lovely kitty, she's living in your heart now. Hugs and purrs to you.

Colehaus Cats said...

We are so sorry. Sending hugs and comforting purrs. Run free, sweet Lily.

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

My heart aches for your loss. Thank you for loving her so much and enabling her to have the very best life she could, right until her peaceful end. Hugs.

Love Milo and Alfie's mom. xxx

Katie Isabella said...

Lily, my sweet beautiful and much loved in your household lady cat. I loved you too. Rest peacefully beautiful loved girl. xxoo

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

I am so deeply sorry for the loss of your beloved Lily. You spoke so eloquently in your graceful loving tribute to such a beautiful girl. She will be greatly missed, but she was so deeply loved and that love will help ease the sadness that has settled into your heart. I know the hollowness of words at a time when a heart is only filled with brokeness, but one day when time has done it's soft and subtle erosion, that love will be find a way to fill the cracks and crevices that the brokeness of the loss created. I will pray and we will purr for you and Don. I am so very sorry Cheri.

Forty Paws said...

We are so sorry that it was Lily's time to cross over. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers are being sent to you by all of us.

Hugs, All of us at Forty Paws and Maw

JC said...

You did it, made me cry in my meowning coffee.

First, what a lovely memorial .. thank you for sharing the photos and the story of Lily.

Second, so young. I'm still in awe as to how a cat can get cancer. Just saying ... not fair at all.

Third, she was one of those cats. Just a love and a watcher and a take care of everyone .. plus, it seems she knew how to have fun.

So, thank you for trying so hard to get her to be inside with you. You saved her and she in return took your heart.

I'm always here for you .. you know where to find me ... HUGS,

XO,
JC and The Purr and Fur Gang

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

Losing a loved one is never easy. Many purrs of healing and comfort during this difficult time. May the comfort of the good memories overshadow the pain of losing her

Sweet Purrfections said...

We are so sorry to hear about Lily going to the bridge. Please accept our heartfelt condolences.

Everycat said...

We are so sorry that Lily had to leave, and we know how much that hurts, so we are sending you all many rumbly purrs, love and hugs.

A beautiful tribute to a beautiful and remarkable Mummy Cat - Lily, you made a big pawprint on the world, you won't be forgotten

Mungo
Jet
& The Ape xx

Maggie May said...

Our hearts are breaking for you. We are so very sorry about your beautiful Lily. She was so very lucky to have lived her life with you guys. Such a loving, wonderful home. Every cat should be so lucky.
(((hugs))) & <3
Maggie May and The Creek Cats

Anonymous said...

I am so very, very sorry to hear of Lily's passing. This made me cry. My heart goes out to you and all who loved her. You were blessed, as was she. Thank you for sharing her with us. Hugs...and peace.

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

We are so sorry Lily has passed, but no cat ever leaves our hearts.
Hugs to you all.

Jans Funny Farm said...

A lovely tribute to your Lily. We're so sorry for your loss! A warm hug, purrs and paw taps of comfort.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Words cannot even come close to telling you how very sorry we are to hear about dear Lily. She loved you too, with all her heart. Love and hugs from each and every one of us.

Clooney said...

What a beautiful tribute to such a special being. Such a great love you shared. Wrapping you in light and love and holding you close in our thoughts and hearts as you grieve the loss of your precious Lily.

Be Well Sweet Lily

Bernadette said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Lily. Even lots of photos and memories can't make it better. We are purring for you and your household.

jmuhj said...

<3 ((((((((^^)))))))) <3 *tears!* for your parting, and your missing, for awhile, of your beautiful queen Lily. She is watching over you all from above, awaiting the time when you will all be reunited, never again to part. <3

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Cheri & Don; I am truly sorry. I know were Lily to speak, not only would she say, thanx mom & dad; for everything...she would also say ...I love you too.

I know you've seen this before but I shall post it again...

St Francis said..." come little one, there is nothing more I can do for you here, don't be afraid."

......and St Francis gently picked up Lily and carried her into the kingdom of heaven

.....when the little cat looked around, she realized everything St Francis told her on her journey was true

....heaven was beautiful beyond what mere words could express.....

...... and Lily saw there was no pain, suffering, fear, sickness, hunger, thirst or sorrow, until she looked down and saw the family and friends she had left behind....

and for a very brief moment, the little cat too, was filled with sorrow.

Then St Francis bestowed Lily with a set of gossamer wings and said, "Use them to return to your family, when their need is the greatest, as nothing can separate your bond of love. Hold each other in your hearts and your memories, until you are reunited again at heaven's door."

and when the little cat tried on her wings, she knew nothing was impossible...... when there is....love

Godspeed to you Lily; you are and always will be a beautiful girl and your family and friends will miss you so…. with love from Boomer, Dai$y, Tuna.....and Dude and Sauce too...

My Mind's Eye said...

Dear Cheri and Don and kitties
We were so sorry to read about Lily's trip over the bridge. Your post today in her memory about her incredible life is beautiful. We was loved and gave so much love to you all
Hugs madi and mom

Just Mags said...

So sorry to hear of sweet Lily's passing. Holding you close in thoughts and our hearts at this difficult time. Sending purrs, prayers and gentle hugs. Mumsy, Pooh and family

CATachresis said...

We are so sorry for the loss of Lily! She was one very special and much loved kitty and we feel for you very much, gentle hugs Caro and Austin ❤️

Gemini and Ichiro said...

We are so sorry to hear about Lilly. Purrs to you all.

Honey P. Sunshine said...

we are so sorry to hear of Lily's passing. She sounds like a beautiful little soul.

The Swiss Cats said...

What a lovely tribute to sweet Lily ! We're so sorry for your loss : we send you tender purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs

Hannah and Lucy said...

Cheri we are so sorry to hear about your sweet Lily although we were aware that she had mouth cancer. We are glad she was able to pass over Rainbow Bridge at home with you both and know she will be greeted by many of her old friends when she reaches the other side.
Sending love to you all.
Hannah, Lucy and Sue xx xx xx

Lisa Kolosey said...

What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful soul. Our hearts are with you as you go through this transition...

Love from all of us at Marshwood Cottage.

~MamaLisa

Stacy Hurt said...

Sending love and purrs to you and your family!
Xoxo
Ms Stella O Houligan

Smudge said...

I am so sorry for the pain you must be feeling during this very sad time. Reading of Lily's passing made me nearly tear up again, as we are not quite yet over losing our beloved Orbit. Know that there are so many out there who are mourning right alongside you. Peace to you.

Old Kitty said...

Awwww Lily. Sweet beautiful brave angel Lily. We are so so so sorry.
Sending you gentle purrs and hugs. Take care
x

SuziQCat said...

So sorry to hear about Lily, but what a beautiful tribute to her today. She knew love and warmth and friendship, which is what we can all hope for in life. She is gone but not forgotten. Hugs and purrs to you all today.

Angel Simba said...

We are very very sorry for your loss of Lily. You have written a most beautiful life tribute to her.

www.shelter-cats.com said...

Your love for each other shines through every heart wrenching word. I am so glad you had Lily in your lives, and so very sorry that she's gone.
Purrs and sympathy,
Maggie

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

I am so sorry for your loss of your beautiful Lily.
What a beautiful tribute to such a special cat <3

XOXO

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

this is easily one of the most beautiful tributes I have ever read. So eloquently stated, even with your pain which must be unfathomable.
As I mentioned on facebook, I am so deeply sorry. My heart is breaking. Thank you for sharing Lily with all of us, we were blessed to know her, even if it was just through your blog. xoxoxo

Fr. Tom Fish said...

How very sad, Cheri. We send our comforting purrs to you and your family. RIP Lily. So sorry you had to leave us so soon. x

Anonymous said...

We be so sowry fur yous loss. Lily wuz bootyful and will liv on in da lives and memowies of those she touched. And she will live on in da bytes of da innewnet furever. Weez sendin' lots of hugs and purrayers.

Luv ya'

Dezi and Lexi

Lui said...

I share your grief, Cheri. We lost Sweepy's mumsy Pica this way at 17 years! It was heartbreaking and I know how sad and difficult it is. I pray that your grief will be lessened with the wonderful memories of sweet Lily. Run pain free, Lily! Sweepy and my hounds will be with you . . .

Timmy Tomcat said...

We send our love and support at this sad time. We know Lily is now looking down with caring eyes while she finds new cats who may need that maternal touch up in the clouds. Please watch over us dear Lily until that day we all meet again.
Love Purrs and Prayers
Timmy Dad Pete and Family

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

Our hearts are breaking for you with the loss of your beautiful Lily. What a wonderful post remembering how wonderful she was. Lots of great memories. We will miss her.





































Cats Herd You said...

What a beautiful tribute to your beautiful girl. We're so very sorry for your loss. Sending purrs of comfort from all of us.

Annie Bear said...

What a loving tribute to such a wonderful, loyal, loving kitty! I'm so very sorry for your loss. Reading such detail about her, it's obvious your love and care for her. Lilly was indeed a special girl.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so very sorry for your sad loss. This is a lovely tribute to your beautiful girl You and Don are in my thoughts.

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

With tears I tell you how sorry I am for your loss......she was way too young and made you so happy....and...a better person. She will always be with you in spirit.....

Toni and the Big Piney Woods Cats

Just Ducky said...

Sending comforting purrs. We know how hard it is go let a loved kitty go.

Dash Kitten Crew said...

The picture of Ivy and Lily moved me greatly. Rest in Peace Lily.

Mickey's Musings said...

We are so sorry to hear about Lily.
We know it is hard to lose a kitty that you have a special bond with.
Because of you, she had a good life.
We send you comforting purrs and headbumps.

Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
and mom Nancy

The Florida Furkids said...

We're so sorry that Lily has gone to the Bridge. She was a beautiful ladycat, inside and out.

(((Hugs)))
The Florida Furkids

Quill and Greyson said...

We're so sorry to read of your loss my friend. We send our love and purrs and hope they can ease your heartache even a little.

Summer at sparklecat.com said...

I am so sorry that Lily is gone - she was definitely one very special lady. Purrs to you and your family.

meowmeowmans said...

Our hearts are breaking for you, Cheri and Don, and we are so very sorry that it was Lily's time to go to the Bridge.

We are thankful that she had such a wonderful, love-filled life with you,

Purrs, prayers and love to you all.

The Island Cats said...

We're so very sorry. Lily was very special and she will be missed. Purrs.....

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

I am so sorry for your loss of sweet Lily. She was a wonderful and beautiful cat. She will be forever in your heart.

Those we love don't go away,
They walk beside us everyday.
Unseen, unheard, but always near,
Still Loved, and still missed
and forever dear.

Saku said...

I am so sorry to hear that Lily has left you. I know how difficult it is to have a beloved pet leave us behind.

I hope you can find some comfort in your memories in the upcoming days and weeks. The quote is lovely as is your tribute to the beautiful Lily.

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

We are so sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose our furry loved ones, especially so young. Our hearts hurt for you all.

Tweedles -- that's me said...

You don't know me,, but we wanted to say we are so sorry.

love
tweedles

AngelSmokey, Butterfly, Peekaboo! said...

I'm so sorry that Lily had to leave you. I'm praying that your heartache will ease. Sending you comforting hugs. Smokey8 and Tessie

LP said...

That was a beautiful quote from Barbara Janelle. So on the mark and true. Thank you for sharing it.

We are happy Lily found you and experienced true love. We think love is the great constant in life and that it holds no measure and that its' duration is bendable and endless. The challenge for all beings, is finding it. Lily found love with you and you with her. We know that gift will live in your heart forevermore. Rest in peace Lily. You were loved.

All our sincerest condolences,
the critters in the cottage and their Mama Sophie too.XO

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

What a lovely tribute to Lily. I had to smile when you said that about her following you around, Whiskers did that when he was with us. He was always wherever we were at, and he was our caretaker cat. May the beautiful memories you have of Lily bring you comfort.

Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy from all of us at ATCAD

Marilynn said...

Our deepest condolences on your loss of Lily. She was truly precious and undoubtedly loved living with you as you did her. Lots of prayers and purrrrrrsssssss and {{{{hugs}}}} as you remember her often.

Love,
Marilynn
Grace
Audace
Ruse

John Bellen said...

Ten years is much too young to leave. I'm sorry. cancer is such a monstrous thing. I'm glad her leaving was gentle. Godspeed, Lily.

Terri said...

We are so sad to hear your beloved Lily is gone. Such a beautiful cat with her beautiful babies. We're sending hugs and purrs your way.

A Tonl said...

We are unspeakably sorry for your loss. Lily had far too few years with you, but we know during that time she knew she was loved...

Katiez Furry Mewz said...

"Just wanted you to know I made it home.

Everything is so pretty here, so white, so fresh, so new.
I wish that you could close your eyes and see it too.

Please try not to be sad for me.
Please try to understand.
God is taking care of me.
I'm in the shelter of his hands.

Here there is no sadness,
no sorrow, no pain
Here there is no crying
and I'll never hurt again.

Here is is so peaceful
when all the angels sing.
I really have to go now
I just go to try my wings.

P.S. I will be the first face you see when you get here!"
-Unknown.

Charlemagne and Tamar said...

We're so very sorry for your loss. Lily was a sweet girl and it's clear how very loved she was.

Gentle purrs,
Charlemagne, Tamar and Mal

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

Dearest Cheri and Don! I am dreadfully sad to read this news of the passing of your precious girl Lily White. I am still reeling with pain and grief over the loss of my precious white one Hunny Bunny....this is no easy road...this road of love and loss...each kitty we have leaves a part of them in our hearts that never fades...
much love and soft hugs, Karla

Tommy and Teaghan said...

Your tribute to her is one of the most beautiful that I've ever read. As my heart is still hurting from my own loss, you have made me feel a little better with your words about Lily. Many hugs to you while your hurting heart heals from the loss of her. And keep on feeling the best by celebrating her life as she shared with you. Purrrrrrrrrrs!
Love,
Mom Brenda and Angie (and Beau Beau from the Bridge :-)

Nancy said...

Such a beautiful tribute for your Lily. I feel as though I knew her. My heart is breaking for you.

Prayers and healing energy to you as you mourn your beautiful Lily

Maggie from Stillness at Cherith said...

This is my first visit to your blog.
After reading your tribute, though, I can feel the beauty of Lily's sweet spirit. What a gorgeous girl.
I'm glad you were blessed with each others company.
Sending you our thoughts and purrs.
((hug))

John Bellen said...

And thank you for your comment about my own loss. When we love, we lose, eventually. But the love is worth it.

Karen Jo said...

I am so sorry that you had to help Lily to the Rainbow Bridge. She was an amazing cat. I send hugs and the kitties send comforting purrs.

Fuzzy Tales said...

I just wanted to stop by, see how you're doing, Cheri. I had sent an ecard, but am not sure if it was to the right address. Also, I wanted to thank you so much for the sweet birthday card; I'm impressed you noted the date somewhere.

Sending lots of hugs and universal divine Light.

Purrs and peace.

Kitties Blue said...

Please accept our condolences. You will be in our purrs and prayers as you grieve the loss of your beautiful Lily. We know she will remain in your hearts forever. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Anonymous said...

We're so sorry for your loss of your precious Lily. Hope the memories you had together, will comfort you. Soft Pawkisses <3

Anonymous said...

**squeekss** Mee-you?
mee-you Lady Cheri it iss Purrince Siddhartha Henry of Thee Purrfect Pad here. Mee an LadyMum aka Nylabluesum wanted to come over an give you our sympaffiess over thee loss of yur Lily kat. Shee wass berry gorgeouss an soundss like shee was a lite in yur livess!
Pleeze know shee will bee with mee Auntyss' Nylablue an Mingflower in Pure Land furevurr free an reestored to purrfection...
Wee understandss how hard thiss has been as LadyMum had to help Aunty Nylablue last Novemburr an shee was not even 13 yeerss old. Aunty Nylablue did not fight an shee was ready to go allso...They are safe now. An we are here to support youss ' thru yur loss.
With reesepct an gentull ***paw pats***
Siddhartha Henry an LadyMum

Ms. Phoebe said...

My deepest sympathy on the loss of Lily, I understand how much she meant to you. My Kaspars showed up eleven years ago in our yard as a starved, cold, terrified feral tom cat. We spent months earning his trust with food and patience. When he began to allow us to pet and touch him, we scooped him up for a visit to the vet for shots and neutering. He originally was to be a foster, a home found when he was ready and as he knew before we did, he had found his forever home with us and we agreed as we couldn't bear the thought of letting him go.
The loss of any fur child is devastating and brings on grief, yet there is a special kind of loss when it comes to fur babes like my boy and Lily because of all the time spent earning their trust and love, watching in excitement and feeling the joy when they overcome the fears that abandoned and feral cats often feel. The deep bond created through this earned trust is a special gift that not everyone understands who has not had such a fur baby.
Thank you for all you do and have done for these worthy and too often scapegoated cats who are targets for cruelty, irrational beliefs/stereotypes, neglect, and death.
Fly free Lily, you are a warrior in more ways than one and will be forever cherished.

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

What an absolutely beautiful tribute to your Lily.
We are sending prayers and purrs to you.
~ The Bunch and Mom Bobbie

Shawn said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. Hold your memories tight during this difficult time. ❤️

Debra Taylor said...

I'm so sorry you had to lose such a blessing as Lily. I'm sure she is hanging around you for a while.

Sending purrs and Light to help you with grieving.

Debby

http://homelesscatcare.blogspot.com/

caspersmom said...

I was so sorry to hear about Lily. Poor kitty, I also know how not being able to eat or drink is for a loving cat. Casper was like that in the end. Hugs. Purrs, and prayers for you in the loss of your sweet Lily.

Love,
Cleopatra and Mom

ShareThis

LinkWithin

Related Posts Widget for Blogs by LinkWithin

Please Follow Us...new posts don't always show in Google Reader so check in with us often!