| By Ralph SeeramAs I wrote my articles she was always by my bed pushing her warm soft body to my side, my stomach. Sometimes she used my legs as a pillow, and when she was in a demanding mood she placed her head on my laptop keyboards, stopping me from typing. It was the sign that she needed attention.I would have to stop typing and give her a massage, especially on the nape of her neck; if she was satisfied she would then cuddle between my legs and sleep there for the rest of the night.That has been the relationship between Chelsea and me for the past ten years. She slept on my chest, my side, on my legs, I could not move a leg or turn; I was restricted to sleeping to one position, on my back, if I moved to disturb her, she would give me the look of protest for disturbing her beauty sleep.About eighteen months ago I wrote an article about Chelsea, how demanding she was. At six in the morning if I am not out of bed she ensured that I wake up to give her a daily morning treat, she would come on my chest and kiss me. If that failed, she would knock stuff off the night stand and as a last resort shake the venetian blinds. This made such a loud noise that it sure got my attention.I wrote then how Chelsea had an operation to remove a tumor which was a side effect of some rabies shots she received years ago. Everything seemed well for a year then the tumor returned. She underwent another surgery to remove the new growth, but now the vet said there were no guaranties that the cancer will not return. It did, so she had another operation.When it returned for the fourth time I took her to the veterinarian again, who on examination gave the news I was afraid of; the cancer had spread and another surgery will not help, Chelsea was on borrowed time.After three surgeries and thousands of dollars I was helpless to do anything for her. I would have spent my last penny if it could have helped her. And so the agony began. Chelsea my love, my pet cat was in her final days, I inquired if she was suffering any pain to which the vet said no.The time came last week, but Chelsea told us earlier. She started to isolate herself, she started to hide in secluded spots under the beds; she did not want us to see her. I had to take her treats to her, she would not come out. For the first time she would not sleep on my bed, but under. She told us it was time, and my daughter Gail made the arrangements with the vet.This past week was one of the most difficult period in my life, from the time the decision was made to put her to sleep I must have cried a hundred times. The thought of witnessing the final days of my love was very emotional.Maybe only pet owners may understand my feelings. We did not regard Chelsea as a cat but as part of the family. She was regarded as the “first grandchild” and was treated as such, she was family, I could not believe how emotionally attached I was to Chelsea. Last Sunday was the appointed day to put her to eternal rest.My daughter, Gail, and I took her to the vet’s office, while in the waiting area Chelsea allowed me to pet her again, it was like her old self looking forward to a massage which I gave her, brushed her fur, as if it was her last wish.She knew the end was near, but she was ready, she looked pleased and happy, she gave me the “look” as if to say it was okay.Before the vet came I hugged her, kissed her, I told her I have to do this,Cheap Jerseys From China, as I loved her and I cannot see her suffer, I told her,“You have been a loving cat Chelsea, and I love you so much, go with all my love”.With my tears on her furry cheeks they put her to eternal sleep.On the drive back home I rested her little coffin on my lap, taking her home to be buried. I reflected, for all our human endeavors in life striving for material things, we are not better off than our pets. At the end of the day, we are reduced to be placed in a box just as Chelsea was. No cars, no house, no “things” we strive to accumulate, we only go in a box.Later, my daughter had a service to commemorate the happy life Chelsea had. We recalled how she was a frequent flyer between New York and Orlando, who had to get her individual seat on the plane, her mischievous ways knocking over stuff, sleeping on the “forbidden” living room set.I recall setting out all my clothes, the night before travelling to Guyana, only to see her scampering and disarranging all the clothes. There are so many things I am going to miss about her in the coming months Yes; Chelsea had a wonderful 13 years of life.My son Calvin and I buried Chelsea later that afternoon; we wrapped her in her favorite towel with her name embroidered, packed her favorite brush, and placed her in the grave in her favored curled position. My daughter planted a rose plant atop her grave, as I threw the last sand on her grave, I spoke to her again telling her how I loved her and that she is going will all my love.My daughter presented me with a picture album of Chelsea with the words “No longer by my side, but always in my heart”.Ralph Seeram can be reached at [email protected] |
