Dear Josephine,

I will always remember February 3, 2002 as the day my heart got broken. I came home from church on that cool Sunday morning to be told by Lee that you were gone. Disbelief was my only feeling at that moment, because I always believed that you would be with me for so much longer. And I was suddenly overcame by shock and grief when I saw you lying in our garage covered by a blanket.

Do you have any idea how much you meant to me? I never saw myself as your master and you as my pet. You are my best friend. You are a member of our family. You were in my life before my marriage, before my children. For eight years, you have been my one absolute constant comfort zone.

Good or bad days, you were ALWAYS there for me, and now I miss you so so much. I miss how you always sleep on our bed and fighting with me over my pillow. How you lead one of us to your food bowl every morning. How you were a strong yet quiet force in the background. I will miss how you run so fast across the living room and stop at the entryway rug and start scratching on it. I will miss how you stand by the food bowl and meow even when there’s already food. Silly Josephine.

I will miss how you would lie outside, observing God’s creations, the universe, and life. Picking up your cat hair before was a chore, and now I cry whenever I see any of them. And most of all, I will miss you following me where ever I go in the house and lay down beside me, just to be close to me. There are so many memories you leave behind for me.

My life became so busy over the years, and because of that, I didn't spend as much time with you that I once did. And for that, I'm so sorry, but you never resented me. You appreciated me everyday of your life. Every time I scratch your neck or tummy, you act like it’s the first time, relishing every stroke - purring so loudly.

Not just myself, but you were loved by many. As a baby, Kevin would always sit next to you, with one hand drinking his milk and the other stroking your beautiful fur. And now at almost five, he would motion for you to jump on his bed at night so that you can sleep next to him. Seeing me cry for you, he would share with me, "I miss Kitty, too. We all miss him, but he’s in heaven with Jesus."

As for Connor, he calls you "kit", and whenever he sees you sit on a chair, he would climb up and, like Kevin, sits next to you, with one hand sucking his finger and the other stroking your soft fur, as well. Lee cared a lot for you, too. He’s usually the one feeding you every morning, and the one that opens the door for you to come and go.

Your presence was also cherished by Hoa and Khue when you stay with them whenever we go out of town. And of course, your friend Alie and soulmate Rocko, whom you go so far back with. You see Josephine, not just my face, but many faces you have put smiles on, and not just my tears, but many were shed for you that day and the days to follow.

I cried so much and kept asking God why. It’s not time for me to know, but the day I brought your ashes back home, he comforted me with a thick, yet so rare in Texas, covering of the land with beautiful snow. I have no doubt that you are with Him, and I liked to believe that it wasn't snow, but you were shedding your white fur onto us from Heaven above!

Josephine, your death was so senseless, but your short period here was with meaning and purpose. You've taught me that watching a butterfly fluttering in the air was so lovely. You taught me not to ask for much, but to give as much as I can. You taught me food and water sustain the body, but love and patience preserve the soul. Though God created me in His own image, it is your unconditional love, unconditional loyalty, and boundless gentleness and kindness that make you a truer reflection of our Lord.

For now my precious Josephine, let Daffy show you around in God’s garden. She can't wait to romp around with you once again. Just like you came whenever I called you, come to God when He calls you. Listen carefully as He tells you what a wonderful creature you are and how much joy, amazement, and love you have brought me. He will explain to you that you were never just a cat, but a dear, loyal friend and companion. He will let you know that He understands that you want to go back to this world to be with me, but He needs you now to be my angel for all the days of my life.

I am so sad because I miss you so much, but I will pray every night that all of us will see you again in Heaven.

Till we meet again, Josephine. My sweet friend. My gentle friend. My best friend.

In Loving Memory of Josephine
August 1, 1994 - February 3, 2002

Copyright © Karen Rebodos