I'm just thinking of Melody today. It's the third anniversary of the day when she left us for the Rainbow Bridge. One week after her 10th birthday, it became apparent that the chemo which had kept the lymphosarcoma at bay for seven months was no longer working, so back we went to the Vet to provide Melody with the only thing I had left to give her: a peaceful start to her journey to the Rainbow Bridge.

But I don't want to dwell on that day. I'd rather think about the 10 wonderful years with a special little black cat. Melody was an utter lap fungus, a Velcro kitty, you name it. She LOVED attention. Her hobbies were purring, chasing flashlight beams, and grooming everyone within reach with her little sandpaper tongue. Every person who came in contact with her loved her, because in her little fuzzy world, people existed in order to dote on, and be doted on by, cats.

She might be waiting for me at the Bridge, but she's certainly still here in our memories. It's not too long ago that I was retelling some friends how Melody decided to help supervise a plumber by sitting IN his toolbox as soon as he opened it. The poor man was perplexed as to what to do next, and wound up summoning me to the basement so I could retrieve the cat from her parking space on top of his equipment. I tried to keep a straight face when I saw the reason he'd asked me to come downstairs, but I don't quite think I succeeded. (LOL)

I know that someday I'll be with her again. Until then, I know she's healthy at the Bridge, purring and grooming any creature who'll sit still long enough.

I'll see you when I get there, Tiny Cat. I miss you.

In Loving Memory of Melody

Copyright © Donna Gabriel
April 9, 2003