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Goodbye Sweet Ling Ling

11454297503_e27946e4ff_hThe vet’s words faded in and out. Key phrases caught my ears.
“Kidney levels…off the charts…heroic efforts…even then it’s unlikely…”
He paused and looked at me for a long moment. “It would be a kindness,” he finally said.

I stroked my cat’s soft fur and my eyes filled and my heart ached. I remembered her as a small fuzzy kitten, skittering about the house. Then, later, as the valiant cat who had recovered from serious injury and re-adjusted to life on three working legs. The cat who greeted me each morning and afternoon. The one who raced to the kitchen whenever a deli bag wrinkled, to beg desperately for sliced ham. The one who meowed plaintively from the hallway when she felt it was time for me to go to bed, and who slept snuggled by my side. Who purred contentedly as I stroked her in the dark hours when insomnia visited. And now I cradled my featherweight cat in my arms, feeling the weight of her years. After a moment, I looked at the vet and I nodded, marking the beginning of the end of seventeen years of our togetherness.

Later, as the poison flowed into her veins, I held her body in my arms, pet her, and wept, whispering to her.

“Thank you, sweet Ling Ling. You were the best.”

“I’m going to miss you so much.”

“You won’t hurt anymore, sweet girl.”

I kissed the top of her head three times, once for each of my children, saying softly, “This is from Connor. This is from Addie. This is from Lyddie.”

And then it was over. Oh, so quickly.

Last night, we buried her under the apple tree.

 

 

jungle cat.jpg

20 thoughts on “Goodbye Sweet Ling Ling”

  1. Ms Victor Reads says:
    August 29, 2017 at 6:11 am

    Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. I had to have my cat euthanized while I was out of town (3 more days and I would have been there to hold him). Your farewell to her was sweet. I know you will miss her (I still miss my cat two years later). Sending you hugs and great memories.

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  2. margaretsmn says:
    August 29, 2017 at 6:15 am

    I am so sorry for your loss. I am teary because I’ve been there. We had a three-legged cat named Sammy who gave us many years of joy. And just a few weeks ago we lost an outside cat to some wild animal. Our pets become a part of us. Sending you sympathetic hugs this morning.

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  3. jcareyreads says:
    August 29, 2017 at 6:24 am

    Your love and appreciation for Ling Ling shined throughout this piece. Sending some love your way. ❤️

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  4. Dan Rothermel says:
    August 29, 2017 at 6:55 am

    Touching tribute.

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  5. Patty says:
    August 29, 2017 at 6:56 am

    So sorry to hear, Molly. It is losing a member of your family. Sending hugs.❤️

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  6. Adrienne says:
    August 29, 2017 at 8:06 am

    Losing a pet is so difficult. They are so tightly woven onto our lives their absence is keenly felt. This was a beautiful tribute to a faithful friend.

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  7. Peggy says:
    August 29, 2017 at 9:56 am

    Sweet, sweet eulogy for the most loving cat. Ling ling was blessed to be part of the family for all those years. Her bravery was exceptional, her heart-devoted. My heart goes out to you. May she Rest In Peace forever under the apple tree.

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  8. lindabaie says:
    August 29, 2017 at 6:41 pm

    Cats live so long and it’s never long enough. I’m sorry for your sadness, Molly. You described Ling Ling so beautifully.

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  9. Judith Mansour says:
    August 29, 2017 at 8:17 pm

    What a beautiful tribute to your beloved cat. It’s a pain that owns specific real estate that only pet owners have. Sending you love and good vibes.

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  10. kd0602 says:
    August 30, 2017 at 10:06 pm

    So sorry for your loss Molly. Our pain is still fresh with the loss of Jack, and the house is so quiet. Lucky Ling Ling to have had you all love her.

    Kim

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  11. Amy Warntz says:
    August 31, 2017 at 8:00 pm

    Oh, Molly, I’m so so sorry. There are tears in my eyes and I carry a heavy heart. I fully understand the impact our pets play in our life. May you remember the happy times and know that your precious Ling Ling is at peace.

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