This is Edward, enjoying one of his favorite things, a shoe box.
He was a birthday gift for my husband in October 1991 and instantly became Julia's best friend. They played together as youngsters and slept together when they were older. One of Edward's favorite things was to stand next to "his dog" and lean into her silky white fur. He did the same with Crystal when she joined our family. When Andrew, also a Siamese mix, came along in September 1992 Edward took him under his kitty wing and they became brothers in every way. Chuck joined the family the following year and attached himself to "the brothers," immediately.
For more than 15 years Edward was our acrobat. One of the local pet supply stores sold peacock tail feathers. Edward loved them, and could jump well over 4 feet straight into the air to capture that feather. They never survived long, but they were much enjoyed while they lasted. We had a short cat tree by the living room window, next to our rocking chair. Edward would slide through the corner opening in the top tray of the cat tree, onto the rocking chair and slide between the arm supports onto the tree and back again.
He was always a vocal boy and had the voice of the typical Siamese. He became quieter over the years, and was almost silent after Andrew crossed the Bridge in 2006, but he found his voice again when Chuck crossed two years later, and would howl loudly. I believe he was calling out for his "brothers." We have other cats, but none that bonded with Edward as Andrew and Chuck had done.
A few weeks ago I noticed Edward was losing weight. There were indications in the blood work of cancer, but it would have been cruel to put him through treatment at his age, especially when the odds of a cure were so slim. Riding in the car was very stressful for him (and for me) and being handled by strangers terrified him, so we opted to let him live the balance of his life in as much comfort as we could give him.
Edward had always been terrified of the outdoors. When we put in the cat enclosure I carried him to it, hoping he would enjoy the fresh air in a safely enclosed space, but he was terrified, and I never tried it again. But just a couple of weeks ago he started going to the door with the dogs. Since he wasn't able to climb the fence by then we would let him out, and watch him as he ate grass and enjoyed the sights and sounds. A few times we even put him in the enclosure and he seemed to enjoy exploring the new space.
We knew last night he was nearing the end, and we both were up frequently checking on him. By morning he was non-responsive and early this afternoon he fell asleep to wake up at the Rainbow Bridge. What a glorious reunion is taking place there today, as Edward, our patriarch, takes his rightful place in the Hale compound at the Rainbow Bridge.
Don't feel sad for us, please. Celebrate the life of this one-of-a-kind cat boy. Saying goodbye is never easy, but we are both thankful to have had Edward in our lives for 18 wonderful years, and to know that his transition was so gentle.
Marf, add him to the Bridge List, please:
*Edward, Siamese X, 8/1991 - 8/20/2009
Hugs
Marion and Brad
Marion,
With heartfelt sympathy on the loss of one of your beloved family members. How brave of you to be able to post his story. Indeed a very handsome fellow.
As he frolicks at the Bridge, awash in beauty and sunshine, in his now agile and pain free body, he awaits your reunion. No more fear of the outdoors, no enclosures but true freedom, and the love in his heart of the family who loved him for so many years.
May we all have the courage to celebrate the life of our beloved pet as you have set as an example.
[Hugs]
Mary Lou
Marion, How blessed you and Brad were to have had Edward in your lives for 18 years, and how blessed he was. He is back with his brothers and his best friends at the Bridge and they are watching over you and Brad. I am sorry for the loss, but so happy that his crossing was gentle and that he had a wonderful life with you. You and Brad are amazing people.
The girls send you some Nut hugs just in case you need them.
Much love,
Amanda and the Nuts
Marion: I am so sorry to read about Edward's passing. He had 18 wonderful years with you, Brad, and your furry family and you gave him a final gift by letting him go in peace. Sounds like it was the very best choice for all. He has joined the Hale contingent at the Bridge and is busy meeting all of our other furry (and not so furry) friends who are there. Hugs & Purrs, Linda & Sophie.
Marion
Edward's story reminded me of Smokey and her crossing. What an honor it is to be there for such a gentle and natural crossing. Maybe we have to be older ourselves to really understand the gift this is. I will always miss Smokey just as you will miss Edward, but I too chose to celebrate her long and full life rather than extend energy greiving for her. She left with the peace and dignity I had wanted for her. This was also Edward's gift to you.
I am now in that situation with Nila. She is doing pretty well right now though I do have to give her an extra pain pill more often now. I hope her crossing can be peaceful and natural when the time comes.
I celebrate with you the wonderful life of your sweet Edward.
Nora
Such a long and happy life for Edward, I am so glad that you were so blessed to have him with you for so long. My condolences to you. I'm sure Edward and his brothers are having quite the reunion today, and I'm sure they are looking down at you right now sending you thoughts and prayers for comfort.
God Speed Edward!
Hugs Marion and Brad { }
Kay
Until one has loved an animal, part of one's soul remains unawakened. ~ Anatole France
I'm so sorry Edward had to leave you. No matter how long or short a time our babies are with us it is still so painful when they leave. Edward had a wonderful life and the best parents. He left peacefully and you did not have to make that "terrible decision of love". There is probably a big party going on at the Hale Compound as he meets all his family and friends.
Your Edward just made the Rainbow Bridge a more joyous place, what a celebration going on there today!! How blessed you were to have this special boy in your life for 18 years. Hugs, Mel
Happy Landings,Edward. I sent a prayer to my Nellie to welcome you but I'm sure many others are there so anxious to see you once again. You had a peaceful flight to the Rainbow and were not in pain or distress.I'm sure you didn't like to leave your family here on earth but one day you will all be together again. In the meantime enjoy those catnip fields and the milky brooks and playing all day with the brothers and sisters who left you behind. The world here will miss such a fine gentleman cat.
Goodbye for now - and if you see Jiggles tell him 'hi' from her mama.
Nancy
Sorry - we got our 'hims' and 'hers' mixed up! Marion, you will miss Edward so much. I will be thinking of you.
Nancy(again)
Thanks, everyone, for your kindness and understanding. I went to PetsMart today for supplies, and stood for a while at the window of the cat adoption area watching two Siamese mix kittens playing. It brought back some wonderful memories. Just a few days after he came home Edward and Brad watched the movie Dances With Wolves together. It was so cute to see that tiny boy curled up so trustingly on his daddy's tummy. It's hard to grasp the concept that it's been almost eighteen years since that evening.
This was the first morning in well over 30 years that I didn't dish out cat food in the kitchen. None of the other cats want to hang out with dogs so they live on the lower level, and Brad usually handles the downstairs feedings. It was a strange feeling.
There is a huge hole in the air here today, but both of us are at peace with it. We were blessed to have had him for so many years, and know that we'll see Edward again one of these days.
Hugs,
What a handsome boy.
Thanks for sharing with us, Edward had a grwat life. I am glad his passing was peaceful.
Many prayers to you and your husband. Many for Edward for edward at the bridge.
I am glad you are at peace with Edward's passing. My thoughta & prayers are with you anyway because I know it is still hard to lose one.
To celebrate his life is a great tribute to how much you loved him. We all grieve many different ways as you know. Mine is to withdraw for awhile. I just can;t talk about it.
Cats are our personal choice but all animals give us so much enrichment to our lives. I can't imagine being without them. They can fill so many empty places like nothing else.
To quote a phrase from a Garth Brooks song.............I could haave missed the pain but I would have missed the dance. I think that speaks for all animal lovers.
The best to all of you & I know Edward is with his pals & heathly.
My best wishes,
PS:lost my 1st post so I hope this doesn't come up twice!
Very gentle huggles for both you and Brad, Ribs. I wonder whether it was Miss Julia, Andrew or Chuck at the front of the line on the other side of the Bridge. (gentle smile)
I've added Edward to the Bridgelist with prayers. I remember Julia telling Tabs about Edward;s :slide" from the cat tree, although I'd forgotten it until I read your message. The picture still brings smiles up here too.
Very gentle huggles and lots of prayers
Marf