dysw: Saying Goodbye to Mugsy's Cousin

We had to say good-bye to the best cat ever on Tuesday, November 22, 2016. I got a text from Matthew that afternoon saying that when he got home he found Mugsy in his litter box, unable to move or walk. When I got home Matthew had him wrapped in a towel and cradled in his arms like a baby. He remained there the rest of the night until he passed at about 7:30pm. We had made an appointment for the next day to help his pass away at the vet's, but thankfully didn't need it. His body was tired and let go on its own. The kids got to say good-bye and Carter held him for awhile. He was so weak and skinny, unlike his normal self. After he passed, Matthew continued to hold him for a while. It was so hard to set him down, to finalize it. Finally, Matthew laid him on the floor of the living room and Carter, Matthew, and I sat around to share what we would remember most about him. He was such a hunter, he loved his special spot under the Christmas tree, and he loved laying near my tummy when I was pregnant with both the kids. That next morning, I heard phantom meows, and when I got up I felt like he should be wrapping his body around my legs nearly causing me to trip over him like every other day. I can't imagine how Matthew felt that first morning. Every morning for at least the last 10 years, the first thing Matthew has done is feed him. Gracie doesn't seem to be bothered and Lanie doesn't understand the significance of losing him. Matthew got home from work on Wednesday and dug his grave. The 3 of us sat near it for a while crying, and in the end, Matthew wanted to cover it up on his own. As I look back at some pictures I found of him, I am amazed at how much he was a part of our lives! Everywhere we were, every celebration, every day, he was there. He brought so much happiness, comfort and love to our lives I can't even describe it. I am so thankful to have had him in my life for the last 18 years and Matthew for the last 22. Some things I learned from him: