Asa's Little Shadow

Oliver is probably still following her boy, but in a far less tangible form.

Almost from the day we brought Asa home, Oliver has been his "Nana" - following him, kissing him, playing with him...

...hurrying us into his room if he cried in the night, and sometimes even curling up in his crib to comfort him.

Even his increased mobility didn't deter her - she played more, but always gently.  We had to get Luna declawed, but Oliver knew not to extend her claws, even when she was getting annoyed.

And you've perhaps noted the use of the past tense.

Because our sweet little kitten - only four years old - who was afraid of other cats and who never left the yard, finally got fed up with the little stray who kept coming by, and chased him out into our very busy street.  It seems that she never knew what happened, and she didn't suffer.

We, on the other hand, are heartbroken.  It was hard enough to have to put Gracey down earlier this year, when all the indications pointed to cancer, when she'd already begun to suffer, when she'd had fifteen years of being a spoiled diva.  We thought that one was sudden.  But this was shocking.  Breathtaking.  Shattering.

A special thank you to Auntie Jen, who came over to be with M. and Asa yesterday, while I had to work - and who sweetly installed our dishwasher!  Her blog post remembering Oliver gave me the courage to write this one, when I was pretty sure that I'd never find the words.

Meanwhile, the memory that brings the greatest joy, even through our tears.


We miss you, sweet kitten.