Saturday, July 11, 2015

With Heartfelt Thanks...


It feels so wrong to start a blog post without writing "Hey everybody, it's Truffles!"

I hadn't planned on blogging this weekend, but I had to take a moment to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for the support I have received over this past week. The pain has been unimaginable, and I don't know what I would have done without the love, support, and sympathy from everyone who taken the time to write to me to say how much my precious little angel meant to them. Truly, if love could have saved her, she would have lived forever.

Truffles was so protective of me. If I wasn't in the room with her she would call out for me. Over the past year with my parents' illnesses she would comfort me. I have a feeling she's watching over me right now, worrying about me because I'm crying so much. She was the sweetest cat *ever* and I know that leaving me to face life without her broke her heart.

She will continue to be a HUGE part of this blog. I think writing about her is going to be the only way I'm going to get through this. I still have several of her interviews yet to run and pictures that haven't been seen. I want to share the incredible acts of kindness I've been shown and do more research into the horrible disease that took her from me way too soon.

My friend Leslie Goodwin, who wrote the wonderful book Cat Skills, will be guest posting for a couple days next week on the grieving process, in order to give me a little more time. I'm not ready to dive back in just yet.

I have no doubt that Tara sent Truffles to me, and I've asked Truffles to let me know who she chooses as her successor when she feels that I'm ready.

One thing is for sure...they will have some mighty big paws to fill.

*****************

I'm entering today's post in Athena's Caturday Art blog hop and the Sunday Selfies blog hop hosted by The Cat on My Head.

51 comments:

Lone Star Cats said...

They sure will. Sendin big hugs and purrs.

GLOGIRLY said...

You've been in our thoughts so much, Melissa.
We hope our virtual hugs and the love we send to you help to dry some of those tears.
We'll miss your sweet Truffles.
xo

Sweet Purrfections said...

You're in my thoughts, Melissa. That hole is awfully huge right now, but we're sure Truffles will send another to help heal it when it's time.

Unknown said...

What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose.
All that we love deeply becomes a part of us.
-Helen Keller
- love and hugs from LadyBird and her mom

Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty said...

We are sure Truffles is watching over you and looking after you.

Hugs and purrs xx
Athena and Marie

Linda Szymoniak said...

I'm so sorry. It's never easy to say goodbye. Know that you'll see her again some day.

The Swiss Cats said...

You're in our thoughts. The support of the cat bloggers community is a huge help in such rough times. Purrs

Anonymous said...

We're thinking of you all the time, Melissa. Truffles was a part of your life and she will always be near you :) Soft Pawkisses to comfort you <3 <3 <3

Jeanetta said...

I know Truffles is watching over you, and I am sure she misses you too. Please take all the time you need to heal. We will be here when you are ready. XOXO

Ingrid King said...

You have been in my thoughts, and my heart breaks for you all over again every time I think of what you're going through. Be gentle with yourself during this difficult time.

CATachresis said...

It is a very sad time and it will be a while before you can feel even close to normal again! You have been much in my thoughts, Melissa. Sending hugs to you, Caro xx

Pawesome Cats said...

You're in our thoughts, and we're sure that Truffles is watching over you with the other kitty Angels. Much love XXOO.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Truffles will always be making her presence known, Mellissa, as close as you both were..Sending love and comforting purrs from my own kitties to you. xx

Julie, Tinker, Anastasia, Bridgie and Chopin

Cats Herd You said...

You've been in our thoughts all week, Melissa. Take all the time you need. There's no timeclock on how long it takes to feel not-so-lost. Grief is like a rock in a river. The edges do wear over time until they aren't as sharp. We're sending big purrs and lots of love in the meantime.

katsrus said...

Sending hugs and purrs.
Sue B

pilch92 said...

Such a perfect quote to go with this beautiful graphic of Truffles. Sending you hugs.

Lola The Rescued Cat said...

We've been thinking about you all the time and sending purrs and prayers. Truffles and Tara will life forever in your heart, and in the hearts of many.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful, Melissa! Sending caring thoughts and love. Take care and take the time you need.

Kitties Blue said...

The art is extraordinary. The Dickens' quote is new to me, and it was just the right choice. I know that both Truffles and Tara will be in your heart forever. But I also know Truffles will guide you when the time is right for another cat to adopt you. Melissa, you will remain in my heart and prayers as you grieve. Hugs, Janet

www.shelter-cats.com said...

Thinking of you. "No amount of time can erase the memory of a good cat, and no amount of masking tape can ever totally remove his fur from your couch."
xxoo
Maggie

leslie said...

Melissa, the love you shared with truffles will be returned back to you ten fold...She will come back to you in the form of another needy soul cat...I know it...hugs, Leslie

noodlecat said...

We are sending great big Noodle hugs to you right this very minute! And please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers...

Noodle and crew

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

What a beautiful graphic of Truffles. I too found solace in writing, and I still do. As you know I still write about Abby and tomorrow I have another post for her. If that helps bring you comfort then do not hesitate to write it all out. The love you have equals to the grief you feel and it will take time to find your path along the way.
Thinking of you.

ROCCO LOTEMPIO said...

Truffles will always be with you, as will Tara. And you will love another cat again.....Rocco and I just know it. Take care and Godspeed.

brokenteepee said...

There will be another one for you because there are so many that need you as much as you need them. Truffles was a sweetie and I'm very sorry she left you so soon.

Fiona L. Woods said...

When I lost my big boy Panther to cancer, I could not even be in the same room with another cat without breaking into tears for months. Then one day a little black kitten was on my porch when I went outside. Panzer has been my friend ever since. When the time is right Truffles will give you a gift.

BeadedTail said...

We're so sorry that Truffles left for the Bridge too soon. The pain you are feeling can never erase the happy times with her and we know she's with you always. She will have a paw in the next kitty in your life. We're glad she'll still be a part of your blog. That'll be a lovely way to honor her memory.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Oh Melissa, I am crying all over again. This was so beautiful, and for you to take the time to do this during your immense grief is just incredible.
I love that Truffles will still be a huge part of the blog and we sure do want to see photos that we haven't seen yet (even ones that we HAVE seen)
I will be sure to read what you find out about that horrendous disease.
The graphic is just gorgeous, the poem, everything.
I am certain when the time is right, Truffles (and Tara) will send you a most incredibly special kitty. Just like she was.
Sending you much love!!!

Daph said...

I feel for you. I truly do. I have been through something similar with my Clara and its hard sometimes - really hard - but don't be afraid to blog about it! We're here for you.

Anonymous said...

Oh Ms. Melissa weez sendin' you lots and lots of purrayers. We don't unnewstnad how this happened eever or why. Weez so luvved Truffles and we know how much she luvved you. Weez know she will send you a kitty to fill da hole in yous heart dat she left. There will never be anuvver Truffles fur you or fur us, but we will luv and suppowrt da luv she sends.

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Dezi and Lexi

AnnStaub said...

Sending love your way. Truffles will truly be missed. I'd be interested in learning more about saddle thrombus. I remember a few kitties coming in for it before, but I don't remember much about it other than the outcome.

Renaissance Teacher said...

Oh, my goodness! I've been out of town and am just now hearing the news. I (along with Storm and Dora) are so sorry for your loss and send you our prayers.

The Island Cats said...

We sure will miss Truffles. She left this world much too soon. We continue to send you comforting purrs, Miss Melissa.

lorraines resources and rewards said...

sending hugs and kisses so sorry for your loss truffles will always watch over you

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

The picture and quote are beautiful. Truffles will live on in your heart forever, and she will always be there to watch over you. Little things will let you know she is close by and you will know she is there. Love and hugs to you.

My GBGV Life said...

If something should happen to me, I'm sure my internet presence would come to a complete stop. We are so very sad about Truffles and especially sad for you.

Kitties Blue said...

Thanks for including Truffles in the Blog Hop today. We really would have missed her participating. Continuing to send purrs and prayers. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

The Daily Pip said...

I absolutely know she is watching over you and I'm sure she will send you a new friend when the time is right.

I know we are new followers so you didn't know my first dog Pip (who I started our blog with). He passed away in October 2013. He was truly my heart and I knew I couldn't blog without him. Although we have Ruby now, I still include Pip in the blog - kept the name and continue to post pictures of him with his "life lessons". It has been very healing for me to do this and a way to keep him alive in my heart. So, yes I say keep including Truffles in the blog if it feels right for you.

Christy Paws said...

Beautiful art of beautiful Truffles. You are in our thoughts. Sending you love and paw pats.

Mariodacat said...

Our hearts are still breaking for you and your loss. I have lost 6 dear pets over the years due to health problem is, but all were expected. I just can't imagine what a shock it was to have it happen so suddenly without any warning. It is going to take time...just one day at a time. Big hugs from M.

wildcatwoods said...

I have lost so many kitties over the years and it is so hard each time. My heart is aching with yours. Truffles was here for you for such a short time but she will be your angel watching over you from now on. I hope it does help to know so many of us know your pain. Thinking of you each day and hoping it gets easier as time goes on.

LP said...

We know Truffles is still watching out for you and always will. Our Angel Leo left us last summer and our Mama says she feels him with her every day on her bike rides. He looks out for her :) Be gentle with yourself Melissa. It will get less raw.Sending you our continued love.

Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo

Katie Isabella said...

My Angel Admiral left me and I was so bereft and cried so hard and so much my shirts stayed wet in the front. There was no use in wiping my eyes so the tears just continued to fall. It has been three, going on four years and she chose Katie Isabella for me. She and I have a great love too but I will always miss my Tortie baby Admiral. She still has her blog and she posts from the Rainbow Bridge maybe once a month or so.

xxoo

Squeedunk Cats and Z-Girl said...

What a wonderful quotation to share today. You and Truffles have been a constant in my thoughts and prayers. She will watch over you always, and while I am quite certain the thought of another kitty entering your space is unimaginable, you can be sure that she absolutely will send to you another feline in need. I know it from experience! We will be here to support you as you continue the blog and share more information about the disease. Whatever we can do to help. In the meantime, we wish we could help wipe away a few tears. Laura and the Squeedunk Gang

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

Melissa, this was such a lovely tribute for Truffles and I'm glad she'll be continuing to have a presence here. Our friend, Debra from Manx Mnews has inspired many by blogging about her Angel Abby and hope she inspires you as well. Sending continued purrs of comfort.

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

Melissa, this was such a lovely tribute for Truffles and I'm glad she'll be continuing to have a presence here. Our friend, Debra from Manx Mnews has inspired many by blogging about her Angel Abby and hope she inspires you as well. Sending continued purrs of comfort.

Cathy Keisha said...

I hope you are doing better. The pain from this particular disease tends to stay with you cos you know how they suffered. We still thinking of you every day. Tara and Truffles will chose some cat for you to love and to fill your heart. TW isn’t sure that Nicky would have chosen me for her but here I am.

meowmeowmans said...

Melissa, this is such a lovely tribute to Truffles. We are glad she'll continue on here, since we know that she will certainly always be with you, in your heart. Always. Thinking of you lots, and sending purrs, prayers and hugs.

Nancy said...

Melissa, I think we all fell in love with your Truffles. Thank you for continuing to share your feelings, and thoughts, and expressions of love & tribute for your precious little girl. She was a part of all of our lives, and always will be. I have no doubt that Tara and Truffles are sending you healing energy each and every moment of your day. Many blessings

Clooney said...

Such a beautiful Caturday art creation of your beloved Truffles. We, too, know she is watching over you. Many purrs to you...

Dash Kitten Crew said...

Yes, please, let Truffles speak again, the plans are in place, and she will watch with approval as we read her words and enjoy her beauty, when you feel ready to share them.

Losing Truffles was a tragedy, and her being shared will be brave and kind. I still can't look at videos of Dash. You have my best love and all my tears. dash watched over me in my accident, Truffles watches over you now.

Marjorie, Silver, Miranda, Harvey and Phoebe
Tam Dash Kitten