Paula Gregg revealed her devastating diagnosis of pancreatic cancer on April 18, and on May 2 she was gone.
I knew Paula as a fellow cat blogger, doting cat mom to her beloved Persians Truffle & Brulee, and President of the Cat Writers Association. She was Managing Editor for the Cat Blogosphere, organized Secret Paws, an annual event that made so many blogging kitties happy, and put together a Cats of the World Weekly Planner for many years. She was tireless and passionate about the many projects she was involved in. I never had the pleasure of meeting her in person but it was obvious in our online communications that she was a true southern lady.
I felt a connection to Paula for two reasons. First, we both had a beautiful, furry Truffle in our lives. Second, over the past couple years Paula devoted her time and energy to taking care of her elderly parents. The past year was especially difficult for her as her mother Faye struggled with Alzheimer's. Faye succumbed just before Christmas, and in those last difficult weeks her father had a lengthy hospital stay as well. I don't know how many times Paula posted on Facebook that she would come home late at night after a hard day and seek comfort in her cats.
So many times I thought about reaching out to her, just to say that I understood what she was going through, and to let her know how much I admired her grace through it all, but I never did. Now I wish that I had.
Times like this are a painful reminder of how short and precious life is. The little things we stress over are really so insignificant when something like this happens. We need to appreciate each and every day - even the not-so-great ones - and cherish the time we have with our loved ones, because we never know what tomorrow will bring.
Paula will be greatly missed by her family, friends, cats (who are safe with their breeder), and everyone who knew her. The outpouring of love for her in the pet blogosphere has been beautiful to witness. I hope she realized how many lives she touched.
Condolences
ReplyDeleteWe sat with her at a BlogPaws event and she was such a nice person, Mom never forgot her. We were sad to hear she had cancer and shocked that she was gone so fast. Her kitties will miss her so.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a heartbreak. Paula was one of the kindest sweetest people on earth and she will be so missed.
ReplyDeleteA well said and lovely remembrance of a very special woman.
ReplyDeleteA lovely tribute to Paula. A heartbreaking loss to the cat blogosphere and to all who love cats.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteHave a purrfect Thankful Thursday, Mudpie. My best to your mom. ♥
It is so hard to believe she is gone, just heartbreaking.
ReplyDeleteMelissa you know I had to sit and wonder a bit about something you hit upon. I wondered if Paula knew just how many people she had had such an impact on? I'd guess no she didn't and would have been happily surprised at how so many expressed their love and support over the past few days. I knew she too was going through a lot with caregiving and then ultimately losing her Mom in December. I went down that path as well. We all have regrets but we do the best we can. I do hope there is something positive that comes from all the suffering. It's hard, and there is no other way than forward.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful tribute to Paula. I wish I had gotten to meet her in person. XO
ReplyDeleteSuch a nice post for dear Paula, she touched so many in so many ways. Thanks for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop!
ReplyDeleteI find it hard to believe Paula has gone. I remember her photos of her at the games she loved to attend and I worried about her being tired looking after her mum. I never thought I could help being so far away but I know others did talk and that she has a lot of peple who remember her with so many happy memories.
ReplyDeleteI didn't know her well, but whenever I ran into her at various events, she was always so sweet and lovely. The cat world lost one of its brightest lights.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to Paula. She will be missed.
ReplyDeleteThis has been one of the saddest weeks ever.
ReplyDeleteThe world has lost an angel - so sorry to hear this news and wise words about appreciating how we have to tell those we love how special they are!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful remembrance post, Mudpie. I'm sure your good thoughts were enough to reach that special Angel✨Soft Pawkisses to the both of you🐾😽💞
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