Dear Mudpie

Dear Mudpie,

How have 10 years gone by so fast? It seems like only yesterday that I first laid eyes on you and you completely stole my heart. We spent the entire ride home from the shelter gazing at each other and we've been inseparable ever since. I envy the fact that you can't foresee a day we won't be together in the physical sense.

I'm going to tell you something you already know - you're perfect. I'm the luckiest cat mom in the world because you're mine. When we met my heart was shattered in a million pieces after losing Truffles so suddenly. I wondered if I was making a mistake by adopting you just a month later. It scares me now to think if not for that tragic day, I never would've found you. Some things were just meant to be. 

I recently saw a meme on Facebook that deeply resonated with me. It said, "Them: You're too attached to your cat. Me: She is the reason the bad days never won." The truth is there've been a lot of bad days since we've been together, but in spite of that I wouldn't trade a day we've spent together for anything in the world.

You've been by my side through all of your grandpa's lengthy illnesses and hospitalizations, always waiting for me to come home to you at the end of a long day. You were by my side when I had to step away from the job I enjoyed for 23 years. Most importantly, you were there when that dreaded phone call came at 5AM informing me that your grandma had passed away in the hospital. 

Oh how your grandma adored you. Her favorite time of day was when you would spend the morning on her lap while I was at work. I'll never forget that the last words I ever said to her were about you. When I left her at the hospital that night she told me to give you a kiss for her, and to tell you that she'd be home soon. That's a memory I will carry in my heart until I take my last breath. I didn't get to say goodbye to her, but knowing our last conversation was about you is a tremendous comfort to me.

And your grandpa! I've never seen him love a cat so much. When he was hospitalized with sepsis a few years ago and became delirious he didn't know who anyone was, but when I showed him your picture he broke out in a great big smile and said your name. That shows your power, sweet girl! You're simply unforgettable.

The last 10 years have not been easy. Life has changed drastically and not in positive ways. I honestly don't think I would've gotten through any of it if not for you. You truly are the sole reason the bad days never won. My only hope is that I show you each and every day how special you are and how much you mean to me. 

You're the heart of our family. The center of our world. You make our lives complete. We worship the ground your precious little paws walk on, and we always will. 

Love you forever,

Mommy, Grandpa, and Grandma (from Heaven)