Dear Penelope,
Yesterday was one of the most challenging days of my life and saying goodbye to you hurt so much. You were (are) truly a blessing, a Queen in her own right, the Princess Who Was Promised, a Kitty Among Kine. You were only in our lives for a little over a year, but in that year you became such an important part of our family. When you came into our lives, you needed peace, comfort, and love. You let us lavish you with attention and praise, and in return, you gave us many laughs, warm cuddle sessions, and wonderful memories that will last us a lifetime. I always smile when I think about how quickly you realized how happy you would be in our little apartment.
Last year when you arrived at our home, you hid for only a few hours under the couch, do you remember? Alex was playing Resident Evil: Village when you poked your little head out and made your presence forever known in our lives.
And boy what a presence you had. I loved the way you sang your cat song in the mornings, even though it was very early. That’s okay because Alex and I are early risers. When Alex would go to work at 4:00 am, it would be you and me, precious Penelope. You’d sit on my lap as I drank my coffee and checked my Animal Crossing island. You’d lay on the bed next to my desk as I wrote my articles and played around on my computer. You were always there. And I’m so grateful to you for it. There was not a single aggressive bone in your body. You were a true Lady.
I’m grateful you watched over Alex as much as you did. You were his first kitty, and he spoiled you to the moon and back. You kept his lap warm for many hours and kept him company through hard times and good times. You touched his soul in such a meaningful way, and that impact will never be forgotten. You also touched my soul, my darling Penelope. I remember when you and I first met. You were at my best friend Samantha’s apartment, and it didn’t take long before you felt comfortable around me. You kept Sam and me company for many enjoyable afternoons. I love the way you brought us all together. All of us will be forever thankful that you graced us with your life.
It’s funny because I always loved Penelope, the wife of Odysseus in Homer’s The Odyssey. Her parts in the book were my favorite to read, and I reread them several times. Looking back, I can see how you embody her best qualities.
According to Encylopedia.com, “Penelope was celebrated for her faithfulness, patience, and feminine virtue. For the twenty years that her husband was away during and after the Trojan War, Penelope remained true to him and helped prevent his kingdom from falling into other hands. Penelope’s parents were Prince Icarius of Sparta and Periboea, a nymph, or female nature deity. Periboea hid her infant daughter as soon as she was born, knowing that Icarius had wanted a son. As soon as Icarius discovered the baby girl, he threw her into the sea to drown. But a family of ducks rescued her, and seeing this as an omen, or a sign from the gods, Icarius named the child Penelope (after the Greek word for “duck”) and raised her as his favorite child. When Penelope reached womanhood, Odysseus asked for her hand in marriage.”
Penelope, you were a beautiful creature, loyal and steadfast, and loving soul. Last year was incredibly difficult for both of me and Alex. We faced many painful experiences but you were there for all of it and even when we were sad, you reminded us that there was joy and love in the world. Most of all, my sweet Penelope, you were such a beautiful guardian to us.
We were merely your servants. I know it was your time to go, but I wanted you in our lives for so much longer. I want to pet you and feel your beautiful soft fur. I want to hear your purrs again as I stroke your chin. I want to see you keeping an eye on things from your window perches. Wherever I look, I see you and feel you. So I know you’re not truly gone. This mortal shell temporarily separates me from you, but I know you’re there, watching over us. I know our spirits will be reunited.
In the meantime, eat as much Fancy Feast as you can. Sleep as long as you like in the warm sun. Play with your laser pointer and your cat’s wand. We will see you again, sweet Penelope.
For now, rest. We all love you so much.
Mack's Musings 