August 27, 2010

My time with you was precious...

My heart is full of emotion today. I do not even know how or where to begin this post.I apologize if this bounces everywhere or does not make sense. So I will just start from the beginning.

My life changed forever Fifteen years ago when my sweet and loving companions came into my life. They were my babies.

MY MISSY:

First was Missy, my cute little Sassy Girl. I was walking thru the pet store on my lunch break and that is where we met. I fell in love with her the moment I saw her. She looked up at me with her big green eyes and little pink nose. That is when I knew she was supposed to be my baby. So without asking or getting permission from anyone, I brought her home that night. (I lived in a duplex where animals were not allowed)Better to ask for forgiveness than permission right?

There are so many things I love about my Missy Rissy Roo,Ninny,Shriny,Princess... She had many nicknames over the years. There are so many memories I could share, but which ones? They were all precious to both of us.

First memory that comes to mind is how she LOVED me. She could be a peel to visitors, that is for sure! She was definitely MY girl. She would hiss at most people that came around. She did not like loud people or loud noises. I would sing her song to her in kind of a high pitch voice sometimes and she would bite me softly meowing until I stopped. Of course I laughed and would do it again in my nice voice. It was sure cute.

I chose to have my cats be mainly indoors... Well Missy had a mind of her own and would beg to go outside and play. I could never say no to her big eyes and cute face. She always made this little {brrlllit} sound when I looked or talked to her that was so cute! She got her way and became a mostly outdoor cat about four years ago. She loved being outside! This was her favorite to go explore and play. She was a good girl and never went too far and always came home safe.

She also loved to be inside with me wherever I was. Her favorite places were my bedroom and front living room. I would crack up when she would basically sit on the heat register for about an hour and either warm up her face or "freeze her face off" with the central air. What a silly girl!

The hardest thing for me was seeing you get "older" and sick. I always knew I would have to say goodbye one day. I just did not know that day would come so fast. You were such a brave girl, you were so strong. Mommy did not even know how sick you were until last Saturday. I always wondered how I would know it would be "time" to let you go.

When you looked into my eyes while I was comforting you, that is when I knew. I will never forget that moment with you. You trusted me to take care of you and love you the best I could. You told me it was OK and that it was "time" to say goodbye.
We took you to the vet and he confirmed our worry. My sweet love had a tumor in her mouth that caused her pain. I did not want you to suffer anymore. I had to be "big" and make that hard choice for you. I know you are happy now exploring and having fun! Be good and take care of your baby brother.

Thank you Missy for the love, joy and comfort you have given me through the years. You have been my loyal companion and best friend. I will never forget you! I love you with all of my heart. May you rest in peace my sweet girl.

MY MAVERICK:

You were my second baby, I still remember when I first got you. I picked you up in a baby blanket. You loved to be held like a baby from the moment you were mine.(Missy was pretty ticked at me when you came home) I'm glad you are best buddies now and together on your new journey.

My friend from work told me about her cats she had (Birmans) and that she was a breeder. The way she described your breed was exactly what I was looking for. You were such a sweet and loving little boy.

Some of my favorite memories of my bozzi, buhda, chubs, boogie monsee,baby(more nicknames)are:

I love how you let me hold you like a baby over my shoulder. You were my baby when I could not have one of my own. You were there to comfort me and love me. I loved how you always needed me to give you loves. You were my "chill" kitty that was always up for snuggling.

You were such a handsome little man with beautiful cool blue eyes. (That were a little crossed)I loved your big white and pink feet. You and your sissy both loved foot massages. You loved to be brushed, bathed and blow dried. Not many other cats like this kind of pampering. You were a mama's boy for sure! I once gave you a "lion" haircut when it was a hot summer. You were so embarrassed without all of your fur. You looked so cute!

I loved when you would wait for the second to hear me move in the morning and you were right there at the door ready to get me up. Unless you were asleep on my head purring. And if I did not come that is when you started being very vocal. You knew how to get what you wanted from me that is for sure!

I loved when you would lay at my feet while I was in my office on the computer or working on a project. I'm missing you both so much today. Our house is just not the same without you.

You were your sisters buddy and you always took such great care of each other. In the end I was so impressed by your love for one another.The way you both kept so calm and were so good it made me feel a lot better that you felt safe with me and that you were together.

Now you can see and run and play with Missy. Take good care of each other and have lots of fun! Remember I will be with you again someday. Until then, rest in peace my sweet little man.

I will keep you both in my heart forever. I know the pain will dull over time. I love you more than you will ever know. Saying goodbye was the hardest thing I have ever had to do so far. The last few moments with you were so special. I could have held you in my arms forever, but I knew I had to let you go. Until we meet again I will hold you safe in my heart forever.

Love,

Mommy

***Matt and I had a special goodbye for Maverick & Missy.It was so hard to see them go, but nice to see them look at peace. They lived a wonderful and full life full of love. I'm so thankful to our father in heaven for creating such sweet little spirits to have and love. These cats brought me so much love and joy into my life. I will be forever grateful for their love.


A few poems I have enjoyed these past few days.

A Simple Message From Your Pet
by Ken D. Conover

To have loved and then said farewell is better than to have never loved at all.
For all of the times that you stooped and touched my head, fed me my favorite treat and
returned the love that I so unconditionally gave to you. For the care that you gave to me
so unselfishly. For all of these things I am grateful and thankful. I ask that you grieve
not for the loss but rejoice in the fact that we lived, loved and touched each other's lives.
My life was fuller because you were there, not as owner, but as my friend. Today, I am
as I was in my youth. The grass is always green, butterflies flit among the flowers and
the sun shines gently down upon all of God's creatures. I can run, jump and play
and do all of the things that I did in my youth. There is no sickness, no aching joints
and no regrets and no aging. We await the arrival of our lifelong companions and know
that togetherness is forever. You live in our hearts as we do in yours. Companions such
as you are very rare and unique. Don't hold the love that you have within yourself.
Give it to another like me and then I will live forever. For love never really dies,
and you are loved and missed as surely as we are.

Your pet in heaven.


A Pet's Plea
If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should keep me from my sleep
Then you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
You will be sad- I understand
Don't let your grief then stay your hand
For this day, more than all the rest
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many happy years
What is to come can hold no fears
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.
I know in time you too will see
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail, it's last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve that it should be you
Who has decided this thing to do
We've been so close, we two these years
Don't let your heart hold any tears.
Author Unknown



May I Go
Do you think the time is right?
May I say goodbye to pain filled days and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best, an example tried to be.
So can I take that step beyond, and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first, I fought with all my might.
But something seems to draw me now to a warm and living light.
I want to go, I really do; it's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me and share your love and fears.
I know you're sad and afraid, because I see your tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that, and hope you'll always know,
That my spirit will be close to you wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me. You know I love you too,
And that's why it's hard to say goodbye and end this life with you.
So hold me now just one more time and let me hear you say,
Because you care so much for me, you'll let me go today.
by Susan A. Jackson

Cat Poem
They will not go quietly,
the cats who've shared our lives.
In subtle ways they let us know
their spirit still survives.
Old habits still make us think
we hear a meow at the door.
Or step back when we drop
a tasty morsel on the floor.
Our feet still go around the place
the food dish used to be,
And, sometimes, coming home at night,
we miss them terribly.
And although time may bring new friends
and a new food dish to fill,
That one place in our hearts
belongs to them. . . and always will.
by Linda Barnes

Four Feet in Heaven
Your favorite chair is vacant now...
No eager purrs to greet me.
No softly padded paws to run
Ecstatically to meet me.
No coaxing rubs, no plaintive cry
Will say it's time for feeding.
I've put away your bowl, and all
The things you won't be needing;
But I will miss you little friend,
For I could never measure
The happiness you brought me,
The comfort and the pleasure.
And since God put you here to share
In earthly joy and sorrow;
I'm sure there'll be a place for you
In Heaven's bright tomorrow...
by Alice E. Chase

August 19, 2010

Black Bean & Corn Quesadillas


We tried this recipe tonight. It ended up being pretty tasty and easy!

I made a few changes like... Wheat Tortillas, Pam instead of butter and Moz Cheese, and Garden Fresh Diced Tomatoes rather than salsa. It turned out Delish!

Ingredients

2 teaspoons olive oil
3 tablespoons finely chopped onion
1 (15.5 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (10 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1/4 cup salsa
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
2 tablespoons butter, divided
8 (8 inch) flour tortillas
1 1/2 cups shredded Monterey Jack cheese, divided

Directions
1.Heat oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Stir in onion, and cook until softened, about 2 minutes. Stir in beans and corn, then add sugar, salsa, and pepper flakes; mix well. Cook until heated through, about 3 minutes.
2.Melt 2 teaspoons of the butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Place a tortilla in the skillet, sprinkle evenly with cheese, then top with some of the bean mixture. Place another tortilla on top, cook until golden, then flip and cook on the other side. Repeat with remaining tortillas and filling.