Leo and I met in late 1994. We were instant friends:) He was a stray in the apartments where I lived before and after attending UCF. In the evenings I liked to walk around and make friends with the neighbor cats. One evening after many weeks of encountering Leo at different places around the apartments I opened my car door, put Leo on my lap, and took him home... for good:)
I guess the timing was right, for both of us. He needed a home, and I needed a cat, since almost a year previous my beloved Sampson of 17 1/2 years went out never to return.
Leo lived a good life. I love him dearly, and cared for him like a child. He was never very ill, and was almost always happy and content. We were happy together:) We spent over 12 great years together and lived in 6 different houses/apt.'s. He always adjusted quickly and was "at home" wherever he was, and people loved him wherever he went.
Over the last few years he became especially affectionate. He slept with me, and on me. He often walked into my office and meowed just to get me to come to the bedroom and pet him. He was a great purrer. Purring is so soothing. It's one of my favorite things about cats.
Leo was getting noticeably old. He moved a little slower and couldn't jump up like he used to. In fact, I had to create "steps" so he could get up on the bed. I'd hear the box move when he climbed up, then after a brief delay his cute little face would appear above the mattress, then after another brief delay he'd get up onto the bed and make his way to me and climb on my chest. If he wasn't already purring, it wouldn't be long! I love Leo dearly.
I buried Leo ceremoniously in the back yard. I laid him to rest with a "BORN TO BE WILD" tiger T-shirt and two photos - one of me and Leo, and one of the painting above, which was done be my mother, the artiste and cat lover. As many of you know, she is the source of my love of cats.
So, Leo's life force has left his body. I will always hold his essence near and dear to my heart, as I do my father's and my mother's. I guess we don't choose who we love... we just do. So, I cry to experience the loss, but I smile to move forward in love. It's all valuable, and all part of the gift of life. In fact, it's at times like these that I feel most fortunate. I have a profound sense of how fortunate I have been. To love a person or a pet and feel it back is a wonderful thing. This feeling does not die. And things live on, at least in our memories, and possibly beyond...
Thank you for listening. I love you all. Take care and be well.
EmotionallYours,
swami*
"Cat Lover"
P.S. Of course, I realize you are naturally curious how Leo died. Unfortunately, it was dark, he was asleep on the driveway, and I didn't see him as I backed in. His life force left him within seconds. He did not suffer. Plz know that I don't blame myself. It was just an accident; a matter of circumstances. I regret it happened, and wish Leo would announce himself at my office door and demand some lovin', but alas, things are different now. As painful as it is, these are the times of greatest personal growth...