
Belou and I were brought together a few days after my father died. She was funny looking. She made me laugh and forget for a moment the complete helplessness that comes from losing a parent. Together we made it through college exams and graduation, my first love and not to long after, my first broken heart, the death of my grandfather, a move that took us from Austin to Seattle and so much more.

When I thought life was so horribly unfair, she was there to represent something better.

Even though her smallness terrified me, she ended up a saving grace and a best friend.

Belou was born with Feline Leukemia and fought it for 8 years. When she got sick I remember praying...and when I felt like that wasn't enough...wishing on stars and making promises to be a better person if only she would get better. I guess she was meant to be somewhere else; a better place I hope.

She passed away one year ago this March. Belou was a fighter until the very end and even then, made sure she hung on until I was strong enough to let her go. She was the only bright spot during some very dark days and I miss her still. So, thank you Belou. I love you.
18 comments:
OMG, Cori, you have made me tear up here at work.
Belou is beautiful. (I have a tortie too -- her name is Noodle!)
I'm sure Belou is watching over you and enjoying your happiness with her two little brothers!
What a beautiful cat. You were both blessed to have had each other.
Oh gosh, Cori, I'm tearing up too. My Q was like Belou. My best friend and confidante. There when I needed him most.
I'm with Patti. Belou is watching over you and the boys, just like Q is watching over me and my pair.
hugs!
My first kitty was a tortie too. She also passed away just about a year ago. They really are special cats.
You sure do know how to make a person cry. And remember our own felines past. Thanks.
"Belou"... what a little beauty.
She prepared your heart and soul for the "boyz".
Hugs as you remember,
Andrea in Calif
Cori, that was such a beautiful post...Belou sounds like a beautiful cat, inside and out, and I'm glad that you both had each other for all those years...and I agree with everyone who said she's watching over you and the boys and probably smiling at their antics...when I lost my Mooshi last summer it broke my heart and I still miss her like crazy, but I hope Mooshi and Belou and Q and all our other beloved furry friends are in a much better place, scampering around and playing and getting treats and toys and pets and cuddles to their hearts' content.
Cori,
You made me cry at work too. You truly are very lucky to have had such an amazing kitty in your life. She was such a pretty little girl and I'm sure you made her life as wonderful as it could possibly have been.
Thank you for sharing her story with us.
I had a similar experience with my Nigel to yours with Belou. I got him a month after I moved out on my own, he was with me through heartache, graduate school, a move across the country and everything in between. In the end, he got sick and I had to say goodbye. It was awful and I was heartbroken. I love my Kona, I've had her for a year and a half and she's a great pal, but I'll never stop missing my Nigel. I think it's a good thing.
I know these feelings you describe so well. Belou was beautiful, and it sounds like she was a rare friend, too. Thank you for sharing these pictures and moments here.
forget tearing up, I'm sitting her bawling. I'm so sorry you lost your beautiful Belou. You were lucky to have each other. Thanks for sharing her with us. *hugs and purrs*
Nothin' like a good tortie.
Such a sweet post. I read your blog pretty faithfully but dont comment much. I just had to comment when I read this post. It made me cry too. Our pets are such a deep part of our lives and I believe that they are sent from God to bless us, and give us a taste of true unconditional love, it sounds like Belou did that for you. And you will always have her in your heart.
Thank you for all of the kind words. I think the bond we have with our pets is one of the most important. Honestly, I loved that cat second to only my mom. When i didn't have a friend to cry to, I cried with her. It's nice to have readers who understand the deep bond you can have with your pet.
P.S. I pretty much bawled my way through the post too.:)
What a wonderful cat and story.
*hugs*
Cori, I can't believe it's been a year. You totally made me cry. I'll always remember how she rolled her eyes at me, loved her treats and all the dribbling faucets you'd leave running for her...=)
You were so blessed to have had her in your life, just when you needed her most..and her to have you.
Our feelings for our little bundles of fur have no bounds.
My furry one is 17 years old and has cancer. I fear that it will not be long now until we help her cross over.
I have had her since she was 6 weeks old, she is the baby I never had..I don't know what I will do without her.
They live on in our hearts and memories and we are better for knowing them.
another one here crying at work - even though it is a couple days late.
I know the anniversary is hard and I am glad you have those boys to bring a smile to your face.
The pictures are very sweet.
My heart goes out to you - and to Karen with the sick kittie too.
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