Request for Prayers and Understanding
"God always answers, one way or another, even when people don't recognize his presence." -- Job 33:14, The Message
One of my cats is dying. It was just confirmed today, though I'd already feared the possibility.
Back in December 2004, my two cats were born in South Philadelphia, a boy cat and a girl cat, brother and sister from the same litter. I adopted them less than three months later, in February 2005, while I was still in my first year of law school.
They've been with me ever since, for over 10 years now. Through all the changes in my life. Through all the moves from one apartment to another to another and to another until finally moving to a house. Through the relationships that I had and the hard, challenging times that I've gone through. And every time that I came home from a trip, especially after a handful of long international trips over these years, they were always at the door waiting for me. They were there through it all, thick and thin, day in and day out. Like family.
And so now, to hear the news today from the veterinarian that my girl cat is in the final stage of acute kidney disease and there's nothing I can do to save her, I feel completely heartbroken and helpless. It all came on so suddenly, really only at the beginning of this week. In fact just this past weekend she was sprinting down the stairs to jump up on my lap to knead me and then curl up on my lap while I watched tv. Just this past weekend!
Then, just a couple days ago, she suddenly got weak and had trouble walking. So I began taking time off of work to keep an eye on her and to get her to the veterinarian. I wasn't able to take her that day (Wednesday), but my wife and I got her to the vet yesterday. She had dropped from a peak weight of over 12 pounds to now only 6 pounds. They took blood and urine samples and told me to call back today for the results.
Now, I'm just praying that I can keep her comfortable until her time comes, which seems to be soon. For those of you who don't have pets, please understand that my cats are like family to me. As I said, they've been with me through it all. So, it's only right that I must be with her until the end. Many people say that family should come before work, but then they don't really live it. Many times it's not an easy decision, especially from a financial or logistical standpoint. I get it. I'm just doing the best I can. I'm sorry if I'm not as responsive these past few days (and probably the next couple or perhaps few...?), but I hope you understand. And so, I simply ask for your prayers and understanding. Thank you. Sincerely, Tighe
UPDATE:
My cat, The Baby, died on Monday, November 23rd at around 2:40 p.m. My wife and I were on the way to the vet, as I had The Baby gently wrapped in a towel on my lap, when she passed away peacefully. I'd like to think that she was comfortable and at peace in my lap, with warm sunlight coming into the car as she took her last breath.
After several days of barely sleeping, while I did my best to comfort her and love her in her final days, I'm very tired now. I'm also emotionally spent, after many supplicant prayers to God and many tears shed for The Baby. As such, I don't intend to return to work until Monday (11/30/15) morning; I hope you understand. In the meantime, I wish you and your family a safe and happy Thanksgiving. Thank you again, Tighe