Loving and Losing Adham - 1993 - 2008

Adham wasn't a feline movie star.  He didn't change hundreds of lives.  He didn't even know hundreds of people.  But, he certainly touched my life every day for over 15 years.

I met Adham while driving through a well to do neighborhood. I noticed a pet carrier on the curb, as though it was out for trash.  I was going to ask the owner if I could have the box.  As I got closer, I noticed the two gold eyes inside, and realized it was a cat.  The homeowner came out and said that she got the cat from a barn down the street.  But, she was afraid it had fleas, so she didn't want it in the house.  I asked if I could take it, and she said sure. 

I wanted him to have a nice name, a little different, maybe even a little mysterious. Adham is Egyptian for black.  So, I asked him if he liked the name.  It was one of the only times I heard him meow.

When I saw the notch in his ear, I assumed that he was part of a TNS program.  Later, I realized that probably wasn't true.  He grew into a big, bear of a black cat that ruled the roost, with his own brand of quiet authority. He always cuddled me when I was sad, and shared my happiness.. He pretty much owned my lap and the other cats knew it.

When I noticed the swelling in his cheek, I didn't want to think about it.  But, he and I both knew there was something wrong.

When he was diagnosed with cancer, I didn't dwell on it.  I just took it day to day.  Except for a little weight loss, he was happy and lively until his last day. 

Then, on that day, he wouldn't eat or even come sit with me.  He just stayed in his favorite window.  I petted him and told him that I loved him. I told him that I had to do some errands, and he meowed.  I guess that was his goodbye.  When I got back, he was gone.

We buried him along the shore by the lake.  I had a tree planted in his name. I can picture him sitting under it.

I'm happy that I had all of that time with him, and I have no regrets.  I really hope he is on a sunbeam, and one day we can sit there together.

Thanks for letting me share the story.

Diana  

TNS = Trap, Neuter, Spay

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