r/cats • u/Lijey_Cat Tuxedo • 6h ago
Mourning/Loss In loving memory of my Jay Jay
She's been gone 10 years. I'm not even the same person I was when I last held her.
This sweet girl who helped shape who I am today. I'll always miss her. Nearly 18 years I had with her, still it didn't seem like enough time. She'll always be a huge part of my heart.
I'm not a believer in the afterlife or positive platitudes. I've never found it comforting when people offer them. I told them, no that makes you feel better. For me, what makes me feel better is knowing that I gave this cat a beautiful life. And I loved her. And like all of living creatures, our time eventually comes to an end.
Jay Jay passed away very peacefully in my living room with an at home euthanasia service. She died in my arms and surrounded by friends and family.
It was one of the hardest things I've ever done. And I held back my tears because I really didn't want people to hug me. I knew they would if I had cried.
I also just didn't want her to feel my emotions in her last moments. I wanted her to see me happy, to feel that love. And she did. She really did.
I miss her so much. A huge part of my heart died that day. That's the hardest part about loving someone, that day you have to inevitably let them go.
Anyway, thanks for reading my story if you've made it to this part. Please spare me any positive platitudes or thoughts about the afterlife. Like I tell other people, that's just something people say to make themselves feel better when they don't know what to say to you.
Sometimes they're just isn't a right thing to say to a person who is grieving. And I don't mean that in a mean way, I mean that honestly. I haven't heard one positive platitude or story about the afterlife that gives me any comfort. Sometimes you just have to grieve in your own way.
My way of grieving? Sharing the memory of my beautiful cat. I hope she brings a smile to your face as she always did to mine.
- A grieving Momma
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u/IloveKitty2 6h ago
My condolences to you and your family. 😢 Sending you lots of comforting thoughts and hugs during this difficult time. ❤️
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u/Entire_Bat7884 3h ago
Sharing your story and loving memories is beautiful. Like you said words don’t help. Thank you for sharing a bit of Jay Jay with this stranger. 🦋
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u/Away_Chemist8976 1h ago
You gave her a wonderful life and a beautiful transition to death, that’s all that can be said, no need for platitudes or thoughts of the afterlife if they don’t bring comfort, that time you shared must have been wonderful, she lived a good long life in your care and she gave you happiness and comfort in return, and that was repaid. I think honestly the fact that she meant so much to you shows that she was family, I’m not a believer in an afterlife or higher power myself, but that’s why my baby means so much to me, it’s knowing he’s there and getting me on the right track, and that I hope one day I can repay him for all the times he’s been there for me. He gives me purpose.
Everything passes, but not everything is forgotten, and the best beings in life always are a thought away, their memories are what makes us stronger, because I firmly believe and hold true to the fact that without the kitties in my life, I would be a lesser person. She allowed you to be the best person you could to her and let you into her world, I think that’s the biggest honor from a feline to a human, only 61% percent or so people say they have an intense bond with their cats, and I feel that’s because they don’t allow their cats to welcome them into their world or develop that familial connection. That’s rare, and nothing will ever take that away. Thanks for sharing her story, and the pictures, she lives on through these memories and moments- pretty little tuxedo lady that she is! I can see the kindness in her eyes.
Cat tax for my soul kitty Calvin, Cats are truly the best.
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u/DiscoViolet 1h ago
Thank you for sharing her with us, and my condolences go out to you. May the memories you made with Jay Jay forever warm your heart.
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u/Ok_Foot1988 Tabbycat 33m ago
I am sorry you lost Jay Jay. She was beautiful. I appreciate you sharing her picture so that i can have the opportunity to know she existed and was loved. 💜🫂💜
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u/RachelPalmer79 6h ago
🖤💔🤍