Sparks Blog Hop: Week #17
The outpouring of condolences after Lily Olivia’s death truly touched my heart. Those who make up the community of pet bloggers are the most loving, empathic, kind and considerate individuals I have ever come to know. This comes as no surprise to me. Those who love animals are generally nice humans to know.
I wanted to thank everyone individually who left us comments or sent e-mails. But it still remains too overwhelming. Until I can do this, my Spark today is my way of letting each of you know just how grateful I am for your love and support.
As I have stated many times now, Lily Olivia was my constant companion. She may appear to be sleeping here, but she has her paw on the trackpad in an attempt to orchestrate my every move. She spent hours each day sitting in my lap while I worked on this blog. I would remove her paws from the trackpad over and over again or move her head aside so I could see the laptop screen.
I sometimes still take get too many bowls when feeding the other Kitties Blue their breakfast or dinner. Lily had to be first to get her food and sat right on the counter yelling at me to hurry up. And she always licked the inside of the can lid.
I continue to call the other cats by her name, and I look for her constantly, wondering why she is not pestering me or trying to get Dad Tom’s and my food when we eat. The house is quiet and empty without her huge calico personality.
The remaining eight do keep us on our toes, but their antics will never take away my missing her or my Fiona (or all the others who have gone before.)
I am joining Annie (McGuffy’s Reader) for her Sparks blog hop. In establishing the hop, she wrote this, “I believe we are meant to be lights in this world. If we allow our light to shine, we can see where we are going. It is then that we can begin to truly see each other clearly. Together, we can light up the entire world!” This is what makes Sparks so special and why I look forward to participating each week. I believe my Spark with Albert Schweitzer’s quote completely speaks to Annie’s intent.
If you’d like to join the hop, click on the Sparks badge.
Health Update
I had prayed I would not be writing another of these until every kitty was well. Unfortunately Cooper Murphy has had a flair up of the eye infection and now is sneezing as well. It is obvious he doesn’t feel well. He slept all day on Sunday. He has another appointment to see one of the vets at our animal hospital this afternoon. My biggest fear is that he will one again present with a high fever. Some purrs and POTP would be appreciated.
Thank you for your continued love and support as we deal with the loss of Lily Olivia as well as this persistent infection.
We won’t forget Lily Olivia and we know that the wound of her loss is still so fresh and real for you. We pray that your grieving wound will become smaller over time and that her pawprints she left on your heart will make you smile. Lily Olivia was one special kitty. I love the photo of her snoopervising you with her paws and big purrsonality.
Also sending Cooper Murphy prayers that he feels better soon.
I can relate to this in many ways. This is a beautiful tribute to Lily Olivia, and to those who spark something within you. You gave your message in a very sensitive and thoughtful way. Well done, my friend. You are a Spark, and I thank you for that. You are a wonderful friend. Hugs.
That’s a lovely quote, and a beautiful tribute to Lily Olivia. We cross our paws and hope Cooper Murphy feels better soon. Purrs
Such a special quote in memory of a special calico kitty. Sending hugs and purrs. We’re sending purrs for Cooper Murphy too. Hope he feels better soon.
Ia m sorry to hear of the persistent infection. I truly hope it goes away soon for all.
We are sending you all the love purrs we have.
Sweet Lily Olivia will always be by your side…in spirit. Purrs….
Purrayers and POTP for Cooper Murphy – and for all the kitties and you. Lily Olivia and Fiona and all the others will always be with you.
Hope this next vet visit for Cooper Murphy kicks that eye infection thingy to smithereens!
That is a very, very beautiful and powerful quote. We wish you continued comfort and your heart heals from your loss, and we are sending healing purrs to Cooper Murphy for a speedy recovery.
guyz….itz gonna take a while ~~~~~~ mom noez oh what we speek….
N cooper ~~~~~~
we iz sorree de hee beez made itz way two ewe….we hate ta see ewe all like thiz
St francis’ continmewed blessingz….♥♥ we noe mom haz hurd a million things;
has her tried Lysine ?? ♥♥
What a great quote and so true. Lily O. was your partner in computing. We can tell how she loved and trusted you. She is with us always. She was a vocal member of the Crotchety Cougars.
Cooper Murphy has all our purrs with the POTP.
Loves,
Kali and Shoko
We love the photos of you with sweet Lily Olivia. She was so special, as your photos and memories show and we’ll miss her. Sending purrs to Cooper Murphy and hisses to that eye infection bug!
What beautiful memories you share with your sweet Lily Olivia. We have faith that she is still guiding you on this blog, and in many other aspects of your daily life. She will always be watching over you, until you meet again.
And we are still sending many, many purrs and prayers to all of you! We hope Cooper Murphy and all the Kitties Blue get well and stay well!
That is a beautiful quote. I know the cat blogging world helped me through all our losses, I don’t know how I would have managed without everyone’s love and support. That is a wonderful photo of you and Lily Olivia. I am sure she is still right there even though you can’t see her. XO
I love that quote and it’s perfect with that pic of you and Lily Olivia. Nothing ever fills in the tracks left behind on our hearts by our little furrbabies who have moved on. I’m praying for all the Kitties Blue that they will be healed from this persistent infection and that those who haven’t caught it will be passed over by it. Big hugs to you.
We couldn’t agree more, we experience the same love when Sister Sascha died and there was no getting to everyone purrsonally. We know how much you miss your special gal. Purrs to Cooper Murphy, we hope he heals up quickly.
What a beautiful blog from a super Cat Mom! We all have those furry friends who went over the Bridge. We will always miss them. They always have a special section in our hearts. However, the amazing thing is that the sections in our hearts keep growing to allow other furry friends in. Over the years I’ve added lots of new sections and they are all precious. Your love of animals shows through in everything you do and say. Lily Olivia is still watching over you. Cooper Murphy, we will keep you in our prayers. We want you to be happy and healthy. It’s no fun being sick.
Stereo purrs……..Hemingway and Steinbeck
Hugs…….Pam (the Mom)
Love your quote today….I’ve always been happy to be surrounded by “re-kindlers” of my flame. I hope I always am….. I know it’s impossible NOT to miss a BIG part of your life as our cats are – Lily Olivia was your constant companion and while you do have other kitties in your house, her BIG presence is gone. Perhaps in time another kitty will step up to take the role of “Mom-sitter” over but still, it’s not the same. Both David and I occasionally call Teddy “Sammy”……Sammy was a HUGE presence in our lives for so many years and though he’s been gone a year now, he is STILL a huge presence. Things change but our hearts still ache.
Love, Pam
So sorry about Lily Olivia. She will be missed xx
Cooper Murphy, sending you healing purrs and vibes. Hope you get better soon.
Purrs and hugs,
Athena and Marie
That is a special quote this week.
I’m purring lots for Cooper Murphy – what a bummer this eye infection is still going around.
Oh,No! Not again, Cooper Murphy:(
That infection is sure a stubborn one.I hope you can be helped by your vet. POTP!
Lily Olivia sure was a presence. Loved and missed.
It is so hard to not have someone you love close by, esp when the bonds were that tightly intertwined in your lives.