01/09/94 - 22/07/16
Human family: Emma, Gareth, Jake and Charlie
Photo(s) of Stone (1)

Stone

Goodbye, Stone. My friend and companion of nearly 22 years.

To me, you represent a tortoiseshell-coloured thread that has run, strong and constant, through the tapestry of my life since I was just 19 years old. In virtually my entire adult life, and Gareth’s too, every decision we’ve made has included you, every holiday, every night or weekend away has been with you at the forefront of our minds. You are embedded in our routine, your well-being completely essential to our peace of mind.

You have been ever present in Gareth and I’s relationship, a member of our family from day one. When other people look at you, you are just a cat leaving a cat-shaped hole, but, for us, you leave a gaping chasm. Oh, Stone, the happy hours we’ve had together.

When I think of you, I see the cat who used to jump up on the work surfaces to be greeted by cries of ‘bad cat!’ from Niki! The cat who scaled the Christmas tree and curtains year after year. Who, more dog than cat, followed us to the shops or pub and sat loyally outside waiting for our return and then trotted home at our ankles, full of fun and mischief now that we had returned. I see the clever cat who conned the vegetarian neighbours who kept a vegetarian dog to feed her roast chicken every day or who would steal poppadoms to crunch under the table when we ordered a curry. The cat who would wee over the plug hole of the bath if she couldn’t get outside; who used to like being stroked as she ate and would only ever drink water from a pint glass.

I see the stalwart companion who Gareth knew even following his worst seizures, who soothed him back to reality when no-one else could, sitting faithfully by his side or on his lap until his surroundings made sense again, a fixed compass point to navigate towards. I see the cat who leapt through the windows at Hawton Crescent and gave her signature meow " surely ‘hello’ in cat speak " every time she came home.

I also see how old you’ve become and how tired.

For 20 years of your life, you slept tucked against my side every night we shared the same roof, your gentle, contented purrs lulling me to sleep. The last two years have been strange without you as your deteriorating health has kept you downstairs. All these years you warmed my lap, my most constant and enduring friend.

And what a friend you’ve been to the boys. I think you knew I was pregnant before I did, both times, and when they were born, you used to fret about them when they cried. As they grew, you, with your kind soul and infinite patience, taught Jake and Charlie how to love an animal " a lesson they will carry with them forever. You went to them when they were hurt and snuggled up with them when they were sad. They have loved you so much " you’ve been a constant source of love and security for them, the first friend of many.

And for me too. In nearly 22 years, you have never left me to cry alone. With your feline sixth sense, you could tell if I was sad and crying, even if you were out having an adventure, and would seek me out to lean your head against mine and dry my tears with your fur. Even as the vet and I talked about letting you go for the first time, you pushed yourself against me and nuzzled your face into my tears. I wish I could hold you now.

I can hardly comprehend the world without you in it and yet that is where I find myself. I’m not sure I know how to be a grown up without you! People tell me that I should be grateful for your long life and, trust me, I am, and yet I could have been given another 22 years with you and it still wouldn’t have been enough.

So goodbye, my little love. The best girl in all the world. And thank you, for every moment. Sleep tight, Stone. You are much loved. xxx

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