Monday, September 11, 2017

Sammy

Sammy came into my life in 2000 and I brought him from Virginia to New York where he eventually lived with my mom and dad. When dad passed away in 2005, Sam was someone for my mom to take care of even though she wasn't a pet person. However, there was no doubt that six years later when they were separated a mutual bond had developed. Mom, in her eighties, had a hard time hearing Sam at the door ready to come in, so he would climb onto the roof to the side of mom's front door and leap down onto the air conditioner causing a loud enough din for her to go open the door and let him in. Also amusing, when it was getting dark and she was ready for him to come inside, she would call in a loud, vociferous shout, "SAM! SAM! HERE, SAM!" Like she was calling a person. It worked. And we all loved that chemistry.

My nephew Kyle took care of him next, though as with my mom, looking back, maybe it was Sammy taking care of him. Not a cat person either, he also fell to Sammy's charms. Once my sister Meta stopped by to see her son, looked through a window, and saw Sammy sleeping while wrapped around Kyle's neck as my nephew typed away on his computer. I treasure that image. For the last several years, my niece Kayla and her husband Kevin took extraordinary care of this kind soul and gave him tons of loving attention with all the comforts that I'm eternally grateful for. She called me today to say Sammy was on his way out. Though, seventeen years is a good, long time for a cat, I can't help feel profound sadness over this wonderful creature who made a difference in our lives.

Goodbye, and love you, old friend.

8 comments:

mybillcrider said...

Very sorry for your loss. Sammy must have been an excellent cat.

Unknown said...

Sorry to see this news, but love hearing the way he touched the lives of those you loved.

James Reasoner said...

I'm very sorry. Beloved pets make such a difference in our lives, and it really does hurt to lose them.

Prashant C. Trikannad said...

David, I'm sorry about Sammy. He was a true family cat in every way.

Charles Gramlich said...

Ahh, beautiful cat. Sorry for your loss

David Cranmer said...

Thank you, all, for your kind words. Deeply appreciated.

G.B. Millee said...

Being a cat person myself, you sir have my most sincerest condolences.

David Cranmer said...

Thanks, G.B.