February 1985 - August 15, 2003

 

 

My dear, sweet, beautiful queen girl, Mei Ling. It seems like such a short time ago when I first met you, thought it was in 1986. Your green eyes, freckled nose, and unique (calico) coloring were irresistable. I took you home from the shelter. You hid under the sofa on the first day and then decided you were going to be the Queen of the house...and you were. You went from being a young brat to a graceful adult to the regal elder stateswoman; from jumping onto every surface - no matter how high - to following me all over the apartment and into the hall, to resting more often than being awake. I almost forgot the games we used to play. You loved swatting at string, and when you decided it was beneath you to do anything of the sort, you looked at me as if to say, "why do you continue to do such a silly thing?" You had so many nicknames: Queen girl, Lilly, Queen Lilly, Jewel, Lish, and so many more. I doted on you. In the beginning, you were the scampy girl to Nonny, the older gentlecat. Years later, when Sammy came into our lives, you accepted his antics as a natural part of things. You made sure that you gave him a daily cleaning. He loved the attention you paid to him. He loved you so much that he made sure you were always in sight. I loved watching my two cats sleep side by side. You aged so gracefully, my love. When you could no longer hear the words "I love you", I made sure that you saw me say them to you all the time. When you could no longer get to your bed, we put a step there to help you to go up and down. When I was told that you had cancer and that surgery wouldn't prolong your life, I took you home and made sure you received extra tender loving care. When you could no longer eat or walk, I knew it was time for you to be free from this torment. My sweet one, the vet came to the house. I was petting your head when you were set free. You are now resting under a shady tree. Thanks for enriching my life, my darling Mei-Ling. Rick, Sammy, and I will miss you. Sammy is going around to all your favorite places wondering where you are. I will always think of you and cherish the time we had together. Rest in peace, my love.