On the last day of the late great Paco’s life, I sat in the waiting room at the Cat Clinic, waiting for Dr. Rose to tell me what I already knew.
Paco, some of you may recall, was my best buddy for more than 15 years, a feline friend who saw me through some of my toughest times. I was starting a new phase of my life, and I was at peace with the timing. More change would have been too hard on him. It was time to let go.
He had advanced kidney disease, so I’d known for some time this day was looming. But knowing, being at peace, none of that prepares for you the final good-bye.
As I sat waiting, I noticed a grey tabby mama cat in a kennel a couple of feet away from me. She had been rescued with four kittens, three of whom had already found good homes. It was her turn to be adopted, and the Cat Clinic had cleverly placed her in the waiting area for all to meet.
She was looking at me with such sweet and compassionate eyes, I knew she knew what was happening. I was losing my baby, and my heart was breaking.
“It’s okay,” I told her. “I’m okay.”
She didn’t break her gaze, but shifted closer to me.
“Thank you,” I whispered to her as the doctor called me into an exam room.
It was time, Dr. Rose told me. I would regret waiting any longer. I signed the papers and said good-bye to Paco.
As I walked out, I once again passed the little lady kitty. She looked at me, and I started to cry. I bent down and whispered, “I know you’ll find the best home ever.” She purred softly, her eyes so kind.
The best home ever for this one, I told the vet tech. She smiled and nodded agreement.
Good-bye, sweet Paco.
My World With Words 
This made me cry. Beautiful writing, Belinda. I felt your grief so much!
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Thank you, Judy. 🙂
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So sweet. So sad. So sweet….
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Sitting here crying on a Monday morning….the love we have for our little ones….
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I still miss him, Lois. I know you miss Kitty, too.
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What a beautiful and moving post. “Best home ever ” for Paco.
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Thank you. I believe that was true — we were meant to be together.
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Letting our best buddies go is gut wrenching….touching tribute to your buddy. Beautiful piece!
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Thank you. 🙂
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So sorry about this. Could ‘Best Home Ever’ mean you may have met your new friend? You both seem to have met when you need each other.
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No, the timing wasn’t right, but she ended up with a family that adores her (I asked when I was paying my bill a short time later). I now have two very sweet kitties — Walter and Mimi.
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So sorry to hear this sad news. I’m glad you have Walter and Mimi…the healing process takes time and they will be a comfort.
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I actually lost Paco a few years ago. I was reflecting on the loss, and realized how much I still miss him. This story just came out! Sometimes it’s surprising what the pen reveals.
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This grief is such a hard one to move through. I definitely understand how you felt about Paco.
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