Tuesday, September 16, 2008

Thank You Friends

It has been one week since our little Roscoe left us, strange because it feels like he has been gone for months. Needless to say it has been a rough week. My husband and I have been planing a garden that we will make for Roscoe in the spring. Concentrating on that has helped. I am just so thankful that we were able to bring our baby home, laying him to rest in our own yard. I had feared that some strange Italian law would prohibit us from doing just that. I was so relieved when the vet helped me wrap Roscoe in his favorite blanket to bring him home. Can you believe that in Italy you get a death certificate for your pet? I think it is fitting that there is an official certificate showing that Roscoe was here, as he was such an important part of our life.


Roscoe trying to keep warm on a cold winter day

Opus has been doing better than expected. When the boys were born, they bonded instantly. Though there were other liter mates, Opus and Roscoe's bond was speical; you never found one without the other. The woman who owned the kittens noticed this and did her best to find a home that would take both kittens as she didn't have the heart to separate them. One by one, the other kittens found homes until there was only Opus and Roscoe left. I hadn't planed on having two cats, but who could break up such an irresistible set? Having two cats was the best decisions we ever made. Though they never liked being left alone at home, they always had each other for company.


Cat napping in Italy

A few times in the night Opus has been caught wandering the halls, calling out into the darkness. We always pick him up and tuck into bed with us. Immediately he begins to purr and settles down for a nap. Opus has always been a needy cat (he sits on my lap now as I type) but this week he has become an even bigger "mamma's boy". Having him glued to my hip has been good for me, together we will get through our grief. One thing we have noticed is that Opus has been very playful these past few days, acting more like Roscoe than himself. We joke that he may be possessed by our more out going Roscoe.

One thing that has given us hope during this dark time are the kind words of friends and strangers. My husband, a non- blogger, is amazed at the amount of comments, emails, and candles lit, and photos made all in the memory of our sweet Roscoe. Knowing that others care and understand what we are going through has been such a big help. Your kindness has meant the world to us. For every person and animal who has stopped by to offer encouragement, support and love, we will remember you always.

From the bottom of our hearts we thank you.

Me and the boys on my wedding day, 2005

Opus and Roscoe's birthday is September 22ND. Poor Roscoe went to the bridge just 13 days before his 13Th birthday. We have chosen that day to celebrate the life of Roscoe with a wake. It will be a happy occasion as we remember our fun-loving, free spirited cat. Gather up your favorite Roscoe photos or stories and be ready to share them. More details to follow.

22 comments:

BenTheRotti said...

So glad that you have been able to get comfort from the blogging community. At the time it feels so little, to leave a few words, when we all know and appreciate the heartbreak you feel, it's nice to know that the words do have some use.
Sadly we never had the opportunity to get to know Roscoe well, having just found your blog a little time before he passed, but your love for him shone from every post and our tears and messages of support following his departure were very real and very heartfelt.
We are so glad you were able to bring Roscoe home, a rememberance garden is a wonderful idea and will be somewhere you will always be able to be close to him.
Our thoughts and prayers are still very much with you all, please give Opus and gentle nose rub and soft kisses from us.

Ben & Sue xxxxx

Anonymous said...

Each day will be a little less sad, until one day you realize you have only the happy memories and funny stories. Mom says that's how she feels about all that came before us.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are very happy that you are making a garden for Roscoe. Whiskers' Butterfly Garden has brought us such solace we hope Roscoe's garden brings the same solace to you. ~Alasandra, Socks, Scylla & Charybdis

Anonymous said...

Good Day Cyndi, Danilo, and Opus! I so happy to see you back online at Cap Naps. This is a wonderful way to remember Roscoe. Don't forget how much he loves you all. Take care Dear and hope to see you soon.

PB 'n J said...

The first few weeks are the hardest, they do get easier. And thank goodness that Opus is there to comfort you (and you him).

We're looking forward to seeing pictures of his remembrance garden.

PB&J's Mom (and PB&J of course)

Gemini and Ichiro said...

The first weeks are the worst. We are glad to hear the Opus is doing okay and that he is getting lots of snuggles from you.

We will look forward to photos of your garden in the spring.

We are still thinking of you and your loss.

Anonymous said...

Purrs and nose bumps coming your way Cyn & Opus

Anita said...

A big hug and purrrrto you...

Daisy said...

Oh my goodness, we know just how you feel. Pixie went to the Bridge on the 14th, and her birthday would have been the 25th of this month. I have been very, very clingy, too.

Your special garden for Roscoe is a very beautiful idea.

Asta said...

It will be a bootiful gawden..and a puwwfect twiboote to Roscoe..I'm so glad that Opus is giving you so much love and womping like his bwuvvew..We'we going away and won't be back till the 23wd..pleeez don't think we awen't wif you in spiwit if we can't get to a pootew
all ouw love and smoochie kisses
ASTA and pawents

The Crew said...

We're glad to hear that Roscoe is resting in his own yard. All our "cats that came before" are in our yard too, along with the dog.

Opus old friend, glad to hear you're doing OK too. I meowed non-stop, day & night, for 2 weeks when my littermate sister went to The Bridge 5 years ago. Mom got so worried about me she got me a kitten! That's how Tipper was adopted.

George

Babs (Beetle) said...

This is such a terrible time, that we all must go through at some time. I pray that you will slowly be able to think of Rosco with only a smile in your heart.

The Meezers or Billy said...

Opus, we know that it's hard to get used to the loss of a littermate. We saw it with Trixie when Norton left her after 18 years. It will take a long time to get over, but you haf lots and lots of loves from your mommy and daddy.
purrrsss to all of you

Angel MoMo and Charlotte said...

It is a tough time but I am glad you and Opus can console each other. Our pets are also buried in our garden and we have a circle of evergreen plants at the corner dedicated to them.

The Cat Realm said...

I am glad to hear that you are doing o.k. Opus. I clung to the butler too after Anastasia left. Less after Emil, there I just stayed by myself and was grumpy.
It is good that you have a resting place for Roscoe, we don't have that... and I won't tell you what kind of thoughts the maid sometimes shares with me as to that....
We will have a glorious wake for a glorious cat!
Your buddy Karl

Sassy Kat said...

Yes, this has been a long week for all that are grieving for Roscoe. The photos you chose to post were so cute and truly showed what a little sweetie he was. He will always be in my heart and never far from my thoughts. Peace little Roscoe forever you will not be ill.

Boy said...

I'm so sowwy to hear about Woscoe! He's a gweat cat, and there are many many beautiful memowies of him.
Purrs and hugs to all of you.

G and G A said...

I know it doesn't help now but in time you heart will not hurt as much. There will always be a hold where little Roscoe held in your heart. It will be filled with all of the wonderful memories of him. You will never be the same after having this loss but you will remember him and say his name in time without so many tears. He wouldn't want you to be sad, he is forever healthy and some day you will hold him in your arms again.

Mr. Hendrix said...

I'm very glad we were able to provide you some comfort. We have thought of you all often. We are glad Opus has you and his daddy to comfort him so well.

The photo of you and the boys on your wedding day is so sweetly beautiful.

Gattina said...

It's very hard to loose an animal and it takes a lot of time to get over it and still then he will be always with you !

Jans Funny Farm said...

We know this is a very hard time for Opus, you and Danilo. JFF will have to have a meeting and think of what we can contribute to Roscoe's wake because we do want to be there!

{{{{hugs}}}} from all of us!

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

We are glad that words from those of us out here in the blogosphere helped ease a small bit of the sadness you have been feeling over Roscoe. That was a lovely picture of you and the two boys on your wedding day. You had many blessing to have him for nearly 13 years, although it never enough. We will continue to keep you in our purrs

Abby,Boo,Ping,Jinx,Gracie
& Mom Debra