The Journey of: Bolero, my sweet angel.

Friends & Family--

Unable are the loved to die. For love is immortality.

~ Emily Dickenson

My BEAUTIFUL baby.

I have been dreading writing this post, as it's been a difficult almost month and a half. This Christmas Eve I had to say goodbye to my best friend and loyal companion of 15 years. Bolero was the most amazing feline companion. I can't tell you the amount of times I have heard "I don't like cats, but Bo is awesome." He truly was the most amazing cat you would have ever met. Not to mention he was the most beautiful cat I've ever seen, yes I am biased, but it's TRUE!

Traveling in the car.

I adopted Bolero (he was just under a year) while I was starting HS and has seen and heard it all. From both HS and college graduations, to my wedding, to my pregnancy and the birth of Cameron, to the unexpected death of my Dad. So many wonderful and sometimes painful memories we shared. He always knew when I needed him the most, isn't that so true about our pets!

His lion cut and sweater.

Bo's last Christmas (in Nebraska)

There are so many things that will be a constant reminder of my sweet Bo: the water glass on the counter that he always demanded was filled to the brim, the spot on my pillow where he slept curled up by my neck EVERY. SINGLE. NIGHT., his silent meow, but mostly I'm just going to miss my shadow. He followed me everywhere. Especially the last year and a half of his life when I was home full time. I still half expect to see him greet me on the stairs or get tangled under my legs while I am cooking.

The infamous tongue :)

Many may not know but while I was pregnant with Cameron, Bo had an episode that caused his retinas to detach causing temporarily blindness. We learned that he had high blood pressure and was in kidney failure (most adult cats experience some sort of kidney issues). Chris' prayer as he vigilantly sat with Bo at the animal hospital was for me to not lose my cat as he knew it would stress my pregnancy. I am thankful that God gave me all the extra time and answered Chris' prayers. While they told us he most likely wouldn't make it another year, he lived a little over 2 more years. He regained partial site and remained on medication for the remainder of his life.

How can you not love this face?

To say he will be missed would be such an understatement. It's hard knowing that he started our Christmas journey curled up in my lap in the car to IA/NE and as we made our trek home I only have his remains. It breaks my heart that he spent his last days traveling in a car. Yet I know he knew how much I loved him. I would have done anything to have saved him. While some may not understand my hurt, I only wish that one day you are able to experience the unconditional love of a pet. To have someone to always remain by your side, through thick and thin, and barely ask for anything in return. It's an amazing thing.

Don't let him fool you...he loved his dog brothers.

So, Dad (and all the rest of my guarding angels) I hope you don't mind taking care of him for me for a little while. I promise he won't cause you too much trouble. Just make sure he always has a full glass of water and food OR he will let you know. :)