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Monday, April 23, 2018

Saying Goodbye to Harry: The Cat Who Changed Our Lives

Harry HarryI’ve been dreading writing this post for two days. Really, I’ve been dreading it for the last 14 years. On Saturday morning, we said goodbye to our sweet Harry. There are no words. The world is sad without him…

It still doesn’t seem real. Even writing those words now feels sort of hollow, as if this is someone else’s life that I’m just peering into for a moment.

Sadly, it’s not someone else’s life. And I hate that. We’re all so heartbroken. We keep walking around the house, expecting Harry to come around the corner like he used to do — with his trademark trot that he always did when it was time for treats or when my mom would get home from work. Even Stella is looking around for her brother in all their usual hangouts, like the basement, my mom’s bed and Harry’s favorite chair.

But that’s who Harry was. He was a member of our family…such an important member of our family. For 14 years, he brought such joy to our lives every single day, and I am so thankful for the time we had together. I never really understood the allure of cats until Harry came into our lives. Who could people become so obsessed with a little ball of fur? How is it that cats can get their owners wrapped around their teeny tiny paws?

Harry HarryOne look at Harry, though, and everything just fell into place. I finally “got” what all this feline fuss was about.

Some of Harry’s favorite things…

• Ham, in his pre-diabetic days, of course!

• Pizza crust

• His favorite sleeping spot, on his pillow right next to my mother. He’d sleep there every night.

• Games, like Yahtzee and Bananagrams. He like to sit on our kitchen table right where the action was. Sometimes, he’d even push the dice around!

• Posing for photos. He was the original cat model, don’t you agree?

• Halloween. Every year, he’d sit by the front door and wait for the trick-or-treaters and they loved seeing him!

• The apple orchard. Harry was the only cat I knew who got to sit in a giant chair in the middle of a cornfield on a sunny fall day. He was thrilled!

Here’s the essay for Redbook that I wrote in 2016 about how Harry saved us after my father’s death. My mom said it best on Facebook over the weekend and I wanted to share her wise words…

When he first got diabetes, I told him I would save his life the way he saved mine after Brian died. Month after month of him rocking with me in the dark living room as I cried, and never once did he get up until I did. So, when he got diabetes, he got top-notch care until the time came yesterday to let him go. We saw him through and stayed with him until the end. He was truly part of our family.

In the last two days, I’ve mentioned several times how the house is so quiet without Harry. Too quiet. It’s not that he was a particularly loud cat, but he had such a loud personality that he just brought such a joyous energy to our lives, hearts and home. This will always be Harry’s house.

Harry Harry HarryThanks for all the loving kindness, friends. It’s comforting to know Harry was loved by so many. I’ve been sleeping with his favorite “Mousy” toy next to my pillow. I love you, Harry. Thank you for being part of our family… xoxo

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12 Comments Filed Under: family, family photos, grief

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Comments

  1. Vicki says

    Monday, April 23, 2018 at 6:37 pm

    I am mom to three feline children myself, so my heart goes out to you.

    Reply
  2. Renee says

    Monday, April 23, 2018 at 7:28 pm

    So very saddened by Harry’s passing. He’ll always remain in spirit near you. And you’ll feel his presence. xoxo

    Reply
  3. Kate BK says

    Monday, April 23, 2018 at 9:20 pm

    Oh, I’m so sorry to hear of Harry’s death. Sending you love as you mourn him.

    Reply
  4. Vickie Boubelik says

    Monday, April 23, 2018 at 11:25 pm

    It is always sad to lose our pets. Who are more than pets, they are family. Right now I have 3 cats, but there have been so many over the years, and they each have their place in our hearts. Funny how each cat (and dog!) has its own unique personality, isn’t it? I know Harry had a great life with you and your family, and now he is romping and playing in kitty heaven.

    Reply
  5. Ch4 says

    Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 12:00 am

    This is what you’ll experience in the days to come.
    http://ch4isms.blogspot.in/search?q=peternity

    Reply
  6. Stepfanie Romine says

    Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 12:56 pm

    From one cat lady to another, I’m sending you love and light. <3

    Reply
  7. Joyce says

    Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 2:11 pm

    Oh Melissa I’m so so sorry to hear this. I loved seeing all your pics of Harry and I know how how much you loved him. He had a wonderful life with you and your family. I’m all teary eyed now!

    Reply
  8. Emily says

    Tuesday, April 24, 2018 at 5:49 pm

    I am so sorry about the loss of Harry. Losing pets (our favorite family members) is so, so hard.

    Reply
  9. Pat says

    Sunday, April 29, 2018 at 5:40 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. I am a doggie mom and I still cry when I think of my beloved Ditto 16 years ago. Our pets truly are family members.

    Reply
  10. Malaak says

    Monday, November 23, 2020 at 9:50 am

    My friend also has a pet cat named harry. And your little beloved furry friend is so cute but most importantly he is still in your heart. When ever i see my friend’s cat your harry will be in my prayers

    Reply
  11. Malaak says

    Monday, November 23, 2020 at 9:54 am

    Sorry for commeting late very late but always have harry in your heart

    Reply
  12. Charles Blair says

    Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at 7:33 pm

    Thank you for sharing yourself and Harry! I have tears rolling down my cheeks but I’m smiling; your love and gratefulness amid the realities of such a loss is beautiful and inspiring.
    Thank you again — I came to tour story because my tabby looks a lot like Harry (some ap that searches my photos and finds close copies). So glad I did but now I’m filled with an urgent need to go hold and kiss Harry’s distant near-ish double. 🙂
    With live for Harry and his human co.mpanions, Charles

    Reply

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So About What I Said is a daily blog that covers relationships, disabilities, lifestyle and pop culture. I love to laugh and have been known to overshare. I also have an unabashed obsession with pop music, polo shirts, and PEZ dispensers. Read more...

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