I feel your pain at the loss of Kyle to another place/plane and I send both warm thoughts and a reminder that you will be reunited some day. I had a similar experience of adopting bonded littermates and losing one of them when he snuck out one night. I chose to believe, as you do, that it was his preference, although I am distraught by his absence from my life. Hugs!
I’m so sorry to hear we have the same story in common. It’s amazing how much animals can touch our lives. I’m even dreaming about Kyle. And he seems to be living his best life, even without us. Thanks for sharing.
I too can't bear to take away cats' wildness and freedom. We have a couple (an uncle and niece, best friends) and have cut a cat flap door into the side of the house so they can come and go at will. There was a sister once, an inky black and affectionate sweetheart, and one day she left. Months later, she returned, stayed one month, then moved on again. Mysterious creatures. I do miss her.
The byline on my substack is "on loving self enough to become free." With children and pets, I believe in loving enough to allow them to be free. Despite the heartbreak.
Thanks Deborah. I've thought about a cat door. Did you ever have other wild guests use it? We have a resident opossum, and I wonder if he might make himself at home through the same door. Keeping hope alive that Kyle returns. And thanks for reading.
That is indeed the risk. We've had a couple of occasions of raccoons coming for a messy visit! The possums and skunks have never entered though, nor any other strays.
My Blackie (I know, horrible name; my child chose it! 😅) was gone for several months! There's always hope. 🩵
Me too. I’m learning that loving pets is hard, but boy do they connect us to the natural world in a way that reminds me of what living is all about. Thanks for reading.
Beautiful. I love how you transmuted your loss into something so powerful and inspirational. May we all have that courage to get our socks wet on the lawn
Hi Steve,
I feel your pain at the loss of Kyle to another place/plane and I send both warm thoughts and a reminder that you will be reunited some day. I had a similar experience of adopting bonded littermates and losing one of them when he snuck out one night. I chose to believe, as you do, that it was his preference, although I am distraught by his absence from my life. Hugs!
I’m so sorry to hear we have the same story in common. It’s amazing how much animals can touch our lives. I’m even dreaming about Kyle. And he seems to be living his best life, even without us. Thanks for sharing.
I too can't bear to take away cats' wildness and freedom. We have a couple (an uncle and niece, best friends) and have cut a cat flap door into the side of the house so they can come and go at will. There was a sister once, an inky black and affectionate sweetheart, and one day she left. Months later, she returned, stayed one month, then moved on again. Mysterious creatures. I do miss her.
The byline on my substack is "on loving self enough to become free." With children and pets, I believe in loving enough to allow them to be free. Despite the heartbreak.
I hope Kyle returns from his adventures. 💔
Thanks Deborah. I've thought about a cat door. Did you ever have other wild guests use it? We have a resident opossum, and I wonder if he might make himself at home through the same door. Keeping hope alive that Kyle returns. And thanks for reading.
That is indeed the risk. We've had a couple of occasions of raccoons coming for a messy visit! The possums and skunks have never entered though, nor any other strays.
My Blackie (I know, horrible name; my child chose it! 😅) was gone for several months! There's always hope. 🩵
This made me a little weepy 🥺
Me too. I’m learning that loving pets is hard, but boy do they connect us to the natural world in a way that reminds me of what living is all about. Thanks for reading.
I’m so sorry about Kyle. This was beautifully written. I hope Kyle comes back soon!
Thanks Jessica! Happy New Year and hope to see you soon.
Beautiful. I love how you transmuted your loss into something so powerful and inspirational. May we all have that courage to get our socks wet on the lawn
Thanks Tom. Or maybe even take those socks off.
❤️