One year.
Yesterday marked one full dance around the sun since Grady left us.
In some ways it seems like yesterday that Grady was rolling and lolling and showing his belly on the lobby printer. In another sense, he seems a million years and miles away…yet still so close.
It’s a funny thing, isn’t it, how time and memory expand and contract?
One thing has only increased since Grady’s passing, and that’s my sense that he is still very much with us. I don’t see him with the eyes in my head anymore, but the gaze of my heart has as clear a vision of our boy as ever.
Last week, I had the honor of finally meeting K, Grady’s original hero/foster mama/champion. It was a tearful blessing to hug the hero who first earned the title of Grady’s Girl. Even Peachy seemed to know she was in the presence of greatness, as she licked K’s fingers at length and even shared a hint of her elusive purr.
I’m not one of those folks who believes that death is “beautiful” or “natural” or even okay. Truth be told, I think it’s a thief and an enemy - the last enemy to bite the dust, in fact. But make no mistake: it will bite the dust. And when it does, I know who will be leading the dance, tabby stripes and gleaming golden eyes more alive than ever.
In the meantime, I believe he loves us and lives on still. I believe he loves seeing us give and receive love, paying forward what he gave us and learning to adore again.
I’m always touched when obituaries refer to the departed as having been “promoted to glory,” and I know that applies to our Grady.
In the meantime, memory and time will continue to expand and contract for us. And so we live, in the trust that Grady - and we - are held in safe keeping by the One for whom a day is like a thousand years and a thousand years is like a day.
I love you, Grady. Always…
Tags: deep thoughts, Grady
I can’t believe it’s been a year already since sweet Grady left us. I’m glad to know he remains in your hearts and minds. Such a beloved boy. I lost my mom last month and I like to think that she’s loving on all the cats in heaven since mine are still here on earth. I’m hoping she and Grady are besties. Much love to you all at Tabby’s Place for taking such good care of Grady while you had him.
Heartfelt condolences to you on the loss of your mom — may she rest in peace.
My deepest condolences to you and your family.
I can’t believe it has been a year since we lost Grady.
I miss him.
Kathryn
I, too, cannot believe it’s been an entire year…I wish I hadn’t read this during work hours…I had to rush into the bathroom so no one could see me cry!
Grady, Grady, Grady… I didn’t really know him, but I do know his girl, Peachy and I bet she still misses him to pieces!!!
Miss you, my G-Cat.
It’s been a year, but remember Angela you’ll have forever to make up for it, in the mean time he will always be in your heart.
I never had the opportunity to meet Grady but I have read this whole blog from the beginning to the present and went through the emotions of sick Grady, Grady getting better, Grady getting worse…. You will be reunited
but until then, love and take care of the kitties you have now and always carry him in your heart.
I miss Grady very much, too, but if he had to go I can’t think of a cat better suited to run Tabby’s Place 2: The Other Side Of The Bridge…