The Memorial Tattoo

Snakes' Mom, Rachael, here. I thought I'd write a bit about the memorial tattoo I got in honor of her life with me. I got the tattoo, (my first one ever) in March 2011, about six weeks after she passed.

Bella and Cecilia are with Mom and Jeremy, of course. This was in a time before Cinnamon and Sugar came into my life. (Cinnamon I got from a rescue shelter on what would have been Snakes' 17th birthday.)

One of the nights shortly after she "went to see Jesus" I came home and sketched a picture of a stick-ish tree with stars and hearts, and a cat beneath it, looking up at it (from a back view.)

It was random and fast. Sitting in grief on my kitchen floor, I felt good about it. It was almost like she drove me to do it. Here's the weird part:

A few days later, I thought to count the items. There were nine stars, seven hearts (the number of perfect order) and one cat. The sum of these items is 17. She would have been 17 on 03/25/2011. As I sketched it, unaware of the fated number, I thought it might be a good tattoo.

Mom and my best friend, Lindsey, went with me. Usually Mom is squeamish, but she was smiling and looking the whole time. I had a small picture of Snakes that I looked at the whole time. Oddly, I felt peaceful and found myself smiling during the process. It didn't hurt. The tattoo artist, Liaa, said, "It will actually feel like one long cat scratch, ironically enough." (I traveled all the way to DC and you should check out www.britishinkdc.com if you are interested in a good tattoo by great artists.)

The tattoo is situated right on my spine. Liaa explained this was a good choice that I made because it symbolized strength and eternity.

I always said when Snakies passed, I'd save her ashes and bury them to help a tree grow in my backyard. I don't have the tree or the backyard but one day, I will. When I pass, I will have my ashes mingled with hers. She was with me for more than half my life, and was, without any doubt, family. She was my best friend.

As other feline friends pass, a coworker suggested I add them to the art on my back. I think I will.

Be well and kiss your kitties,

Rachael

Heaven

Dear feline friends,

On Saturday, February 19, 2011, I went to see Jesus. I gave him kisses, just like mommy told me to. After I looked around Heaven and met other cats, including my old friend, Isis, I met some humans. Jesus carried me around. I got to sit on a cloud with Johnny Cash just like Mom said I'd be able to. He played me a song.

The angels took me to look in on Mom and Jeremy and Grandma. Mom (Rachael) was in really rough shape for a long time. But last night, she wished on a star and talked to me. I know she knows I was walking right beside her. Now she talks to me all the time.

Today, she was blaring one of our songs "I'll Stand by You" (by the Pretenders.) She was singing along and only got a little choked up once. She knows I'm around. One of these days I'll go back to her. I promised I would.

We cats are lucky when we end up with great people like Rachael.

Love, kisses and tuna divine,


Snakes

under the weather

I'm under the weather lately. I'm having trouble making it to the box and I don't remember the last time I pooped. That can make a kitty (or a person!) pretty irritable. Mom keeps giving me kisses and gets a little upset, sometimes, when she starts talking to me about seeing Jesus. I feel bad because I don't want her to be sad. I am very tired and losing weight. She keeps putting butter and pumpkin out. I don't know what that's about but I haven't been too interested in eating. The purr pad is nice and warm and the fleece she drapes over me is lovely. She said we were going to the vet today. I like Rose, and I like the sunshine, but it's still scary, especially when that bird keeps squawking or the dogs sniff my taxi.

Say a prayer for me, please. I'm sure I'll be fine but Mom is really upset. She's even taking grandma with us, today.

Be well and tuna for all,

Peace, love, and furry paws,
Snakes

Wow-meow!

Wow. I'm cat of the day on Catster! Thank you, feline friends! Mom is really excited and posting all over about it! I'm honored! Have a blessed day!!!

Love and tuna to all,


Snakes

Great news

Well, I've been flip-flopping for a few years now BUT at my last check up I had a glucose level of 172! I gained back the .8lbs I lost, too. And I just celebrated my 15th birthday! My Rachael seems very happy that I am doing well. She's been giving me extra kisses! Last night, she even gave me tuna for dinner. She let me have a bit of milk for breakfast, too! The Salmon Halo food is always good! I'm oddly at peace without Cecilia stealing her attention....it's strange, though. I keep thinking it wouldn't be so bad if she came to live with us. But she and Bella play a lot. Rachael says she keeps mom company, too.
I keep seeing stuff when we sit and read our devotions at night. There's some weird energy in this new apartment. Hmm...
I'm really sad. I rarely ever get the email update because Rachael is very busy but I just saw one of our good friends passed on to Jesus. Rachael and I will be sure to pray for soc. :(
God bless, everyone and many meows,

Snakes

Check-up

My glucose is at a decent 66! But my vet wants to lower my dose. ? Interesting enough. I'm feeling better though. :)