Summer 1997 - July 16, 2015
There will be a lingering melancholy with Ivan's passing. He lived a long happy kitty life and his end was peaceful but other events attached themselves to him because of the passage of so much time. Except for the trees and me and Andy he was the oldest living thing on the farm. He was here when both of us lost our last remaining parent - Andy's dad and my mom - and saw the dairy cows walk out the north barn door onto trucks to new farms. Friends and neighbors moved away or passed on, some elderly and some sadly not. Some of our big machinery has been sold, two silos have been removed. To be sure, good things have happened too - new forever friends have been made, relatives have grown up and had children of their own, happy parties and visits, the sheep flock has expanded and is flourishing..... But he was a tangible link to much that was cherished and now can't be reached in this world.
Rest in peace, Ivan. I'm sure there are lots of hands reaching out to pet you right now.
Sorry for your loss. Sounds like you have good memories. Your new kitten will never replace Ivan, but will comfort you. I love cats they are so independent but very sensitive to the master they train to take care of them.
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry for your loss. I'm also sure he knew how loved he was.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss of Ivan. I am happy that he was lucky to have lived such a long, happy life with you on your farm, and that you were able to enjoy his companionship for so long.
ReplyDeleteOh, I am very sorry to hear about Ivan's passing. I'm so glad you had 18 wonderful years with him, and may your many years of memories comfort you in the days ahead. Please know my thoughts are with you. =^..^=
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss ~ Ivan sounded like one of those amazing kitties =^•^= It's those little paw prints they leave on on hearts...
ReplyDeleteSo very sorry for your loss ~ Ivan sounded like one of those amazing kitties =^•^= It's those little paw prints they leave on on hearts...
ReplyDeleteI am very sorry. Even though he lived a very long, happy life with you, I am sure it still doesn't feel like enough. It never is.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. RIP Ivan.
ReplyDeleteGood kitty Ivan. You'll be missed.
ReplyDeleteWhen you think about the stories he could tell... He was a good cat. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for you. I am glad Ivan enjoyed a long and happy life, but that doesn't ease the pain of your loss.
ReplyDeleteEighteen years does cover a lot of ground. Condolences for your little guy.
ReplyDeleteGoodbye, Ivan you venerable old gentleman. May all kitties have as fortunate a life as you had.
ReplyDeleteGod Keep you Ivan, this was a wonderful post and made me think of animals loved in the past. They are grand to have in our world!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry for your loss. Everyone who has loved and lost a fur baby understands how you feel -- grateful for the time you had and sadness over what is gone.
ReplyDeleteI can't help but think of the torrent of critters that will be waiting for you at the Rainbow bridge...they will all be so happy to see you again!
ReplyDelete