Monday, June 11, 2007

the journey


My sweet child has made the trip to the Rainbow Bridge this morning. As she was crossing, she rested her head on my shoulder and took her last breath. I stayed with her, stroking her soft fur, talking with her about others she'll meet at the Bridge, and how much I love and will miss her.

Your kindness, love and support have made this horribly difficult time much easier to bear.

91 comments:

Carolina Cats said...

Oh no, we're so sorry to hear that Miss Suzanne has gone ahead to the Bridge. But you know that she is happy and healthy now, purring and watching over you with love until you join her again.

Lots of love & hugs & purrs,
Finny & Buddy

Karen Jo said...

I am so very sorry. I've got really leaky eyes. Now Suzanne will watch over you from the Bridge and part of her will remain with you forever in your heart. I'm glad you were together when she crossed.

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

Well, I've got leaky eyes, too, and Missy also. So sorry to hear about the loss. I know you will miss her. We all will miss Sweet Suzanne. But she is pain-free and healthy and happy and waiting for you. And watching over you, all the time.
I am very glad you were with her.

Elaine said...

My eyes are all leaky, too, and here I am at work! Bless sweet Suzanne. Hugs to you,

Lux's mom,
Elaine

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Tiki, Kirby, and StanLee said...

We are so sorry that Suzanne had to go to the Bridge. Our eyes are all leaky. You and Ben2 are in our purrayers. Sending purrs and hugs.

Zippy, Sadie, Speedy and M'Gee said...

Our eyes is all leaky too. It's good that yoo got to be together at the end. Now she can run and play at the bridge and come visit you in your dreams until you meet again...

Meowers from Missouri said...

we are well an' truly leaking now. we are so sorry for your loss, an' so happy for your release from illness, dear suzanne. now you will live and be well fureffur, an' your momma will love you just as much as efurr.

purrs an' huggs to all your fambly, too, specially (((mom toni)))

nelson lapurr, edmund p hillary, nitro s pierce, xing lu pierc, an' tom & cheryl

KC and the Giggleman Kitties said...

I deleted the really long poem because it took up so much space. I'll post it elsewhere later.
Prayers for Suzanne and Toni and all the family and extended family.
ML

Daisy said...

Goodbye, sweet Suzanne. I am going to miss you so much. I wish I could have known you longer, because you were a very good friend to me and I will always remember you. When it is my time to go to the Bridge, I am going to look for you and we can play together.

Ali & Fiona said...

Oh we are so very sorry, we are all crying including momma. Suzanne was beautiful kitty and we will miss her.

Love,

Fiona & Ali

Oscar the Puppy Cat said...

Toni, I've been waiting to talk to you. You have been in my thoughts all weekend. I hope you know that you are not alone. I know how sad you are right now and that it may be hard to blog for a while, but if you need anything, just ask!

Mungo N Teazer (and the Firecat too!!!) said...

We's furry sad. We's just met Mis Suzanne recently an now she's gone to da Bridge. Headbumps to Ben2 and leg-rubs n purrs to Toni an all da rest of da beenz.

Oscar the Puppy Cat said...

Dear Sweet Suzanne.
I've not had you in my life for very long but I came to love you very much! You made me so happy and I have been very proud to be called your Daddy. I've been crying. But then I started thinking that death is just a continuation of life. You've gone to the next phase and I know that I will meet you there. You will live on in my heart. I will care for Ben2 and let him know what a wonderful Sister you were and are to him as I know you will be watching over him. I will take care of your Mommy Toni, too! Bless your sweet soul my beautiful daughter. Sleep well.

I love you so very much,
Daddy Oscar

The Feline Sextet said...

We's so furry sorry to read this, our eyes is leakin and so are Meowmy's :(
T.F.S.

LZ said...

This is very very sad and we are all very upset to hear about your loss. We know she is in a better place and enjoying herself. She led such a long wonderful love filled life and she knew it was time to go and you helped her in her final journey.

Love,
the Cats P

HRH Yao-Lin said...

I am so sad to hear that. So , so sad. Me, Mao and the human are really choked and we just want you to know that you are all in our thoughts. Especially Suzanne who I am sure is still watching from wherever she is. It is never an easy time. I wish humans and cats had the same life span but then the humans would never get to meet so many fantastic felines.

Purrs, kisses and real tears

Yao-Lin, Maoo and the human xxx

Rosemary B❤️ said...

We are praying for all of you.
((((bighugs))))
Never forget, we are here for you.

Myst and Blackie said...

We are very sorry that Suzanne crossed the bridge. Our purrs & hearts go out to Ben2 & your Mom. Our eyes are all leaky now

Mr. Hendrix said...

We're so sorry. Suzanne will be missed. We are crying with you and sending you and Ben2 comforting thoughts and hugs through the air. I'm glad you were together when Suzanne crossed and she took that love with her.
You're a wonderful mommy Toni.
We're so very sorry for your loss.

Emma's Kat said...

::wiping tears away:: So sorry to hear of Suzanne's passing. She is at the Bridge though, running and healthy again. Doesn't make it easier for you though. Know that we are keeping you in our thoughts and prayers.

Daisy said...

I made a little tribute for Suzanne on my blog. It made me feel a little bit better to do something to honor her.

Kimo and Sabi said...

Our purrrs and prayers are wif yer fambly.

Merlin said...

Mommy, Dobby and I are furry sad for your loss. We will be sendin' out purrs, headbutts, and purrayers. My mommy got leaky eyes readin' about it, too, and she says she's keepin' you in her thoughts.

Honey P. Sunshine said...

we are furry sad to hear this noos. goodbye sweet suzanne

Jess said...

i'm so sorry for your loss. sending many purrayers and hugs your way to help you thru this incredibly difficult time.

Ivan from WMD said...

What very sad news. We are all so sorry Suzanne had to go, but know that she'll be with you forever.

I hope she meets up with my bro Eddie--I bet they'd be friends.

Kissies,
William

Anonymous said...

we're so sorry. our Lady's eyes are making puddles on the desk. we'd better find the tissues for her. we're all sending lots of love and purrrrrrs.

Astrid (…and the kitties too) said...

weare so sorry to hear about your loss and Suzannes going to the rainbow bridge.
mommas eyes are leaking and shes not good at finding word at the moment.
but we are sending lots of love and hugs and purrs to you all.

Although we know that there will come the day when our feline friends have to leave it is always difficult to deal with it when the final day has come.

Suzanne was loved until her last breath and she knows that you loved her very much. She'll always be there watching you and being your guardian angel.

Kashim & Othello and Astrid

muffinmidi said...

Mommy and I are both leaking from the eyes.It feels likewe knew you both forever. You're in our thoughts and prayers.
Muffin & Tracy

Empress Bee (of the high sea) said...

so very sorry to hear this news my friend, so very sorry and sad.

sad smiles, auntie bee

Mo and The Purries said...

Toni, my fingers fail my as tears blur my vision.
Please know how Suzanne touched us, and our hearts go out to you.
We posted a Rainbow Bridge tribute to Sweet Suzanne, and we will say prayers for you.

Purrs and love,
Daphne, Chloe, Spooker, Jazper
and Not The Mama

sammawow said...

We are so sorry to hear that Suzanne went over the Bridge. Our eyes are leaking and our Lady's are leaking a lot. We are so glad we got to meet Suzanne and we'll miss her too. We're sending lots of purrs over to your whole family.

Purrrrrs, China Cat & Willow (& Mom)

Artsy Catsy said...

Oh my, we're so very sorry. We know there is little to say that could ease your pain, but maybe this poem we found will bring you some comfort:

The years I've worn you,
warm upon my shoulder,
ended here ...
surprised to find us older.

And there was nothing
left to do today
but hold you close
and help you on your way.

Be still, my little cat.
Be well; be free.
I know that you're somewhere near,
and loving me.

Everybody at Artsy Catsy

Anonymous said...

Mommy's eyes are soooo leaky right now! Oh, we are going to miss you soooo much, Suz! Cross safely and wait for us, our special girl!
Purrrrrrs,
Us, Meezers

Bad Kitty Cats & Megan said...

Oh how our heart is aching for you and your loss. Our tears fall with you and I am so very glad Suzanne was with you went she went home. Please know we are here for you and if we can do anything our arms are open. With great love and sorrow. Suzannae you are already missed. Rest In Love and Peace Our Kitty Friend..

megan and the bad kitty cats

Hot(M)BC said...

Lotsa Purrs for yoo and Ben2. It's so furry hard to lose a furriend. We kno you'll miss Suzanne lots. We purrayed for Chloe, the 'riginal Black Cat of the Howse to wait near the Bridge just in case Suzanne camed ofur, so we kno she's got good compny, and she'll be safe n healfy there until yall get to go meet her.
Purrrrrrrrrs
Purrrrrrrrrs
PUrrrrrrrrrrrrrs
Purrrrrrrrrs
PUrrrrrrrrrrrrs
"Purrs" (from Mom Robyn)
Sanjee, Boni Maroni, Mini, Gree, Pepi and Mom Robyn

MaoMao said...

Me and all the Ballicai are crying with you -- we send our love to you and yours, and to precious Suzanne at the Bridge. Our hearts are with you, and we're so glad you were together when she went to the Bridge.

Love the Ballicai and the Ballicus Mom

Anonymous said...

And I'd like to share with you a beautiful poem I found:

How can I bear to lose you, my precious gentle one,

To know that you will not be here when my day is done?

So much of my heart, my love, have I given up to you,

How then can I stand the pain now that your life is through?

My sorrow overwhelms me, the tears so freely flow,

How can I carry on my life, with a heart that's laden so?

Then the answer comes to me from the stillness in my soul.

Remembering the love we shared will help to make me whole.

I'll hold you in a special place, so deep within my heart

And in these loving memories we'll never be apart.

You will not be so far away, your presence I will feel.

I'll wrap myself in your memory and so very slowly I will heal.

The years we shared, the little joys, the laughter and the tears

My love for you will never die, but strengthen with the years

So fare you well, my precious love, I gently let you go

And pray to all the Gods there be that you will always know

I loved you so, my little one, that love will never cease

I gave you warmth, I gave you love, and now I give you peace.


~~ by Constance Jenkins~~

Love, purrs, and snuggles from Marilyn.

Kathy said...

Our mom's eyes are leaking all over the desk and the thing she clicky's on. May you forever hold Suzanne in your heart. And may she be at peace and pain-free, waiting until you are both together again.

Max, Shadow, Ziggy, Pixel & HRH The Princess Europa
from Sheep Thrills

Victor Tabbycat said...

We're so sorry! You gave Suzanne the best home. Her love for you was a reflection of your love for her. She'll be watching over you now and forever. Our purrayers are with you.
Victor, Bonnie, and Jen

Forty Paws said...

Oh NO! We are all so very very sorry to hear that Suzanne has passed. Much crying is occurring now at the Forty Paws house. Obi is looking at me with very sad eyes because of my sobs. Know that you are in our thoughts and purrayers and we are sending you healing energy to help you through this rough time.

I particularly like this Native American poem and find it gives me peace.

I'm Not Here

Don't stand by my grave and weep
For I'm not there, I do not sleep
I am a thousand winds that blow
I am the diamonds glint on snow
I am the sunlight on ripened grain
I am the gentle autumn's rain.

When you awaken in morning's hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circle flight
I am the soft stars that shine at night
Do not stand by my grave and cry
I am not there, I did not die.


Luf, Us

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

Mommas eyes are leaking. We are all so very sorry. She is with you always, you know...watch for a sign. Our furriend Sue saw a double rainbow when her Harriet passed.

Anonymous said...

We are so sorry to hear about Suzanne. Please know that our thoughts and purrayers are with you and your family.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

We are so sorry to hear this sad news. You have many precious memories of her that will help you through the hard times. Run free and happy at the Bridge sweet Suz

The Lee County Clowder said...

She was among friends when she passed, and she knew she was loved.

Sending mournful purrss and {{huggss}} from all of us to all of you.

The Meezers or Billy said...

oh oh oh. We are so sad and our eyes is leaking alot. We are sure that Trixie and Norton were there to greet a beautiful ginger sister and show her around. Suzanne will be watching over you and waiting until the happy day you are all reunited. Rest well sweet Suzanne, we will miss you dearly.
Meezer Mom, Sammy and Miles

Samantha & Mom said...

We are so sorry. Mom can hardly see the keys, her tears are falling. We knew you such a short time Suzanne, but loved you much. Our thoughts, purrrs, ppuurayers and (((big hugs)))
go out to you mama Toni and your family and Ben2. Suzanne, you are in a better place, so free from all these earthly things, but we will miss you much. My Ariel is there she will be a good friend to you.
Samantha, Tigger and Mom

Fat Eric said...

We were so sorry to hear about Suzanne and are thinking of you.

Would you like me to move Suzanne from the Gorgeous Gingers to the Rainbow Gingers tribute page?

Skeezix the Cat said...

I am so so so sorry to heer abowt Suzanne. It's hard to tipe with my eyes leeking so hard. I will say lots of purrayers for both Suzanne and her famly, cuz I know it is an ixtreemely diffikult time for yoo. We all loved Suzanne vary much.

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

We are so very sorry to read that Suzanne has crossed over The Bridge.
Purrs and Prayers for you all,
Bobbie and Bunch

Just Ducky said...

Mum has leaky eyes. Lots of purrs to you on your loss. Suzanne will remain in your heart.

The Cat Realm said...

We don't cry but the maid has all leaky eyes. We know you are at peace now and we are glad to have known you, even if it was just for a short time. We will always remember you!
And we send many many many purrs to your Mom!
With love
Karl and Anastasia

Toffee K. Ripple Fuzzypants & Feline American Angels said...

We are so sad and so sorry for your loss. Having shared your lives together for such a long time makes parting all the more difficult.

Ben2: Be sure to comfort your momma. She needs you furry much.

DMM and the Feline Americans, et. al

Donny and Marie and Casey said...

Suzanne's mommy, we so sorry Suz dearest went to the Bridge. We miss her very much, and we purray and think very much of you and your family.

Our big sis angel kitty Missy will be there to greet her at the Bridge...

Purrrrrrrrrrrs and sad sniffles,

Marie, Donny, Casey, Missy

Phoebe said...

Momma Toni, in the short time that I knew Suzanne, I could tell that she was a sweet lady kitty. We will miss her very much in the Pablo Fan Club. Monica and I send many purrs to you on this sad day. Purrrrrrrr purrrrr purr.

The M's said...

We are so very sorry that Miss Suzanne has passed over the bridge.

Millie said...

Jasmine and I are very sorry to hear Suzanne crossed the Bridge. We are sending purrs and headbutts your way.

Anonymous said...

We are sooooo sorry to hear about Suzanne leaving for the Bridge. Mama's got the leaky eye thing, too. Sounds like Suzanne had a fantabulous life and that she left you with so many memories they will last you a lifetime. We will be purring & puraying for you tonight.

Parker said...

Please accept our deepest sympathies. We have asked our "Ones Who Came Before" to welcome Suzanne to the Bridge. We were glad that you were able to be with her when she crossed. Leaky eyes makes this very hard to type. I helped my Mommy with a tribute to Suzanne on my page to honor her memory.
Please hug Ben2 for us.
Purrs, Prayers and all of our love,
Parker and all of us.

Anonymous said...

I am so very sorry to hear about Suzanne, deepest condolences

Kate (Pablo's mum) said...

Goodbye, Suzanne. See you at the Bridge one day... lots of love, purrs and prayers to Suz's family.

Smeagol and Strider, Mystery (Sunnin' at the Bridge) and Gizmo too! said...

We're so sorry. We're sendin' you and Ben2 purrs. We know our Aunt Tippy was there to meet Suzanne along with all of the others Who Came Before.

Tara said...

Oh dear sweet Pink Lady, I'm going to miss your visits to my blog and your lovely comments. You are in the next phase of the universal continuim. Say hi to Baby for me at the Bridge for me, and I'll see you when I make my journey.

Tara

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

Meowm and I are so sad to hear of Suzannes passing! We try to remember that she is running free and healthy now (like China, the one that came before me), but it is hard to think about that when our loved ones are missed so much!

You are all in our thoughts and purrayers!

Anonymous said...

Goodbye Suzanne. I am sure you have found many friends when crossed the Rainbow Bridge!

Her memories stay on earth, with you, her family and (feline)friends, that memory will comfort you and hopefully make you smile.
Her spirit will be everywhere, everytime, always, and never dies...

caspersmom said...

We were so sorry to hear that your Beloved Suzanne has passed. She is at peace and pain free, but we do realize that you Toni and your family are not. God Bless you and our prayers are with you.

mister jeter harris, hizself said...

goodbye mi frend suzanne.
i will see u again sumday.
luv--yer grate frend--jh

Bogdan, the editor said...

Oh! This is so sad! We are very sorry. We love Suzanne. She took really good care of Sara. She was a great friend to all of us.

Love, Bogdan, Sara, Kat 3 and the investor

momsbusy said...

we have been following suzannes' journey to the bridge. we are crying with you in your loss but we also rejoice that there was so much love in her life. take care. we are praying for you.

Anonymous said...

My Lady's first cat, Miss Kitty went to the bridge many years ago. My Lady had her for sixteen years and loved her so very much. I hope that Miss Suzanne has got to meet Miss Kitty, I hear from My Lady that she was very special. I didn't get to know Miss Suzanne much since I just started blogging and only read her page a couple of times, but I wish I would have gotten to know her better. I'm just so very sorry and hope everything is well. Love, licks, rubs and purrs.
Henry The King.

michico*Adan*Lego-小芥*阿丹*樂高 said...

I am so so sorry to know that.
She must become the most beautiful angel now.

Bless to lovely Suzanne and bless to you, The world because Suzanne become more and more joyable, and because you, Suzanne is complete her mission in her life.

Best blessing & hug
□□Adan * michico □□

Gattina said...

I read about Suzanne's going to the rainbow bridge from Oscar's blog and I just want to tell you how sorry I am. I know by experience that it is so hard to loose an animal and it will take some time to get over it. But she will always stay in your heart.

Pumpkin said...

We'z sorry to heer that Suzanne haz gone to the Bridge. Soft purrs and rainbows sent to her Momma frum Hah-why-eee.
Pumpkin
Tiger
Bebe
Blackie

Anonymous said...

I was vary vary sorry to heer that Suzanne wint to the Bridge. I hope she is free of pane and is playin' and having fun and drinking toona joose until yer together agin.

Zoey and the furballs said...

Toni, we are sooooo sad to hear this news. You were very courageous to be there with her during her last moments. We know that's a really hard thing, but it's the best. Take care and know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and Ben2.

Love, Zoey, the furballs, Mommy (Kirsten) and Daddy (Matt)

Anonymous said...

God bless you

Poppy Q said...

Sorry to hear about your difficult day. My mum and I know that Suzanne would have died happy to have you there giving her cuddles and kisses. She was lucky to have such a loving home and a good long life with you.

Poppy Q and her mum.

snowforest said...

I am so sorry to hear about this. Words can hardly express what I feel right now. Last few days have been really tough upon me too. I kept thinking of Suz all the time and frequently had tears in my eyes...
But for some reason today, even while my eyes are watering as I write this, I am at peace too ~ I am glad that Suz's suffering is over ~ that she has lived a long healthy life ~ and now she is pain-free and happy ~ today I feel soon there will be new life for Suz's Mom to adore and be with ~ that she will relish all the great time she had with Suz ~ that Ben2 will comfort her and she will soon find new kitty love and happiness for all the years to come ~ Amen

[posted some prose about the Rainbow Bridge at my blog]

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

Omer I know your words touch Toni more than you will know.
You are amazingly kind and sensitive.
Thank you, her sister Miss Peach
<><

Dragonheart, Merlin, Devi, and Chloe said...

I am so sorry to hear that Suzanne went to the Bridge. :( We are all crying here. She will be missed.

You have our deepest condolences, and you will be in our thoughts and prayers.

The Ginger Darlings said...

May your wings be strong. We will go to the rock and listen for your call in the wild wind as the buzzards mew. Please give our love to Arthur and Bird and also to Comfrey if you should meet them. May your mice be swift and there always be a sunny patch for dozing.
And when the moon is full and the ghost cats sing in thr ruins on teh cliffs we will call a cat canticle into the dark for you.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

Is Heaven all you asked for it, O little cat?
Did Peter fit a halo for your graceful head?
Is there a quilt for your special bed,
And a bowl of cream just out of reach of your little paw?
Does the flapping of Their wings entice?
Do you scamper and swing on a golden fence,
Or are They teaching you reverence?
And are there really golden thrones up there?
Or do the Mighty Ones have nice fat chairs that you can claw
And tear and snag with an impious paw?
And do the Angels understand that a little cat in a lonely land,
Still longs for a kiss and a friendly cuff?
Celestial joys are not enough.
Please, some small saint in shining white,
Hold him close in your arms tonight.

~Bianca Bradbury

We are very sorry to hear that of your loss of Suzanne. WE all will continue to send purrs and keep her and you in our purrayers.

Abby, Boo, Ping, Jinx and Gracie
and Mom Debra

Anonymous said...

We all have leaky eyes. We are so very sorry that Suzanne is gone to the Bridge. She will be very missed, by you the most. We did not know her very long but we knew how sweet and special she was. We are very glad you were with her until the end.

Purrs and headbonks,
Bounce, Lucy and Trixie

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about Suzanne.I hope she meets Buffy at the bridge and they become good friends.It's so hard to let go.Mommy's eyes are leaky so I'll close with a big (HUG).

Anonymous said...

We are very sorry about Suzanne. I'm glad she was with you at the end.

Magoo, Smudge, Bella & Dolce said...

We are very sorry for your loss. It is never easy to lose a beloved friend.

Have faith that she waits for you at the Rainbow Bridge.

The Furry Kids said...

We are so sorry for your loss. Our eyes are leaking and leaking. We're glad that you were able to be with her for her trip over the bridge. Please know that you are in our thoughts and purrayers. Rest in peace, sweet Suzanne.

Love,
Titus, Tazo, Earl Grey, & their Mom

Anonymous said...

We want to add our condolences for your loss. Suzanne must have had a wonderful life with you, and you'll always have those memories.

The Tower Hill Mob said...

We just heard the news.
I'm sure our beloved Tilly met Suzanne at the Bridge and those two Gorgeous Gingers are playing in the green grass and enjoying treats.
You are all in out thoughts and prayers.

Mimi Lenox said...

I'm so sorry to hear this news. I know this is a terribly difficult time for you. Will keep you and your family in my prayers.
Know that there are many who hold you up - as evidenced here in this great company of friends who love you.

Suzanne is at peace now.