Dear Reader Column 01-19-11

Now on sale . . . Muffins & Mayhem: Recipes for a Happy (if Disorderly) Life by Suzanne Beecher, and when you purchase it, request a free autographed bookplate, by visiting:
http://tinyurl.com/Muffins-MayhemPO

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Dear Reader,

He was a handful, but he was mine.

Four years ago, a frightened, tuckered-out, feral, orange tabby showed up in my yard. He was a feisty little guy, but with good reason. Somewhere along the way folks had let him down. The pain and mistreatment he'd suffered, I could see it in his eyes. He kept his distance, but I soon discovered that a good meal was the way to this hungry kitty's heart. Turkey with gravy and a big bowl of fresh water kept him coming back day-after-day, and soon Goldie (everyone needs a name) would stay around after lunch to take a little nap in my lounge chair. Lunch and a nap, led to dinner and a good night's sleep, take a run around the neighborhood, and then might as well see what's on the breakfast menu at Suzanne's house. But Goldie hasn't shown up for meals for quite a while and the last time I saw him something didn't feel quite right.

For days, every hour I'd walk over to the window and look out, but Goldie wasn't there, and finally the other night I came to terms with the fact that he's gone. Goldie may not have been able to show his love to me when he was here, but the other night in a dream, there he was, sitting underneath a street lamp, his eyes weren't afraid any longer, instead they were filled with love and thanks, and he was saying good-bye.

He was handful, but he was mine and I'll miss him.

Thanks for reading with me. It's so good to read with friends.

Suzanne Beecher
Suzanne@DearReader.com
http://www.muffinsandmayhem.com/

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Comments

[BB]

I am truly sorry for your loss. I think it's just great how Goldie came to you in a dream. It's always heartbreaking when you lose a pet, they are so much a part of the family.

Remember, take as long as you need to grieve, there's no time limit! And you have proof of how much Goldie did love you, even if he didn't know how to show it. Take care!

[TH]

Thank you for sharing your touching story of Goldie. As I read it, I found it difficult to keep the tears from my eyes. My heart goes out to you as I feel what you are going through. My
thoughts and prayers are with you and I am deeply sorry for your loss. Perhaps our little handfuls will find eachother in kitty cat heaven and find peace in their friendship.