My beautiful Saiph sadly passed away. This is a poem that a very special friend wrote for me as a tribute for Saiph. It is especially sweet and special, as my friend is quite ill himself. I share this with you all for those special friends we have all lost in the past, and those we will loose in the future.

A Special Tribute For A Friend

I know you'll feel your loss whenever you see a patch of sunlight beaming warmth upon one spot of the carpet that's unused. You'll see that special curled-up ball of fur in total peace, you'll see in your eyes your closest friend rolling over, then stretching, yawning so grand, only to briefly stop to throw a wink toward you, and once more tuck in a tail to sleep again.

Those purrs were always meant for one Special Soul, a sound meaning so much more than words. We were all trained to react to a certain bark or 'meow', and we were taught to know if that sound was a cry for food, for a belly rub, or even if that plaintive voice was just a question asked out loud, that meant, "Hey! Where did you go ?"

Yes; there are so very many of us who'll never forget the unconditional love that's so very special, and unforgettable for everyone. And we will always turn to those who truly understand how such a loss will make us feel.

We can each recall those special Souls that left us recently, or even long ago. We remember their love with a tightening throat that can render us speechless, but each loss is remembered by their own memories, stories, and unforgettable bonds. Eventually it becomes easier through time, to smile at certain memories, and even laugh at the mischief done for our own behalf, and we're grateful for each, and every memory we had shared together.

But it remains so difficult to see that horizon when a sudden unexpected loss causes so many tears. Those tears can never be erased by words of simple Sympathy, but in sharing your loss with others who've endured the same pains, we're united in a 'singular body' of fellow 'adoptees', who've been there, and understands the sting that makes a broken heart feel so hollow. We know that when those Souls were in our charge, that they cared as strongly for us as we all have cared for them.

And for One Very Special Soul of Grace,
She will always remember the feeling of being so needed,
being so trusted,
being so loved,
and of course...
... of feeling Saiph.