Trigger
For nearly 18 warmhearted years, Trigger was the most devoted, unwavering, and true-hearted best buddy anyone could ever be blessed with. The darling runt of his litter, Trigger was the last furbaby of his siblings to be adopted; I always thanked both God and celestial timing for this divine miracle. Skittish and shy upon first meeting, it took Trigger exactly one hour to warm up to me and christen me his mommy. Through nearly two decades of moving in and out of houses and apartments, changing romantic partners/cat daddies, amending careers and friendships and home decor, and doting on a range of tiny siblings, Trigger never left my side; literally, he slept next to me on the bed and curled up beside me on the couch at all times, as if he were afraid to let me out of his sight. These past few months have been especially, horribly heartbreaking watching my precious angel suffer, struggling to breathe, walk, eat, drink, use the litter box, and even stand up straight without falling over. His daddy (my husband of 13 years) and I kept him as comfortable as we could until the very end, making sure he was rooted in front of the electric fireplace he so loved enveloped in his softest blanket, surrounded by his beloved brother and sister, Lulu and Hobbes, who never left his side, even after he passed. It was, for the most part, quite a peaceful passing; he simply went to sleep and did not wake up.
Though my heart and stomach and guts feel like broken glass inside of me right now, I still believe that Trigger is now with God, my dad (even though he was more of a dog lover), my paternal grandparents (who completely adored cats), and my first cat JubJub (who died 7 years ago and was Trigger's first brother, playmate, and loving appendage).
''The softest paws, a purring song,
now silent steps where they belonged.
A velvet coat, a gentle gaze,
gone from my life, through endless haze.
But love remains, a timeless flame,
whispered softly, calling name.
In dreams, they leap, they softly play,
and chase the light, come what may.
Though death may come, a final plea,
their love remains eternally.
A gentle soul, a spirit free,
in my heart, you'll always be.''
