Lily I Aka Tiger Lily
Sept 9, 2009 - July 11, 2024

It’s Sunday. Lily, my beloved cat passed on my bday last week. A quick post to say thanks for the many messages and give a lil insight to why she meant so much to me, She was my daily dose of inspiration.

 

Lily. A name I had ready 3 months before she was born. Her dad a grand champion bengal model. Summer of 2009

I gave my deposit to adopt on my bday. She was born that Sept.  She was a fucking ridiculously cute kitten. I filled my iPhone 4 within a week of pics. So much so my gf of the time was jealous I gave so much attention. I visited weekly for 3months post birth before i was allowed to pick her up and start our journey. 🌄 A journey I committed to even after finding out her horrible diagnosis I discovered later.

 

3months later i noticed a odd walk, caused by a infection. Following a ton of MRIs and doctor examinations, the result was a infection due to being born with a defect called Spina Bifida (her spine was not connected fully). A serious spinal problem as a result of her breed. Leaving her prone to infections or occasional paralysis if infection got out of hand. Even though the best doctors in Berkeley seeing her, they recommended putting her down. Considering the future obligation. I refused to put her down because it was too much of a obligation so to speak.

My other option was to keep close care and keep healthy. Then battle infections if they came. Leaving an uncertain future. So we Lily and i went for it, even with the impending grief not knowing when the day would come. We got the best meds and knocked off that infection as i did my best delaying the inevitable for 15years. ❤️

 

We shared the bed everywhere. My apartment in Santa Cruz before hitting the road in RVs, VW Van, and Wicked Woodie the bus. My fury companion traversed every state for countless walks on beach or hikes. Daily she watched me blow glass and meowed when outside break was due. Always greeted with excitement if came back from a bad studio day.

In Florida I cut a hole in the wall so can extend a bubble so she can lay and watch.

Without fail, a 630 am wake up demanding her food.

She loved to eat. :)

Sometimes at glass demos, receiving more praise for her presence then my glass. Or gathering a crowd of kids by sunbathing in the window at RV parks. Odd random knocks, anticipating someone asking wtf I’m blowing glass in a RV. Only to ask about her. A introvert yet center of attention when noticed. I loved it.

 

We fought 5 or so infections over the years. She taught me the true meaning of commitment. In return she sacrificed the domestic life for us to do glass on the road. Teaching me to be grateful with her wake every morning.  Nites with snuggles.

The last year I stayed not in the overhead bed, just so she can still access me at nite. I felt the incoming  sadness as I carried her to bed for the last month. Optimistic we can beat it again, but not the case.

 

I have had heart breaks, lost friends, and family. This has reached deep in different way. Leaving a remote sadness I cannot explain or shake. Due to our connection of daily life and close proximity throughout, her loss leaves me insane grief. Without comparing to a human or anyone else who had the unfortunate passing of their pet. Yet as weird as it sounds, not just a pet. I look forward to my mind allowing me to reflect more on good days only, without the overshadowing of her last meow as we layed together. She helped during my moms passing so much and very grateful she waited until my bday for last meow.

 

Posting this is extremely personal.  I am posting because she was my daily reminder to appreciate every day. She was my main inspiration to show up and work so I can keep her on that “wet” food life. :) Hopefully when I do post in public blog, it might help a passerby know their not alone in the pain in the loss of their cat or dog. 🐱

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I made this page for her and one day i will edit it with better grammar. Load the million of pics i took, because she deserves it. Miss my cat so much and again thanks to a few that found out and left me such supporting messsages.