Louie

April 21st 2009 was a day that changed my life. I didn't know it then, but that day was the day you came into my life. You were the cutest 1 day old baby along with your mom and 5 litter mates. By 3 weeks old, you boosted yourself out of the box, using your litter mates as stepping stones, to find me. You knew you belonged with me and by 4 weeks, I tearfully told the animal shelter I couldn't return you to be adopted, for you adopted me.

  You were a spoiled, stubborn brat. You didn't bond to anyone else but me: no person or cat. You were mine and I was yours. I loved you unconditionally and without measure, just as you loved me. You were always the one I could count on: to comfort me, to vex me, to amuse me, and to love me. You were my sweet baby Louie Lou, my baba Louiekins, the one I could count on to find me.

  I'm so sorry I didn't let you stay. I know you wanted to stay. I know you would've gone through any measure of pain and discomfort to stay with me. I know you loved me that much. But I loved you that much too, and I loved you so much I had to say goodbye to you. Louie, I know you would've stayed but I refused to let you suffer. I refused to let you waste away. I refused to let you be in pain that I could not fix. Forgive me baby, but I couldn't let the lymphoma continue to consume you.

  I love you Louie. I've always loved you and will always love you. 13 years was not enough and I will treasure each and every moment in those 13 years I had with you. You will always be with me. Always. Rest baby, just rest with no suffering, and know I will always keep you close and never abandon you. I love you baba Lou. Always.