Had a phonecall last night from OH's parents, saying that their eldest cat, Persephone, has peacefully passed away, at 18 years old.
She was a very special cat, a spitting image of Jameson but a ginger version. (I can't find a pic of her on my pc, which really bugs me) A very pretty and affectionate girl.
OH's mum found her under the apple tree yesterday, she could hardly stand up. She carried Persephone indoors, but later found her under the dining table, making strange noises. OHs mum knew her time was probably up, so she took her in her lap and stroked her gently. She passed away last night, peacefully sleeping in OH's mums lap.
There were lots of tears here, of course, OHs parents have had lots of cats over the years (living on the countryside) and they have all lived until very old, so we tried to think of it as a celebration of a long, healthy and happy life, rather than a tragic death. Of course it is hard, every member of the family (incl me) grow so close to each cat and it is obviously always hard to say goodbye.
I did have a feeling last time I saw her, that it might be the last time. I feel gutted I didn't get a chance to say goodbye, she was very special to me. Although very shy, she always used to come to me for fusses, and OH's mum said she hardly does that to anyone else.
So I thought I'd write this, in memory of beautiful Persephone. She lived until a very ripe age, having a great life on the countryside together with her daughter Dido, brother Ichabod and all the other previous cats (RIP) (Aphrodite, Mandarine, Marmalade, Rover, Hermione, Pinto plus many more!) - who all lived long and healthy lives!
RIP beautiful girl.
