I lost my best friend of 16 years yesterday. I’ve bonded with several cats in my lifetime and each time I say that I won’t ever experience that closeness. I’m saying it again this time. Diego and I even shared a birthdate (4/4) which made us as much alike as a human and cat can be.
Before we moved in here with my boyfriend, Diego and I inhabited a small bedroom with adjoining bath. But boy, did we have a great view out our window. Large tree that proved to be a bustling freeway of birds and squirrels! One Sunday morning we were lying in bed when 4 hawks appeared in the tree – 2 adults and 2 young ones. We sat in bed with jaws agape as we watched the parents encourage their offspring to take flight. The babies would fly to a nearby tree, then return to where their parents waited. Many Sunday mornings Diego and I would lie in bed and take “selfies”. And every time I went out at night, he would watch me getting ready from his bed (on my bed)- with that guilty look that said “You’re leaving again, aren’t you?” Needless to say, he got treats BEFORE I left and when I got back. LOL!
Throughout each day (where I currently live) I would look around the room to see where he was so I could go over give him a hug. Sometimes a kiss. Sometimes just to say HI and administer a pet or two. And more often than not I’d find him sitting in his bed (on the bed) looking at me and waiting for me to notice him. This was a constant occurrence between the two of us.
When I’d leave to go on my morning Power Walks, I’d always say “Bye” and always greeted him when I returned. He was the first thing I looked for in the morning and the last thing I reached for at night – and he always slept right next to my pillow.
I find myself still looking for him. Getting up from my chair and moving to the bed to cuddle with him. I see him everywhere. On the bed. In the windowsill. Walking to his litter box or food bowl. Playing with a favorite toy. And lastly, talking to me. We had a very special language. And when he’d meow, he’d do it with his whole head as if to say “What’s up?”
And then I realize he’s not here anymore. And I cannot stop crying. And I feel like my whole world has died. I miss him with all my heart and soul.
He had a section of my website all to himself – as well as on my YouTube Channel (Diego’s Picks). I will never take these down. They will always belong to him. A lasting memory of my Best Friend. My Familiar. Lord Greychin. DIEGO.
4/4/2003 – 12/10/2019