June 5, 1982 - Dec 20, 1998
She was about 8 weeks old when she entered our lives. She was roaming around with about a dozen other kittens on Ramstein Air Base in Germany. She was the only all-black kitten and when she came up to me, it was love at first sight; so began our journey through life together. She traveled all over the world with us as we were an Air Force family. Calypso was never sick a day in her life. Her visits to the vet were for routine shots and check-ups. She loved the Christmas season and as soon as the tree would go up she could be found sitting underneath. We called her our Christmas cat.
In 1998 she was showing signs of aging and her system was starting to shutdown. Calypso's vet, Dr.Chance, explained this process of her system starting to shut down and she would get a vitamin B-12 shot every 3 months. It seemed to perk her up until the last month. She was so thin and frail; I knew when she didn't show interest when the Christmas tree went up that it was not a good sign. At 16 1/2 years, she was equivalent to a 86 year-old person. No matter how much money one has or how much medical care is given, the aging process marches on. It was so painful to see her go from being beautiful and vigorous to a shadow of her former self.
On Dec 20,1998 at 4:00 PM she began her journey towards Rainbow Bridge. I sat by her and told her I loved her and always would. It was ok to just let go. At 5:30 PM Calypso entered Rainbow Bridge. Calypso was to be cremated so arrangements were made.
I located a company on-line called Ashes to Ashes to purchase the urn for her cremains. They were so caring and responded quickly to my order. They have a large selection of urns to choose from. They have a toll free number to call and I highly recommend them. The urn I ordered for her is a black ceramic pyramid. In life Calypso liked to sit on my computer desk. Her cremains are in the pyramid urn on top of my computer desk.
If only the hands of time could be turned back, we could start all over again. Calypso will remain in my heart and I'll cherish her memory. We will go on and on. We're not together the way we used to be. We're still connected in a way no eyes can see. Dr Chance said: "She must have loved being a ( he said my last name) to have stayed so long." His words have given me more comfort than anyone could ever imagine.
There is a wonderful site called Rainbows Bridge where you may have an online memorial site for your pet. Calypso has a memorial there and I visit her as often and make changes to her toys, flowers, and seasons. Please visit Rainbows Bridge and explore the site. Visit all the residents and feel the love that is expressed by the people for their fur babies. Every resident there was a member of a family, not just a pet. The way it should be.
A special thank you to Ginny. She was inspired to create Rainbows Bridge as a tribute and memorial to her beloved cat FiFi. Calypso's memorial at Rainbows Bridge gives me comfort, helps me through the grieving process and I expect that is true for everyone that has a memorial for their furbaby at Rainbows Bridge.
There are many
good websites that provide information and inspiration to help us thru an
emotional and difficult time when we suffer a loss. Having been there, I
understand your grief.
Please visit Griefhealing.com
website. Bestfriends is doing wonderful
work to find or provide a home for cats, dogs and other animals. I was so
inspired by their policy of not killing animals because they are homeless.
They provide a sanctuary for all animals. They find them good homes or the
ones that cannot be placed, live out their lives at Bestfriends. They are
located in Angel Canyon which is close to Kanab, Utah.
Please
visit their site.
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This beautiful poem was composed by my dear friend.
She
understands the depth of my pain and sadness.
Thank you, Grace
CALYPSO
Calypso, dark and mysterious like a song
That plays its haunting melody to the air
Calypso I can't believe I won't see you there
As I walk through rooms I feel so alone.
I wish you'd come back, be with me again
Full of health, full of love no more pain.
Calypso, black cat, special Queen, beautiful
The moment I saw you, I knew you were mine
I loved you dearly, my heart was your prize
From that moment on our lives would entwine
Sadly I didn't notice as time traveled on
Till one day I realized we were both getting old.
Came that sad day, when with our blessing
My sweet little darling you slipped away
I know you had to go, my heart broke in two.
But I know there'll come a special ,sweet day
When I wake to find you sleeping beside me
Then together we'll walk too meet eternity.
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My Memorial for Calypso.............................................................
