Gucci

One of the most difficult things to deal with since you left Russ, is the daily reminder of our shared love for Gucci. We each had this precious little beastie to ourselves for a time. When the little stray joined our family, I had not intended to have any more pets, because my nomadic lifestyle did not have room for the responsibility of another animal.

By the time Gucci had lived with us for three weeks, she was part of our family. No one else claimed her and she became our sixth beloved cat. I was staying in Irene at the time, while Michael was completing his final years at high school. Once all that was done, about three years later, I wanted to return to the USA to be with you, Russ. However, due to a work visa glitch in America, I was unable to join you permanently and had to wait for the green card process to be completed. So Gucci had to come to you.

In the beginning, you were not overly excited about the fact that I was about to ship another cat across the ocean to live with you in Florida. But I was not giving up Gucci for anything. I could not leave her behind and I could not take her with me to England when I went to work there, so sending Gucci to you was the only logical choice.

It did not take long before you had fallen completely in love with our furry wee beast and before I could blink, she had become your cat. Gucci absolutely adored you. Wherever you were in the condo, there she was with you. Outside, on the Lanai, she would eagerly watch you watering plants and then go and play with the overflow of water. Indoors, Gucci would snuggle with you on the bed if you took a nap. I have countless photographs of our cute cat lying on your left shoulder, with one out-stretched paw almost touching your ear.

Gucci likes to play, but on her own terms. Throwing balls for her to chase is more work for the thrower. If you send a little ball passed Gucci, she will just watch it rolling by. Only if it is near enough to reach will she put out a lazy paw to tap the object. Her favourite toy is usually a piece of string. However, watching the two of you play hide-and-seek, brought me the greatest delight. It amazed me then and even now, how she knows immediately when the game is on. I used to chuckle at the way Gucci would freeze every time you poked your head out of the bedroom to call her from the lounge. After three or four calls, I would tell you that Gucci was on her way and she would dash into the bedroom.

She gave you a fright every single time, even when you knew she was coming. It made me laugh so much. I miss that. I play with her occasionally, but both of us have lost our enthusiasm since you are no longer part of the game.

Now, Gucci is once more my cat. I am so grateful to have her. She was very stressed when you passed away and I was so sad. Gucci has become such a comfort to me. I have always talked to her and she talks back. Since I no longer have you to talk to in our home, I talk to her all the more. I believe Gucci has added a few different meows to her repertoire and regardless of the possibility of true understanding on either side, we do communicate.

Personally, I think that animals understand a lot more than we give them credit for.

Science has told us that humans use only about 10% of our fairly large brains, in comparison to other living creatures, but to my mind it is quite possible that some animals could be using 100% of their smaller brains and perhaps, therefore using more than human beings, which would make them more intelligent than we are. I think they are smarter than humans. I am pretty sure that Gucci knows what I am saying when I talk to her. I often tell the little beastie that I miss you and wish you were with us. Her eyes tell me that she wishes that too.

If it is true that our pets will be with us in heaven, then I guess you have quite a menagerie to take care of Russ. Our first pet that passed on, Spice, the little kitten who climbed all the way up from your feet to sit on your shoulder. I think of our dogs, Mischief and Tammy, as well as our other cats who have died, Liquorice, Ginger, Mooshy and Marmite. You would also be taking care of three bunnies, Honey, Fudge and Fluffy as well as three hamsters, whose names I have forgotten, and a beautiful budgie, called Smartie. Good thing you were always an animal lover!

I don’t know how many people you would have known when you got to heaven, but I hope you are enjoying gardening with your Mom and Ouma. I am also hoping that you and my friend Marilyn have met, and that you were there to greet Chunky last week when he joined you and Wendy and other loved ones in heaven. How I wish I could be there with all of you. I know one thing for sure, you are all having a wonderful time there and life on earth sucks, especially alone. I am trusting that God has a plan for the rest of my life here, although I am very much looking forward to joining you all one day in heaven for all eternity.

Until then Russ, I will think of you every time Gucci loves me while waiting for me to dish up her food. When she snuggles next to me on the bed, I will remember how she loved napping with you. I will recall how much you delighted in Gucci when she throws herself on the floor and rolls about, so cute and vulnerable. I know that part of you is still with me in our shared love for Gucci and I am reminded of that every time I pick her up and hold her in my arms. My aching heart is comforted by the sound of her healing purr. I thank God for this little beastie whose love we shared and will continue to soothe my broken heart.

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