Thursday, July 11, 2013

Saying Goodbye


On January 26, 2012 a gorgeous 12-year-old (give or take, we've never been completely sure of the details and subsequent veterinary examinations have been inconclusive) hunk of black man cat moved in with us at Teeny Tiny Tabby Town. 

Many of you have been with us as fans of Norman since that day. We weren't blogging then, but at the time he was discussed frequently in the comment section over at Love & Hisses. You've been with us through the thrill of adoption, the comedy of errors, the reign of Uncle Norman, and the devastating illness that brought us to our knees. 

This morning, we said our final goodbyes to our dear sweet gentle old man. I hope you'll understand and be patient for details as, for the moment, this is really all I can handle writing. I'll be back with more of an explanation and homage over the weekend as my heart can manage it.

Thank you for loving him along with us. 





42 comments:

  1. Oh Kelly.....I am SO very sorry and heartbroken for all of you. It sucks to let them go - no matter the circumstances. ((hugs))

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  2. love love love coming your way. <3

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  3. Hugs to you and Godspeed to Norman. I am sure that he has left a cat-shaped hole in your heart but know that you gave him such a good life and abundant love for the time he was with you.

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  4. Losing a loved one is never easy.. No matter how much time, it is never enough. You were blessed with one another for the time you had.. and that is something that can never be taken away from you.

    Purrs and prayers as you heal..

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  5. Kelly, I am so sorry. Been there and have an idea of what you are going through. Big hugs from me.

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  6. So sorry for your loss. It's never easy.

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  7. Kelly - I am very sorry about Norman. Thank you for giving him a wonderful home with lots of cheesy bread. I am sure he loved you as much as you love him.

    ib

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  8. We are truly so sorry to hear about Norman and his passing. Hugs and purrs...

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  9. Our hearts are heavy for you. Sounds like Norman was a special guy and that he loved your family as much as you loved him. Thank you for sharing his stories...you and he helped educate so many of us. Hugs to you and your family as you grieve.

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  10. I'm so sorry for your loss. That is never easy. Take care!

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  11. I'm so sorry for your loss. No matter how many times you go through it, it never gets easier. You take all the time you need before writing more. And you don't owe us any more than what you've already written, so don't stress yourself out over that. You surrounded Norman with love and gave him a great home and everything he could have wanted.

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  12. I'm so very sorry, Kells. Norman was a very special cat and I'm really happy knowing he had all the time with you that he did, and that he was truly loved and with good people right to the end.

    I think I speak for everyone when I say that we all know you did your best for him, but sometimes that's just not how it's supposed to work, sometimes they just need to move on. I like to think of it as them being content in the life they led and being generous enough to turn their spot over to the next needy cat who is waiting in line for your love.

    Norm was so very awesome in my eyes (and I only got to see tiny glimpses of him through you so I bet he was even awesomer than I could imagine) so I know it's hitting you hard but I love that you were there for him and, if there really is a bridge where they wait for us, I suggest you don't dare forget to bring snacks when your time comes.

    ~Chris

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  13. Oh, I am so sorry :( I just had to send my Garfield off Monday to Heaven... sobbing the whole time. I understand the pain. I will say a prayer for your Norman ...

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  14. I'm so very sorry! I know how it hurts to let the special ones go! You'll see him again someday and I wouldn't be surprised at all to find out he's letting you know he's still around with you in spirit. He was loved thoroughly - and that's the best a cat can have. You did what you needed to do for him, sometimes time just isn't long enough. (hugs)

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  15. So very sorry.
    ((Hugs)) to you all.
    The Mommies understand the loss well and each time hurts just as bad as the first; some even more so. We just hope that Norman finds a comfy spot across the Rainbow Bridge where he can frolic with all of our Heavenly Bound brothers and sisters.

    ((Hugs and Squeezes))

    ~Brooch Czarina
    ~Book
    ~The Mommies

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  16. Tears in my eyes for a cat I only knew through your posts and comments. I remember when you specifically adopted an older black cat because you knew they were less likely to find homes. Norman sure hit the kitty jackpot! You all were so fortunate to have each other, even though it wasn't for a long enough time. It never is. He is enjoying himself at the bridge with Spanky, and Drewey, and the little ones from Pitter Pats, and all the cats we have known and loved.

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  17. Oh!!! :( Oh, dear old man Norman. I'm so sorry to hear this news, and you and your whole family have my very deepest sympathy. I'm so glad Norman was surrounded by so much love right up until the end.

    I wish there was something that could be said that could make it better, but I know that there really isn't.

    I will certainly be thinking of you all.

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  18. I have tears rolling down my face while trying to type this.

    Kelly, I'm so, so very sorry to see this post. Thank you for loving Norman.

    I'm going to find my big black lunkhead now, and squeeze him.

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  19. I'm so sorry of you and the family Kelly. I have a black kitty myself so I have a soft spot for them. Norman seemed like such a loveable crusty old guy.

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  20. I'm so sorry. Norman was very lucky to have such a great home.

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  21. I'm so sorry for your loss. Norman will be missed.
    **hugs**

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  22. Oh Kelly...my heart breaks for you, but I am so glad you took Norman in, loved him and shared him with us! I've always said that you are blessed if you know the love of a senior kitty...we were all blessed by knowing Norman!

    Safe journey to the Bridge sweet Norman...until we meet again!

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  23. I'm thankful that he got to be in a home as loving and special as yours.

    Butterfly kisses Norman!

    Head butt Kelly.

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  24. So sorry to hear this. Letting go of our furry friends is never easy. I know Norman was grateful for the love you showed him during the short time he was with you.

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  25. Kelly, I am so sorry for you and your family's loss. Love, hugs and purrs to all of you.

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  26. ((hugs)) Kelly and family
    RIP Norman we will miss you. :(

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  27. So sorry to hear this - you all gave Norman such a wonderful home the last year and a half!

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  28. I am hopping from Random Felines... I am so sorry for your loss. You watched over him and he will now watch over you.

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  29. Oh Kelly. I'm so very sorry. I don't have words for this. Sending you hugs and prayers.

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  30. Godspeed, Norman. Please accept my condolences at this heart-rending time.

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  31. Goodbye, Norman. Make sure you look after the crazy lady with all the fosters.

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  32. We are all so very sorry to hear about your dear Norman. We send you our very best purrs along with lots of hugs and love.

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  33. Oh, Kelly, I am so, so sorry to hear of Norm's passing. He was an amazing cat, and I'm glad you got to enjoy him for as long as you did. I believe that love itself never dies, and he'll be waiting for you (and some treats!) on down the line. Purrs and blessings to you.

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  34. Our deepest purrs on the loss of your great big handsome mancat Norman.

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  35. My deepest condolences. You and Norman were very lucky to have one another. Rest easy knowing that he's being loved and has reached a wonderful place.

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  36. we wanted ta stop by N offer R sincerest sympathies two ewe

    God's speed Norman

    XOXO

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  37. I'm so very sorry for your loss. hugs and purrs from all of us.

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  38. We are so very sorry to read about Norman over on Random Felines. Many purrs for you in this difficult time.

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  39. Kelly, so sorry to hear that. We never noo Norman, but we know what it is like to adopt, and loose an older kittie. That you only had him a little while makes it no easier to deal with.

    Sending mournfulll purrrrrrsss and gentle headbumbs to you all.

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  40. We are so sorry to hear about Norman. But just know that he knew some really good love before he left. He sure was a handsome boy. Sending lots of purrs and some big hugs.

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