Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Stormwatch Sunset Kiley Rose

Stormwatch Sunset Kiley Rose
Jan. 2001 - Jan. 2011

My Mom had just turned 71 when she asked me, "Can I get a cat?" I told her that of course she could get a cat. What a silly question. We looked at different kinds of cats. We looked at different cat rescues. We talked to cat breeders. And I even took her to a cat show to talk to different cat people. My Mom had her heart set on a long hair and fell in love with the Maine Coon cat breed. Well none of the rescues worked out but we met a wonderful woman who bred, showed and sold Maine Coons. She took a liking to my Mom (and who wouldn't!) and bumped her up the waiting list. Fast forward two months and the first meeting of my Mom and this tiny kitten with the half black and half red face. While looking at the available kittens this little bit if a thing came and started climbing up my Mom's leg. A few weeks later Stormwatch Sunset Kiley Rose (Her official name), better known as Rosie, came to live with Mom and me.










Rosie was the light of my Mom's life and spoiled rotten. Whatever Rosie wanted Rosie got! When my Mom became ill Rosie would lay on Mom's lap for most of the day. Rosie even went to the rehab/nursing facilities the three times my Mom stayed at them. And somewhere in my photo files there is a picture of Rosie in Mom's lap the day my Mom died.














After Mom passed Rosie became my cat. She would greet me when I came home from work and sit on the back on my chair while I stitched. Her purr would get so loud I would have to turn up the volume on the tv! Of course that meant she had to purr louder!

Rosie got along with my dogs. Well, most of the time she ignored them. When she came to us I had my 7 year old Irish setter, Maggie. Rosie would tease Maggie and use those extra long whiskers on Maggie's nose or feet to wake Maggie up and move from whichever comfortable pillow Maggie was sleeping on. Eighteen months after Maggie passed I brought Rory home. Now it was poor Rosie. He would chase her around the house and chase her and chase her. She never put out a claw but always jumped on a table to get way and swat at his nose when he came near.
Rosie left us sometime during the night on January 3-4. Around 6 pm on the 3rd I had heard her doing her hairball hack and had to yell at Rory since he always thought that was the time to bother her. I didn't see her before bed but that wasn't unusual. Hairball days (as I called them) were always times she would hide. Yesterday morning I went to get my clothes and found her at the foot of the bed she had shared with my Mom. To say I was devastated is an understatement. I am heartbroken. It feels like I have lost my Mom all over again. Mom and Rosie were always together. I spent quite a few hours yesterday crying. After a few phone calls with my sister (Thank you Sharon) I calmed enough to realize that Rosie is now where she belongs.

With my Mom. Her Mom. I miss you both.
Until next time.........
Love and stitches and tears
Kathy
and licks from Rory too

63 comments:

Margaret said...

Oh Kathy. I'm so very sorry. This must be so hard for you. Your post is lovely -- it brought tears to my eyes. Know that I'm thinking of you. I know you'll miss Rosie, but you're so right. Rosie and your mom are together now.

Marjorie said...

I am so, so sorry, Kathy. Poor kitty. At least she had a good life with you.

Katri said...

I have to echo Margaret (the first comment), she said all I want to say...

I'm so sorry for your loss.

Astrids dragon said...

What a beautiful story, your pictures are just precious. I'm sure you, and especially Rory, will miss her. But you're right, I'm sure she's with your Mom and making her very happy right now! So sorry for your loss, but what wonderful memories you have.

Terri said...

I am so sorry for your loss! She was a beautiful kitty!

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

My dear Kathy, my heart is broken for you. I'm so sorry for your loss of Rosie, I feel like I knew her myself in this heartfelt post about her life and times. May she rest in peace and in joy with her Mama now.

Sadie said...

Dear Kathy, I am so very sorry for youor loss. What a wonderful tribute to a very much loved pet. I'm thinking of you. (((hugs)))

gracie said...

Wonderful story...wonderful pictures. Thank you for sharing. I will keep you in my thoughts....loosing a furbaby is so hard.

K. Joy said...

Oh, how sad. I am so sorry! I am sure she will be greatly missed by you and Rory. She was certainly a beautiful cat!

Sheila said...

Kathy, I'm so sorry for your loss.Your story made my heart weak.I will keep you in my thoughts.

Catherine said...

Kathy, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Your post is a wonderful tribute to Rosie, your Mom, and their love for each other. Thank you for sharing their story and pictures. Hugs and prayers to you and Rory.

Terry said...

What a beautiful tribute to your Mom and Rosie. I'm so sorry that you lost her but know that she's relaxing with your Mom and they are both happy to be together again.

Hugs,
Terry

Meari said...

Awww, Kathy. I'm so sorry! ((hugs)) What a touching story that she passed at the foot of your Mom's bed. :(

Tricia T said...

I'm so sorry, Kathy. I'm crying right along with you. There is just something about losing a pet that hurts so deeply. I'm so glad you have pictures and so many sweet memories. What a precious friend she was!

Natasha said...

What a beautiful post, a tribute to the loving cat Rosie was and your beautiful mother. Rosie is romping all around with Maggie and your mom right now. (((HUGS))

Shelley said...

Oh Kathy, I am so sorry, I am crying with you as Rosie was such a beautiful cat. She reminded me so much of my Maine Coon. She is comforting her Mommy now. Hugs to you, I hope time can heal your heart. How is Rory taking the loss?

Shirley said...

I am so sorry to read your sad news, especially as I have gone through the same situation a few months ago. My heart goes out to you at this difficult time.
Shirley

Jan said...

Oh Sweet Kathy, I am so very sorry! I know how hard it is to let them go, and your heart must be breaking. Knowing she is with your momma, her momma, will help ease the pain, as well as time.

[[[[hugs]]]]

Vikki Gable said...

Ok, I'm all choked up! Sorry sorry to hear of the cat (and your mother too) passing. Although sad it was a great story.

Berit said...

What a touching story. I've got tears in my eyes.

What a sweet and loving cat--I'll bet Rory will miss her, too. I think you're right though that she's keeping your dear mom company again. :D

I wonder if she's telling her how well you took care of her while they were separated--at least until you brought home that Naughty Rory. I wonder, would your Mom scold her and remind her how she'd tormented Maggie? :)

Poppypatchwork said...

I hope you are feeling a bit better, she is with your mum. happy together.
PS I do love the new year photo of Rory, he's dressed to kill, ladies beware

Vicky L said...

I am so sorry about Rosie. A beautiful and very touching story. You are inmy thoughts. Many hugs coming your way.

GoldenAngelsWorks said...

So sorry for your loss.
((HUGS))

Carol's Stitching said...

Kathy,

I am at a loss for words right now as I wipe the tears from my eyes. You had a very special cat and while it is so very hard on you just think how happy your Mom and Rosie are to be reunited.

Hugs!

Carol

Starry-eyed stitcher said...

Oh Kathy, I am so very sorry. I am sure she is with your Mum right now. It is too sad, I can't really say any more. Lots of love Irene xxx

And This Little Pig said...

Oh Kathy, it can be just as devastating to lose a pet, particularly one who holds so many memories of your Mom. Words will not help, but she is now lying on your Mom's lap again, and purring just as loudly. Know that she went quietly in her sleep, curled up in a favourite place. Give Rory a hug, I think you'll find that he will miss her as well. Take care LiBBiE

Irene said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Such a lovely tribute to both Rosie and your Mom.

Kristy said...

I am so sorry for your loss

Terri said...

Sorry for the loss of such a beautiful lady. I know she is happy sleeping away in your moms lap.
Hugs

Carolyn NC said...

Oh Kathy, I cry with you... such a sweet cat and such memories with your mom. Many hugs and prayers for you.

sheri said...

Kathy, you've got me in tears over here, too. Those of us who have pets in our families know exactly how you feel. Clearly your Mom and Rosie had a special relationship, which you so poignantly shared with us in this post. I do feel that Rosie and your Mom are together now.

{hugs}

Gabi said...

Oh Kathy, this is so sad. Your post got me smiling and crying same time. I feel so sorry for you that you lost your precious cat and I agree with you, she's with your mum now.
The pictures of your mum and Rosie are precious.
Sending you a hug

Maggee said...

Kathy--Rosie was a gorgeous cat! Your post made me teary-eyed! I know that you are so sad about the loss and how it brings back memories of your loss of your mom, too. Consider yourself HUGGED madly by me, in the hopes it will help ease your sadness. And give Rory a little pat on his head too, cause he probably wonders where Rosie got to...

valerie said...

I am so sorry to hear about Rosie. She was a gorgeous cat and it looks like she and your mom were close. You wrote a lovely tribute and just think...Rosie and your mom are now together. Cherish the happy memories. *hugs*

Vicky said...

I am so sorry to hear this Kathy. Hugs to you and Rory.

Lisa V said...

Dear Kathy,
Just to let you know that my thoughts are with you at this time.
Hugs
LISA V

Pumpkin said...

Kathy, I am SO sorry to hear about Rosie :o( What a beautiful story. I was in awe when I looked at the first picture. She was an extremely gorgeous cat! Maybe she'll come across my Brie across Rainbow Bridge :o)

imnverted said...

So sorry to hear about Rosie. She sounds like she was the perfect companion for your Mom. Glad to hear she was able to transfer that affection to you.

Blu said...

So sorry for your loss.
((((((((((((hugs))))))))))))))))

Nancy M said...

Kathy, to be caught totally off guard and find her like that must have been awful for you. But sometimes you have to look on the bright side. She is now with your mom and there was no suffering for her or you. It's so hard to lose a pet and then to lose one who was also part of your mom must be doubly hard.Give Rory some extra hugs, I'm sure he is feeling your grief too.

Veronica said...

Kathy, I'm so sorry for your loss. Words can't describe how you must feel. I had tears in my eyes reading your post. {{{{{{{{{Hugs}}}}}}}}} to both you and Rory.

P.S. I'm ashamed to say I've yet to mail out your birthday giveaway prize. I apologize for the delay and will send the package out tomorrow.

blueladie said...

Kathy, I am so very sorry for your loss. What a heartbreak and what a beautiful tribute to your mom and Rosie. hugs, Cathryn

Edgar said...

Dear Kathy - I am so sorry to read about sweet Rosie passing. What a super post about all the love she brought to your mother and you.

Big Hugs!!!!

edgar

Charlene ♥ NC said...

I'm sorry for your loss, Kathy. Big hugs and puppy kisses for you and Rory from me and Pixie!

Akila said...

Oh Kathy, I feel terribly sorry for you. Your post has made my heart so heavy!!! May Rosie's soul rest in peace. May God give you all the strength to get over your grief

Linda said...

Oh Kathy I am so sorry for your loss, but mom and rosie are together again. I have lost several cats over the years and it is never easy. This is Linda (stitchin with my furbabies), you asked how many cats I have, I have 14 cats and 2 dogs.
Hugs and kisses

Linda

Maggie said...

So sorry aboout Rosie, she was a beautiful looking cat.

Sending you Hugs

Shelleen said...

I am so sorry, I sit here with tears in my eyes for you.

Sharyn said...

Kathy,
My heart goes out to you! So very sorry for your loss of Rosie. And also to Rory who I imagine misses her too!

Sharyn

stitchenmylifeaway said...

Kathy,
I'm so sorry for your loss of Rosie. I'm sure she will become a warm memory for you in the future.
Big Warm Hugs
Shay

Daffycat said...

*cries* I am heartbroken, Kathy. Beyond words.

Elizabeth MacGregor-Kirkcaldy said...

Oh, dear Kathy, I'm so sorry to read about sweet, sweet Rosie... What a beautiful and heart-touching tribute to her and your dear Momma... My heart goes out to you, Hun and may you find peace in knowing she rests with your Momma, her Momma, now... Sending you lots of {{{hugs}}} my dear...

Blessings and love always in stitches...

Katrien said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, at least she's with your Mom again;

CalamityJr said...

Oh, Kathy, I am so sorry. Our four-legged friends are family members, almost as human as the humans (but kinder). I'm glad you know that Rosie's with your mother, but I know that doesn't make you miss her less. I'll be thinking of you!

Debby said...

It is so hard to lose a parent, but to have the companionship of her kitty must have helped some. Now to lose the kitty as well - how devastating. My thoughts and prayers are with you; and I'll shed some tears for you as well.

too_busy_to_stitch said...

Oh no, Kathy - what a beautiful cat. So sorry - your lovely post truly brought tears to my eyes.

Kathy said...

Kathy, I am so sorry to read about your Rosie. I know exactly how heartbroken you are because we woke up one September morning three years ago to find our beloved white shepherd dead in his favorite sleeping spot.
You are right. Rosie is with your mom now and both are at peace.

Anonymous said...

What an amazing connection they shared...and how beautiful a story it is. I understand your grief and send hugs...and still smile for your mother and her friend :)

Anonymous said...

Oh, Kathy, how painful this must be for you. Your tribute to Rosie & your mom is beautiful and brought tears to my eyes. I send you many cyber hugs and will keep you & Rory in my thoughts & prayers.
Barb in TX

Debbie Jo said...

I am so sorry that you and Rory lost Rosie. ((((((((((((Kathy)))))))))and pats with a belly scratch for Rory too.

Carol said...

Oh, Kathy, I was away last week and missed your posting about Rosie. I am so very sorry to read that she is gone. I had tears in my eyes as I read about her and your mom--both were loved dearly and I hope that your memories of them will help you through this sad time. Hugs from PA...

Valda said...

I am so so sorry to hear of the loss of Rosie. Even though she is now where she belongs, it doesn't make the loss any easier. Gentle hugs to you and Rory.

Anonymous said...

OMG Kathy, so sorry to hear about Rosie. I hadn't visited your blog for about a week so just found out. I am absolutely bawling as I write this . . . I know how much you love your pets. I love my pets so much; they're like my children. And I lost my dad about 6 months ago, so I guess it just all hit home for me.

Like you, however, I understand that Rosie is now where she belongs, but I know you still miss her so much.

I wish you and Rory a very peaceful and happy 2011 - brighter days are on the way. Love your blog, and always love hearing about and seeing Rory, and your stitching projects. Hugs!
Penny in IL