In memory of Sheba

Sheba was immediately the most beautiful kitten I'd ever seen. Her amiable nature towards the darkness as well as her clear enjoyment in being alone stole my heart. She stood out to me from the rest of her brothers and sisters immediately! On the day I went to collect her, I saw she was sleeping away in a dark corner of a shelf. I outstretched my fingers and stroked her majestic black fur and, to my surprise, she climbed out and came to nestle beside my lap. We stayed in that position for a while.  It took her a few days to get used to our home. She was naturally closer to me, however, and she soon became my sleeping buddy and the first person to wake me up in the morning with a soft nudge against my cheek or her kneading paws in my stomach due to her hungry tummy. I loved returning home to see her curled up on a chair, or on a bed, eyes closed. Or, sometimes, when I would come home through the door and stop to stroke her she would smother me in gentle purrs and affection. I truly convinced myself that she was, almost, my child. When she wouldn't eat, or was being picky, I would lift a plastic spoon with cat food and feed her with that. When I could see her sleeping adorably I would very quietly sit near her and stroke the night between her ears or softly kiss her paws. I would carry her around in my arms and she would rest there, peacefully observing around her. She became a very treasured member of our family and I would find myself constantly searching for additional items to bring home in order to add to her clear happiness. For those four months in which I was privileged to be in her presence and to have her in my care, she became a huge part of my world and a great source of added life.  If it was up to me, she would have lived forever in my care in that same position of contentment. She is no longer in pain and I can only hope that she remembers how much I loved, and still love, her. To no longer have her here has been a deeply immense and affecting loss. There will be no other cat that can take her position in my heart. We love you, Sheba. 

by Tabassum Khazmi