In memory of Lilly

My beautiful Lilly, my soul cat I don’t even know how to begin, because you were such a huge part of my life and heart. You weren’t just my cat, you were my first baby, my companion, my steady presence, and my quiet comfort through so many stages of life. From the beginning, you chose me. You followed me, sat with me, slept beside me, and made yourself part of every space I was in. You used to hold my hand with your paw when you slept, like you were reminding me you were there and I wasn’t alone. I will never forget that. When I worked from home, you would wait for me to finish my calls and then come in to find me. You learned my routines, my patterns, my life, and you made yourself part of it in the most beautiful way. Even when life got busier, especially after my toddler came along, you still stayed close. You would sit outside my office door, waiting for me, just to be near me. I saw you, even when I was rushing, and I always loved you. I’m sorry if there were moments I seemed distracted or busy. I hope you always knew that you were still so deeply loved. I called you my little Lills, I told you I loved you, and I always felt that connection with you even in the small everyday moments. You were strong, sassy, gentle, and loving all at once. My beautiful girl. You had such a big personality and such a soft heart with me and with my toddler. You were so patient, so present, and so full of love in your own quiet way. I wish I could hold you again, stroke you, and tell you thank you properly. Thank you for staying with me. Thank you for trusting me. Thank you for being my soul cat, my comfort, my home within a home. I am so sorry I couldn’t protect you at the end. I wish I had you back in my arms. But I will carry you with me always, in my memories, in my heart, in every quiet moment where I still expect you to be there. I hope you enjoyed your last adventure and got to chase and eat something special. I wanted you to enjoy yourself and always know that you were so loved, Lilly. You are still so loved. You always will be. My beautiful girl, my first baby, my soul cat, thank you for being mine. I love you forever. Love, Your person - Jade

by Jade Burton