January 29, 2010

One More Snuggle With Critter

Rate this encounter:[an error occurred while processing this directive] Carla Brown - Ottawa, Ontario, Canada - Fall 2006

Between 1979 to 1992 I had a big orange cat named Critter. And oh, how I loved this cat! It was all too soon when I had to euthanize him due to his being tired. This particular night in question (14 years after he died), I was fast asleep when I woke up for whatever reason in the wee hours of the morning. There, cuddled into my midriff (like old times) was Critter -- curled up and enjoying my warmth. I remember lying very still and cooing to him. I was not afraid, but felt very comforted by the fact that he was back. When I took to the notion of patting him (I also wanted to kiss his darling head), poof! He was gone. My baby left me again. He has not returned since but it was the most amazing gift he could have given me. Granted, it may have been a dream but it was so real, so vivid, and in my mind's eye, I can still see him lying there as clear as anything. Thank you, Critter for allowing me to snuggle up with you just one more time. I really needed that.