Monday, May 1, 2017

In Memorium: Gracie the Cat, Ace Reporter

Saying Goodbye To Our Sweet Gracie

 

It is with great sadness, that I share with you that our sweet Gracie passed away today. She had been our fur baby for almost 17 years. It is a sad day indeed in the Thisandthat household.

Those of you who read my blog regularly first learned about Gracie, and her sister, Groucho, when I wrote the story of how they came to be in our lives. If you missed those posts, you can read them here and here.


"The Girls" as we always lovingly called them, were pretty much inseparable and it's been difficult for Gracie these last couple of years without Groucho.


Gracie developed a love for the computer, though, and would touch the keys and type if we put it in front of her. She also loved it if we would put on "Videos for Your Cat" from YouTube and would watch the videos mesmerized for a looooong period of time for a cat! That's when I got the idea to have her "help" me write posts for the blog and "Gracie the Cat, Ace Reporter" was born. Whether interviewing me on the blog, giving her political views or sharing some poignant thoughts on life, Gracie was not afraid to let her views be known and her personality shine. 


It's been a tough few months as we have done our best to nurse Gracie through mouth cancer. She fought valiantly and continued to have pretty good cat days until the last week or so. She so enjoyed looking out the back door at the chipmunks, birds and squirrels that love our backyard. Although she has always been an indoor only cat, we did take her outside to enjoy the warmth of the sunshine these last few days and that seemed to make her happy. As we comforted each other today, my husband and I were able to remember what a great cat Gracie has always been and how much joy she has brought to our lives the past 17 years. We have lost several other pets these last three years and that's really hard. In fact, this will be the first time in our married life that we have had a home with no pets at all in it. Part of loving pets and having them become part of your family is knowing that at some point you will have to say goodbye. For us, that day came today......and through my tears, I just want to say; "Thank you, Gracie, for being such a sweet part of our lives. Rest in peace and I know you are happy to be reunited with your sister, Groucho, and your dog brother, Max, in the shelter of God's arms. Oh, and please don't fight with Annie in Heaven!!"


** Matthew 10:29,31 - "Not a single sparrow can fall to the ground without your Father knowing it. So don't be afraid. You are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows." **:
http://www.homesteadoriginals.com/blog/2013/04/12/shabbat-shalom-30/

Until Next Time,
Debbie

8 comments:

Lay said...

Thank you for sharing your Gracie, then and now. I shed tears as I read your beautiful memorial for her, knowing too well the pain of losing a beloved pet and the emptiness of a house without them. You and Mr are in my thoughts and prayers.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you, Laura, for your kind words and your thoughts and prayers.

Karen said...

Through my tears, I am praying for you and your husband Debbie. Gracie and Groucho were beautiful cats, just beautiful, and this is a lovely and loving tribute. You have the peace of knowing that you gave your fur babies the best life they could ever have had with such love and devotion. Beloved pets are truly blessed. My heart aches for you and I will keep you in my prayers. I believe animals will be in Heaven with us. They are such pure souls, created by a loving God, and will add much joy to that experience. I pray that you feel God's peace in the days ahead.

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you so much, Karen. I know that you truly understand the devastation of losing a fur baby and I thank you for your prayers. We were blessed to have Gracie in our lives for so long.

Nancy 's Fashion Style said...

Oh I am so sorry! It hurts so so much to loose a pet! We have two Cats and last year one died and I was so very sad. They are such a part of our lives aren t they Debbie. I am sure she had a good live!

Debbie Styles Life said...

Thank you so much, Nancy, and I am sorry for your loss last year, as well.

Marge said...

So sorry to hear of the passing of your beloved pet. Life is richer for having a pet. I know your heart is breaking but you enjoyed a lot of years together. Cherish the memories.

julie Wunder said...

Oh Debbie! I'm a little behind on blog reading and missed this! I'm so sorry for your loss. She sounds like she was a wonderful pet and made your world better. Praying you guys find some peace in the loss.