The last two days have been hard ones. Today isn't exactly roses either. Immediately before Brandon left the state for work, he brought me an ailing kitty, his sweet Shodan.
I did all I could to help her. Her body would respond but then it would go right back downhill. It became obvious there was no help for her. Then I worked to keep her comfortable and as pain-free as I could.
When Shodan felt her body changing, she cried out one time. Hannah went to comfort her. With all the strength she had left, Shodan crawled into Hannah's lap. She wanted to be held and Hannah was the one she wanted.
Hannah selflessly gave up her plans and held Shodan for the next seven and a half hours. Emily and I offered to take over several times. Hannah wanted to see it through. Hannah gave Shodan what she wanted. She cradled Shodan, lovingly stroked her fur, and gave her sweet words all day long. I admit nothing, but I may have cried a little at the tenderness I witnessed. How many 16-year-olds will give up their entire day for a dying cat that isn't even theirs?
Shodan was nine years old. She was a beautiful long-haired tortoiseshell cat descended from Miracle whose story is in the blog. Shodan would greet Brandon when he came home by jumping onto his back and standing on his shoulders. She loved my boy, and I loved her for it.
She did not leave us with nothing. Several months ago, Shodan escaped Brandon's house and was gone for a while before she came home. Nine weeks later, Shodan gave Brandon what became a precious parting gift...a kitten, named Moiria, who will carry on her memory and Miracle's lineage.
