Grady came into my life in the Spring of 2005. He was a beautiful, gray stray cat that had on at least two occasions walked through my yard. I tried to call to him a few times, but he did not respond. During one of Grady's walks, I took a box of cat food outside and shook it. This got Grady's attention. He did not come to me, so I left a bit of the food on the ground and moved away. Grady cautiously approached and inspected it. He ate the food and I was able to coax him to the edge of my yard for more. This went on for a few days until Grady felt that it was safe for me to touch him. I began to feed Grady every day. In a short time, Grady started to visit my home everyday at the same time for his meal. Our bond had grown quite strong.
One day, Grady went missing. I did not worry much at first since he was a male cat and I knew that they tended to roam. I became concerned after two days and drove through my neighborhood looking for him. Five more days had passed with no sign oh him and I thought that Grady was either dead or someone else had taken him in. I was quite sad as I did not expect to see him again. One week after Grady disappeared, he appeared out of nowhere. I happily stroked him and he was glad to see me. I knew then that this was going to be a part of my family. I quickly went to a local store and purchased a litter box. I hurried home because I did not want Grady to leave. When I returned home, Grady was waiting at the end of my driveway. It was if he knew he was home now. I brought him inside and got him set up with the litter box and a makeshift bed. I showed him how to use the litter box by running my hand through the litter and placed him inside. Grady decided to lie down in the box and roll around in it. He did use the box shortly after having his fun.
From that day on, Grady remained with me for nine years until his unexpected and sudden death on August 13th, 2013. I lost a friend on that day who I loved so much and was able to lean on during a really difficult time in my life seven years ago. Grady often looked into my eyes with love and affection. He seemed able to sense my mood and would jump in my lap and demand to be held. I was fortunate to have one last cuddle session with Grady the night before he died. I placed his food out, but he did not want it. Instead he jumped in my lap and did not get down. I did not force him to do so and picked him up and held him stroked him and talked to him. Looking back on this days later, it seems that Grady knew he was going to leave me and wanted to say goodbye. The next day, I went to feed Grady and discovered him lying dead on the floor; his body still warm and flexible. I was in total shock as I caressed and shook Grady. It hurt so much to know that only a short had time had passed before I could have seen him. I buried Grady in my back yard underneath the shade of a tree that turns a lovely shade of gold in Autumn. As a final symbolic gesture, I sprinkled some of his litter around his grave to mark his territory one final time. I miss my friend dearly.
You came into my life a scraggly little stray. I never thought I would have buried you just yesterday. Your coat was soft and a beautiful shade of gray. I fed you and took you into my home. You gave me much comfort, love and joy my sweet, dear friend. I know that all good things must always end. However, this does not ease my pain. You were a part of my house for so many years. I wait for the bitter tears that will flow once I accept that you had to go. A part of me is missing and I am left wishing that you could have stayed with me longer. Remembering you with each passing day will help me grow stronger. My heart ached when I placed you in the hard, dry earth. Some may wonder why I feel this way and what a cat is really worth. They can never know the unconditional love you showed me which was a gift sent from above. You rest now my wonderful friend. You are at peace now and only that can ease my sorrow. Rodney
Grady ?- August 13, 2013
