Remembering My Sweet Harley – Gone But Never Forgotten
My beautiful, sweet, darling girl. I had to say goodbye to you far sooner than I ever imagined I would and I can’t believe a year has already gone by since I last held you in my arms, desperately willing for a miracle so I would not have to let you go.
Try as I might, I still find it so very hard to reconcile your sudden loss, and for that I apologize, because sometimes blocking it all out makes it easier. But I don’t want you to think I don’t care or that you weren’t important. The times we shared were ever so precious and you were such a good girl. Not a mean bone in your pleasantly plump body and your wishes and needs were truly so simple.
Breakfast, dinner, a snack, and lying next to my side, whether on the couch at night when I was watching TV or at my side when I went to bed – that’s all you ever needed to be happy and content. Toys, bugs, lizards, and cat condos – you wanted none of that. And on those rare occasions when you would chase the red dot from the laser pen with the other cats, even you seemed surprised that you were doing it!
I love you and miss you so, so much. I pray you are at peace with Mr. Jazz and all the other cats and dogs that have been part of my heart and home in years past. You remain a part of me – I think of you everyday and I thank you for being a part of my life.
xoxox
Mom
A final note – if any of you were complementing the purchase of Purr Prints of the Heart, it would mean the world to me if perhaps you would consider doing it between now and the end of June. Harley might not be with me any longer, but that does not mean she can’t be the harbinger for helping shelter cats that are here who need our love, help, and donations. Harley was a shelter cat and on behalf of Adopt a Shelter Cat Month, in tribute to her, 10% of the proceeds will be going to Advocates 4 Animals for any sales made in June. Harley was the calendar cat cover girl for in 2013 for Advocates 4 Animals and Purr Prints truly is a lovely story that any cat lover will appreciate. There is also a special chapter at the end of the book in memoriam to Harley.
Thank you – for more information on the book and purchasing options, please click here.
Now if you’ll all excuse me, I really must go. This was not easy for me, but in respect to my sweet girl, I would like to share a few pictures in her memory…
Harley used to like to look at life from the inside looking out. She was not the bravest cat in the world and always liked to watch the others from afar!
Harley loved napping on this homemade bed that my dear friend, Liz Wyman, made for her.
When Dan took this image of Harley in 2013, I never imagined she would be gone a year later. I had saved the photo, never sharing it until now, as I had originally thought I would used it for a Valentine post because it has such a romantic, vintage look to it.
Harley didn’t like to play much, but she did have her goofy moments!
Harley shares some couch time with Zoey and Mia back in 2010.
A reflective moment looking out her favorite window. This photo is so vivid, I can almost feel her hair.
Harley and Jazz – more so than any of the other cats, they had been through everything together!
An incredibly special picture – the whole gang – Rolz, Peanut, Zoey, Kizmet, Mia, Jazmine, Zee, and Harley peeking from behind me.
Sharing some time with Harley and Kizmet. Kizmet, more so than any other the other cats, really mourned the loss of his buddy Harley. Me too, Kizmet, me too…
Beautiful tribute to sweet Harley. I’m so sorry that she’s no longer with you.
Thank you Brooke – I appreciate your sympathies.
Hugs to you on this anniversary. Losing a cat is always devastating, but I think sudden loss is even harder. I hope you find some comfort in memories of Harley today.
Thank you Ingrid – I am trying. Having everyone’s love and support has been helpful.
So loved….and forever in your heart.
Beautiful Deb! Big Hug!
Thank you for the big, beautiful hug, Toni! I appreciate it!
These anniversaries are bittersweet, but only as much as the depth of our love. Thinking of you and your household.
Thank you so much Bernadette – I appreciate your love and kindness.
I am so sorry, Deb. There’s nothing I can say to ease the pain you’re feeling, but please know that I am here to support you in whatever way I can. I’m really glad that we’ve become friends. It is amazing how many things we share, and I feel blessed to have your friendship.
I know that our babies are looking down upon us. They will look out for each other until we are reunited.
Many purrs and hugs. <3
Thank you Fur Everywhere. We share a special bond – me with Harley and you with Jewel. I am here for you as well and I thank you for letting me share some time with you today – it has made the day a bit easier for me having you to talk to.
What a beauty. These anniversary days are so, so hard. You and Harley were so blessed to have found each other. If only we could just have a longer time with them. {{{Hugs}}}
Melissa and Truffles – I thought I had so much more time with my sweet Harley – just goes to show over and over, that we have to appreciate all the moments we do have, because life can change in an instant…. Thank you for the hugs.
such a beautiful girl…..we are sending lots of love and purrs to you….
Thank you for the love and purrs, Random Felines.
Hugs and purrs to you.
Thank you for the hugs and purrs, Sue.
Big hug.
Thank you Anni.
How very sweet! My eyes filled with tears as your words reminded me of all the furbabies who have come and gone in my life too… each one so exquisitely unique. Gone but never forgotten…indeed!
Aww… sorry for the tears, Ana, but you are so right – each one is so exquisitely different and we miss them all!
What a sweet post. We are sending comforting purrs and paws of sympathy. We know you miss Harley a lot but she will always live in your heart.
Thank you so much for the purrs and paws of sympathy, Socks, Scylla, Fenris & Tuiren.
Oh, Deb, I’m so sorry. Anniversary dates can be so hard. I still cry a little on the anniversary dates of Dahlia’s and Kissy’s passing. Harley was lucky to have such a wonderful and loving mom, and I have no doubt that she’s smiling and purring at you from the Beyond. Hugs from me and whisker-tickles and purrs from Bella and Thomas.
Thank you for stopping by JaneA – I know things have been rough for you too and I appreciate your kindness and support.
Hugs, comfort, and love to you, Deb, as you remember your sweet girl Harley. She is never very far away from you and is probably peeking from behind you right now. What a joyous reunion you will have someday with Harley, Mr. Jazz, and all your fur babies who have gone ahead to the Other Side. <3 =)
Oh yes, Kelly! My reunion will indeed be very joyous one day when I meet up again with all of my beloved furbabies!
Deb,
the first year is always the hardest. I need not tell you Harley is not truly….gone…
she lives forever in your heart until the day comes when you can physically “see” her
again. These photos are beautiful { yes you already know my favorite } and they are an
amazing tribute to your girl. Hugs
♥♥♥ Laura
Thank you Laura and tabbies… I know you understand what I am going through and I appreciate your hugs and support. xoxo
Harley is an exquisite, awesome cat, I can tell she was an amazing animal. Purrs to you both, so sorry for this great loss!
Thank you so much Carol – I appreciate your kindness.
Thinking of you today, Deb, and your beautiful Harley.
Thank you Cat – I appreciate your love and support.
Hugs and love from all of us.
Thank you Brian – xoxo
I understand how hard it was to put this post together and sort through photographs. The sharp edge of grief that had started to soften becomes painful again. I feel as though we owe it to our heart cats, to keep remembering them and all their dear quirks and habits. As if we could ever forget!
What an insightful comment Maggie – that really resonated with me and I appreciate you putting into words exactly what I have been going through.
A very nice loving on Harley. We miss our furries when they are gone and don’t ever forget them.
Thank you jansfunnyfarm – so true…
Oh Deb, it brought tears to my eyes. I as do most of us here understand the pain s well. I still miss my Admiral as much as I dad when she left me. I still get tears when I think on her and I still can’t look at her precious furs and whiskers that I had saved through the years, nor her favorite blankie Ms Stella’s mom made. I understand. Peace and blessings.
Awww… sorry for the tears, Katie Isabella. It is so hard to let go – thank you for the peace and blessings – the same to you for your beloved Admiral.