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 memory post. I so understand your sorrow and I hope the loving comments from everyone help a little to know that people understand and care. Hugs Carol x
Thank you Carol. The cat community is incredible – so caring and I am always overwhelmed by the love and support. Thank you for stopping by and for your hugs.
Weez sendin’ lots of purrs and purrayers.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Lexi
Thank you so much, Dezi and Lexi – very kind of you to send the purrs and purrayers.
m is sending you big hugs. We are so ery sorry for your loss. I know it is still hard even after all this time. We loved your book. So we know the special bond you had together. Thoughts and prayers are with you.
Thank you Mario – and thanks to M too – I am glad you loved the book and I really appreciate your thoughts and prayers.
Purrs to you today. <3
Thank you Summer.
I have wanted to reach out to you after I read your book but things have kept me from doing so. I wanted to read your book and didn’t want to read it because of how similar our losses were to one another in 2013. While it was happening to me, it had just happened to you and I was totally unable to deal with anything for a very long time afterwards. I read your book in one sitting, and I sat there and wept because I understood each word as if were my own. Only now could I allow myself to read your words and feel that pain and understand and accept it all. I am so sorry for the loss of your Harley (and Mr Jazz). Knowing how hard it is, it has only been with time and some clarity that I’ve been able to find some peace and I hope you have too. Although there is a part of me that will always remain sorrowful, I suppose that is because of the great depth of love that was shared, I can’t forget and I will always miss my girls. Thinking of you.
Annabelle – I vividly remember your beloved Angel Abby crossing back in August of 2013 – our lives took such a parallel path. I can imagine that reading Purr Prints was very difficult for you because it was like looking into a mirror of your own life. For some people, they can read it at any time, for others, it requires a certain resolve to be ready, because yes, it will stir up painful memories. But, when the time is right, the story is such a beautiful tribute to all that is feline. It is a tribute to the infinite wisdom they have, the wonderfully unique personalities they have, and the human-feline bond they share with us.
Thank you for stopping by – I have made peace with Jazz. Writing Purr Prints, while difficult in the beginning, was extremely therapeutic and it brought Jazz and I even closer. He will always be in my heart – I feel him all the time and that gives me comfort. The circumstances for Harley are quite different and the path to recovery will be harder to resolve. I am trying – having the friendship and support of people like you has been a Godsend.
Such a beautiful tribute to a beautiful kitty. They truly do leave paw prints on our hearts.
They really do Ellen – thank for for your kind words.
Deb, what a beautiful tribute to Harley. How did a year get by us? I can remember reading your first post announcing her sudden passing–I was so stunned. It’s our worst nightmare, that something will sneak up and steal away many precious moments yet to be had between us and our beloved kitties. There really is no way any of us can know what losing her feels like. She really was a soul who came to you and wanted nothing more than to be with you. No lasers, no mice, nothing fancy. Just to be at your side. I miss her as a devoted Zee and Zoey reader, and my heart hurts for you. I will be sure to do something kind for someone in her memory. Always with you in spirit. Peace, my friend.
Thank you so much Laura – she truly was such a part of the Zee/Zoey Gang and my heart skips a beat every time I see a picture of her in posts past. She’s not supposed to be gone, but she is… Thank you for loving her as part of your own family. xoxox
I’m truly sorry for your loss. It was such a shock, Harley was so beautiful. I cried then and now, my heart is with you.
Oh Connie… thank you so much. It truly was a shock. It still is and I appreciate your heartfelt comment.
What a beautiful tribute to your sweet Harley ! We send you comforting purrs, and Mum sends you hugs. Purrs
Thank you so much for all of the hugs and comforting purrs, Swiss Cats.
Deb, my heart aches for you today of all days and send a pink cloud of love your way in Harley’s memory. Always, always, always she will stay in your heart. xoxo
Thank you for stopping by Layla. I know you’ve had a rough haul lately and I really appreciate your love and support. My love goes back to you…
Sending lots of love and light to you on this anniversary. Harley was such a beautiful kitty.
XOXO
Thank you Prancer Pie – I appreciate the love and light…
Beautiful Debs,Beautiful,xx Rachel and Speedy
Thank you so much Speedy and Rachel. xoxo
Purrs to you as you remember sweet Harley today. Gone but not forgotten…and always loved.
Thank you Island Cats – I appreciate the purrs!
While their physical bodies eventually leave us, their beautiful spirits live on for eternity in our hearts and memories.
So very true Melissa – thank you…
What a lovely, poignant and reflective tribute to Harley. We’re all sending you much love, hugs and purrs as you miss your sweet girl.
Thank you meowmeowmans – I appreciate the love, hugs, and purrs.
Such a beautiful, heartfelt and meaningful tribute to your sweet Harley, Deb.
Sending you comforting hugs and purrs as you hold your memories and all your kitties close.
xo
Thank you for the hugs and purrs Glorgirly, I appreciate it.
Beautiful tribute to Harley. What a gorgeous girl she was. I wrote to you on Facebook – the messages are so touching. It’s hard to say much more but that my heart is with you…
Thank you so much Pamela – you have been such a good friend and my heart is with you as well as you try to process your own personal journey of grief.
Purrs and pawhugs from the HighCats plus understanding tears from HighCat Mom.
Thank you for the purrs, pawhugs, and understanding tears, Shiner Cougarcat and HighCat Mom.
Special thoughts as you remember Harley
Thank you Sweet Purrfections.
I am sorry I missed this post, I think it went up on our anniversary and I wasn’t online and now I am playing catch up. Sending you much love and many hugs………I know how hard this is. xoxoo
Thank you Caren – I hope you had a wonderful anniversary and I really appreciate the love and hugs. xoxox