Monday, May 23, 2011

farewell

Aspen 1996-2011

Our sweet kitty died this last Saturday. She has been with us for 15 years! She was a birthday gift to me on my first birthday two weeks after we were married. She has been there through every move, six new babies, lots of learning, and a whole lot of living. She will be missed around here.




Carter was mowing the lawn on Saturday and discovered Aspen in the grass. It looks as if she was walking along and just fell over dead. She looked perfect . . . no wounds or anything. We knew her days were limited, but I expected her to get sick and slowly decline. Even though this came sudden and unexpected, I am glad we didn't have to make any decisions regarding her life.


For Family Home Evening last night, we had a little funeral for our faithful friend. After dinner the site was chosen, the hole was dug, and we laid our kitty to rest.







Changes are hard. What a gift this little life has been to our family. And now, we move on with her memory and spunky personality always in our hearts.

After the burial, we all shared stories and memories of Aspen. It was a sweet bonding time for our family. I prepared a little slideshow to share with my kids. It may seem silly, but it was fun for me to look back through the years and be reminded of all the life we have lived. Time sure does fly by! We are all so blessed.



9 comments:

cristie said...

This is a wonderful tribute to a darling kitty. I always loved the photo of Aspen draped around Doug's shoulders.

Perfect song for a collection of great photo's on the video...yes, i teared up. xox

Melissa: said...

Oh Ali, I'm so sorry! What a sweet and pretty kitty, a good companion for so many years. The slide show was sweet too, perfect.

love you!

Valerie said...

What a wonderful cat she has been for you and your family. The tribute was beautiful! I love all of the family pictures too! Such a cute family.

Kelli @ The Loss Cause said...

I love that you had a funeral for your kitty! Pets are such a big part of our lives and they become as close as members of the family (sometimes closer). Glad she lived for such a long time.

Keifersgirl said...

So cute Alison. I love the slideshow. My kids and I watched it and we all felt a little teary eyed too. Seems silly, for we hardly knew the kitty at all...but it still touched us.

Hope you guys are doing well.

p.s. loved the little memorial service

Katie said...

Oh, that picture of Gracie broke my heart! You are such a great Mom to put all that together for your family. It was a fitting way to bid farewell to your kitty.

The Carters said...

So sad...but the service you guys had for her couldn't me more perfect!

Deb said...

Oh Ali, I'm so sorry! I know what a big part of your life she was! Those pictures are great! Xoxo

Meesh said...

Seeing Grace's face said it all. How lucky to have had Aspen for 15 years. We had one for three months and when I said good bye, I cried for a whole day. That proved I cannot own an animal LOL! Best to your cute family.