In the early morning hours this past Saturday, one of my sweet kitty companions moved to the other side of the rainbow. Her time came without warning and from all I could decipher, was quick. She looked as if she was still peacefully resting when I discovered she was not breathing,
Amelia, more affectionately known as Mama (or fatty, the beast, perfect princess, mama-son) was my “grandchild” cat. Originally my daughters cat, Amelia and I had tumultuous beginnings. I often looked in on her when my daughter traveled. Mama was not keen to change and she battled with my attempts at affection and attention when she was in my care. This cat was like a guard dog watching over my daughters house and I got attacked for having dared enter. I tried to like her, despite my “battle wounds” for my attempts at sharing some love. When my daughter traveled to New Zealand, Mama came to live with me for five months. During this time Mama decided I wasn’t so bad, though like any “child” she certainly tested my patience often enough. Our relationship developed and I discovered the sweet, incredibly loving side of Mama. I spent most of her life being “grandmother” like; looking in on her, occasionally housing her, giving her attention when I would come to visit.
Mama came to live with me full time when my daughter was preparing to move to Boston. She was my constant companion for nearly three years. By that time she was accustomed to change and still despised it. She had grown to trust me and the transition was not as rough as past moves for her. She enjoyed my affections immensely. Her aggressive head butts and persistence in making sure she got her share of attention was as endearing as it was annoying. I developed such a love for this cat, who had one of the quirkiest personalities and could display the most “human like” expressions of any cat I have known. I always knew what Mama was thinking and feeling. Despite her shortcomings, I think she was absolutely the best cat with the most pure heart; like that of an old soul. I am so grateful for our time together over her twelve years, but especially in these last years when she was with me. I find comfort with thoughts of Mama’s last months. I am sad she had to endure one last traumatizing move. She did however, adjust quickly to the freedom of roaming where she wanted without a young, sassy “little sister” (M’s cat) ready to pounce on her around every corner. She had a beautiful and spacious outdoor area where she loved to spend time feeling the sun’s rays. She adored being able to cuddle up next to me in bed and even found a new level of acceptance with Boy, my other cat. They actually had begun to interact in a playful way, chasing each other around the apartment. I marveled at her unusual frisky behavior. She actually let loose recently and l enjoyed watching her amazing “cat dance” play with a tiny piece of carpet thread-until she saw me watching her. She then quickly regained her regal like stance and pretended none of that nonsense had just happened. She was such a hilarious cat! She gave me so much happiness and I believe that our move brought out her fun loving nature. I found her endlessly entertaining. Mama always cheered me up, whether it was watching her antics or getting loved up on when I was feeling down. Mama reached in to the recesses of my heart and attached herself to me. I totally adored her and I miss her immensely.
One of Mama’s quirky behaviors was her obsession with water. Where there was running water, there was Mama frantically crying out for some drizzles of water to drink from. It truly was a little fanatical at times. I am pretty sure nothing made “the beast” happier than to drink the water I slowly poured into her bowl at just the right angle for her to sip from, with the exact amount of drizzle to please the “perfect princess”. She would vibrate her tail with excitement at her favorite activity.
She also had an obsession with fruit. Not all fruit, but apples and strawberries made Mama very happy. If I was preparing either of these, she was there begging, curious, making sure I knew she should be involved in what I was doing. If I was eating them, she was pawing at my hand to get at the fruit. She would nuzzle her nose into the fuzzy green stem of the strawberry as if she enjoyed the tickle then slowly nibble away at the strawberry. It was so silly and cute.
This “recipe” which isn’t really much of one, is dedicated to my sweet mama-son, my fatty, my princess. In honor of the best cat ever- I made strawberry water. I can think of no better way to say thank you for accepting me into your world, for loving me, for showing me patience, grace and presence. Cheers to life and love with two of Mama’s favorite things.
There are some great benefits to strawberry water. I recommend making an entire pitcher to store in your refrigerator. I made mine in a single glass because unfortunately, I don’t have the room in my tiny fridge to give up space for a pitcher of fruit water.
Fresh strawberries are packed with Vitamin C, rich in potassium, folic acid and fiber. Strawberry water, or most any fruit water, is excellent for overall body detoxing. Enjoy a simply made glass, or make enough to enjoy for days.
Mama loved sunbathing
In memory of Mama
Water with ice in it is grand!
FoodRadical 