Lessons Learned From Lionel the Cat

It is with a heavy heart that I announce the passing of my very first pet and loving feline companion Lionel. He filled our lives with so much love and joy in the short five years he was with us. Lionel was a spirit who came into physical form for a short time to teach A LOT of beautiful lessons.

He was the most precious, playful kitty with big ears who loved to pounce and scare the shit out of me by jumping out from under the bed at my feet. He was always very calm riding in the car, going to the vet and putting up with whatever seasonal costume we dressed him in (ie the plaid, wooly, jingle bell collar). His life was forever changed when we brought in his feline brother Wario first and then again when Mozart the doggie joined the family. He accepted them both (reluctantly at first) with big-brotherly comradary and made sure they knew who was boss.

Lionel walked by my side throughout the ups, downs and changes of my life with a quiet wisdom that made me slow down, pay attention and remember to be present. Whenever I would write, meditate or allow myself a moment of peace in the chaos of life, Lionel would jump in my lap with purring approval as if to say, “This is where it’s at momma!” He spent his days as most cats do, in the background resting, connecting with a special energy that kept our family grounded and sane. If he didn’t want to be petted, he let you know with a swift swipe or a menacing growl; he had no tolerance for misery. He didn’t talk very much, so when he did he got our attention. Usually he was saying, “I’m here and I have an opinion about what you’re doing!” Sometimes I wish I knew what that opinion was.

Lionel’s days in the physical world are gone, but I know his calming, wise energy is available for ready access whenever I ask. I know I’ll feel the comforting vibration of his purr and the soothing rhythm of his ‘milking’ paws in my heart, especially in my quiet moments of writing and meditating. He has passed on but will continue to light my life and remind me of everything of love. Thank you Lionel for 5 fabulous years together!