Tributes

From time to time, certain people and creatures make such an impression in our lives that we are permanently marked by having known them (either personally, or by reputation, or from afar).  I would like to dedicate this page to those individuals and creatures (mostly cats I've known) who have been important to me in some way, touching my life and my heart, and living on in my memory forever.  This page is likely to grow, with regular additions as time goes by.  The 1st picture on the page will likely be the most recent addition, and the rest of the pictures will not be in any kind of order. Each picture will have a few words of "Tribute" from me.

    The Rainbow Bridge                                                        I Stood By Your Bed Last Night

Data - My precious boy, who lived with me for almost 17 years. Forever by my side or on my lap, he slept close to me each night, and comforted me when I was sick or down. Our bond was special, and beyond description. He was athletic and one of the smartest cats I've known.  His sudden loss devastated me to the core.  Truly "My Forever Friend" ... I miss him so.

"Peaches" April 29, 1989 - October 2004 Grand Champion Kanab Luanne's Peach Schnapps of Angtini. Sire of my own two Maine Coons, Data & Geordi. I was lucky enough to see him during and after his show days. His sweet and gentle disposition, and stunning good looks were passed on to all the kitties he sired. Though he is now at the Rainbow Bridge, his blood line continues, and he lives in my heart and fondest memories.

Pauline - beloved patch tabby w/white domestic shorthair girl kitty of Phyllis & David Gubanc of Columbus, OH.  She loved the outdoors, and following her humans around the house. She must have missed Mikey a lot (see below), because she followed him across "The Rainbow Bridge", where they both romp and play in peaceful pastures of green grass.

Mikey - beloved red polydactyl tabby boy kitty of Phyllis & David Gubanc of Columbus, OH.  Mikey loved to give hugs, and use his big paws to gently touch those he loved.  After spending 15 years with Phyllis & David, he crossed "The Rainbow Bridge", leaving behind a huge empty spot, in the home and in the heart.  Mikey will always be with us, in our memories and our hearts.

"Thanks for the Memories" Bob.  Few people deserve to be called a "Great Human Being" ... Bob fit it to a "T". 1903 - 2003	DeForest Kelley, best known as Dr. McCoy on Star Trek.  He was truly a gentleman. 1920 - 1999

Garfield, a very special domestic shorthair friend, who was so smart and yet so aware of my everyday feelings.  He was with me during some of the most difficult times of my life, and helped more than words can convey. October 25, 1982  -  August 15, 1990

My Uncle, Don Somrak ... what a character!  Put him in front of an audience or a microphone, and he'd have everyone laughing in less than a minute. I was always happy when we'd visit his home, or he'd visit ours.  He just made you feel good.  He loved golf, a good Martini, and playing cards.  He left us WAY too early in his life, but I guess he couldn't wait to see his son and daughter, who left this earth before him. 1930 - 1999

           The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to 
Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of 
our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water 
and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. 
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who 
were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our 
dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one 
small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks 
into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he 
begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 
faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling 
together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your 
face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the 
trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your 
heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

Author unknown... 

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I Stood By Your Bed Last Night

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I called to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I
gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew ... in
the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

Author unknown

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