Today I said goodbye to one who loved me unconditionally. One who never placed demands, never asked for anything in return and who only wanted one thing - to love me. I'm talking about my cat Max. Max was with me for 16 years and they were the best 16 years of my life. Maximillian Cook (Max) was born on January 21, 1992 and came into my life a few short weeks later. We lived in 7 different residences in 3 states. Max was with me when I bought my first house, my nephew was born, my sister's two grandchildren were born and when I lost both my Dad and Mom. Max was the best friend anyone could ask for. I am going to miss the way he would wait until I got settled in bed then come right up and snuggle against me resting his paws on the crook of my arm and settling in for the night.
On a bright note, I was able to track down the lady in Tallahassee from whom I purchased Max. She and her husband owned a pet store and she used to breed Tonkinese from her two show cats. She never sold cats through her pet store (no "puppy mill") but one of her employees put her in touch with me and I was able to purchase Max from one of the last liters. Max's father was also named Maximillian and his mother was named Mocha. Linda and I were able to talk for about 45 minutes and it was very cathartic for me given today's events.
I recall when Max was just a kitten and had come to live with me and my roommate Robert. One night, Robert and I were having dinner and Max climbed up right on the couch behind Robert and made a giant leap, all 4 paws right in Robert's mashed potatoes! I laughed so hard I almost wet myself, but Robert was not as amused.
When I was having my townhouse built in Tallahassee, my best friend Ryan took Max and placed him on a ledge which was about 12 feet off the floor. After Ryan placed him up there, he said to me, "hey, look what Max did!" I almost had a heart attack. Ryan thought it was funny and I think Max had a good time up there.
Once my Mom came to visit me for a week. She told me that when I left for work, Max would go upstairs and climb in my bed and sleep while I was at work. Mom said she always knew when I was almost home because Max would run down the stairs and jump into the front window and about 1 minute later I would pull into the driveway.
Max loved to play catch. Never had to worry about buying him a toy. Simply take a piece of paper, wad it up (he loved to hear the crinkle of paper) and toss it. He would jump up, and catch the paper in between his paws while up in the air. It was the most incredible thing I ever saw.
So many people would tell me, "I don't even like cats, but I love Max!"
I miss you Max and I will remember and carry you in my heart always. I wrote this poem in honor of you -
I Open My EyesWhere are you? I look up at your window perch and expect to see you stretched out enjoying the cool breeze blowing over your body
Where are you? I look in the living room to see if you are perched up on one of the pillows looking like the Great Sphinx
Where are you? I look in the kitchen to see if you have climbed up on the counter walking up and down like you are on the runway showing off the latest fall fashions
Where are you? I look in the bathroom to see if you are drinking out of the toilet or opening the bathroom cupboard - just because you can
But you are nowhere to be found
I close my eyes and try to sleep. I feel you jump on the bed, the crinkle of the comforter under your paws as you make the way to your spot in the crook of my arm. I feel your whiskers are you put your face against my cheek
I open my eyes but you are not there
With much love - your friend and protector
DeWayne
Now my friends (one in particular - you know who you are Brian) makes fun of me for asking for this gift. However, it was almost 1 year ago since my Mom passed away, so this was the year that I needed this sock money for many different reasons :) I got my sister and brother-in-law a camera and Z16 from Kodak, my oldest niece a necklace, my younger niece some earrings and my nephew a shirt.
