Me: Guess what?
You: Chicken butt.
Me: No, really, guess what?
You: I give up. What?
Me: I haven’t seen my Mr. in almost two months.
You: Holy guacamole! Where’s he been?
Me: Rock n’ rollin’.
You: But I thought you were afraid of being alone at night?
Me: Oh yeah, I’m a panicker for sure. I just sorta took a great big breath when he left, and always made sure the TV was always on Disney or HGTV. (a.k.a. my two favorite channels that don’t ever show scary movie trailers.)
——————————————————————————————————-
He’s coming home today, and I cannot wait to finally e x h a l e………..
(And sleep with the all the lights off again.)
The house he’s coming home to is a little different than the one he left though.
On March 31st I had to say goodbye to our cat, Mr. Bean…
It was absolutely heartwrenching.
The two of us had spent a lot of time going back and forth to the vet during March. He stopped eating, and he was dropping weight like crazy. The first time around, they pulled one of his teeth (they said it was infected) and hooked him up to IV to get him rehydrated. The second time around, they hooked him up to another IV, did an ultrasound, and put him on three different medications. The prognosis wasn’t good, but he did show signs of improvement after a few days, so I took him home and watched YouTube videos about how to give cats pills. Three times a day, for the next week, I straddled his bath towel-wrapped body, nervously pryed his jaws apart and forced multi-colored pills inside his (growling) mouth. It was awful. For him, more than me, I’m sure. Eventually, I got him to eat a teeny tiny bit of soft cat food, but just when I thought he might be getting better, he took a major turn for the worse.
He was a shell of a cat the day I called his Dr. with what turned out to be the final update of his condition.
“You’ve done everything you could“, she replied, “It’s time to say goodbye.”
My knees went weak and I felt a huge lump form in my throat. I was afraid to talk because I didn’t want to open the floodgates, but I think she picked up on it because she did most of the talking after that. I listened to her explain the process, and our options, and just tried with all my might not to sob.
The next few days were pretty rough, especially since Kev was gone, but I know Bean was in a lot of pain and I absolutely hated seeing him like that.
He was an amazing and beautiful cat, and we’ll all miss him very much…
…especially the mama that rescued him at a grocery store…13 years ago.
PS- I published this post by Bean not that long ago, and I’ll always smile when I think about all the crazy places he used to sleep.
It is amazing that there are people out there who have so much in common and who would have never crossed paths without this new thing called the internet! Two days, two months, being away from someone you love is never easy! You are stronger than I am in that area and I am quite independent! HGTV and FoodNetwork are my two go-to’s! Nice to hear you have your tv station security blankets too! Stay positive! 🙂
I’m so sorry, Layla. I had to take our family dog in for the last time over 7 years ago and I still get choked up about it. I was starting to tear up reading this post, but then my 18 month old daughter came over to the laptop and started saying, “Daw, daw, daw” (dog, dog, dog) at every picture…even Mr. Bean’s picture. 🙂 I then tried to get her to say, “Cat” instead, but with no luck.
my heart is breaking for you. i lost two when they were 16 and 18. never easy. love the little one i have now. glad your honey is coming home to help you through.
I cried so hard for you today. I’m sorry for the loss of your little kitty, but I am happy your hubby will be home to give you some comfort.
So sorry about the loss of Mr. Bean…pets hold such special places in our hearts…it sounds like you loved him and gave him an awesome life…he knew how much you loved him. Hugs.
Hey Layla,
It gets better.
My fiance was gone for 6 months straight, we moved 3 days after he got home to the other side of Canada, moved into our new home and then my dog died three days later (which was two weeks ago).
It gets better…really.
Sending love.
(http://everythingelseissecondary.blogspot.com)
You’ve got me crying like a baby – I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I’m so glad to see you have many beautiful photographs of Bean. Hope you and Kevin have a beautiful reunion — Best wishes to you both.
I am so sorry for your lose! He’s a beautiful cat! So glad that Max was with you until Kev could get home to share this with you.
I know how you feel about being home without your mister. I have a terrible time sleeping when mine is gone. Never tried Disney.
Know that all of us out here that faithfully follow you have a special place in our hearts for you and your fam. 🙂
Heartbroken for you over the loss of Mr. Bean. I’m glad Max was there with you, and so glad Kev is now home too.
Hugs,
Barbara
Only people who have loved a pet can know how that feels…When we have pets, it’s our job to make the decisions for them because as humanlike as they might seem, they need us for that. I’m sure you made the kindest, best decision. Thinking of you…
Layla~
Sorry to hear about Mr. Bean.
I can tell he was more than a cherished kitty.
So glad your Honey is coming home soon.
take care.
Pat
Oh, Layla…..my heart just breaks for you, sweetie. I know all too well how deeply we all love our furbabies and when we must make that horrible decision….well….it just never gets any easier. They become our little furry children….our heartbeats at our feet. My dear old 16 y/o calico, Sophie, has been losing weight lately. I had to switch her to canned food from her normal dry food. She’s still eating pretty well, but I sit with her and hold her dish coercing her to eat more at dinnertime. She has always been my favorite. Sweet, cuddly, and has been my sweet little bed buddy all these years – curling up beneath the covers against my chest. I always sleep better when I can hear and feel her soft purr rumbling away. I know her days are numbered….and I will hold her closer tonight and treasure the days ahead even more now.
I’m glad that Kevin will be home soon to hold you tightly and be your rock. Just remember that there is just one more angel watching over you and waiting for you at The Rainbow Bridge. ♥
Hugs ~
xoxo laurie
Layla and Kevin: You are in my thoughts and prayers. It is never easy to lose our pets. When my husband and I had to say good-bye to our sheltie, it was the hardest day of our lives, but we knew that it was the right thing to do for him. We knew that we had a responsibility to take care of our pet. I am glad that Kevin will be coming home and the two of you will have some much needed time together. Cindy
Mr. Bean is not gone-he will be with you forever. You will swear he is there-you’ll catch a glimpse of him in his favorite spot. You’ll find one of his treasures hidden somewhere. You’ll pick up something covered in cat hair. He’s there. Sounds like he let you know he was ready. They tell you and trust you with their life.
We lost Peepers (raised by our hands from 3 days old) just before Christmas in 2005. I really thought I would not make it through that. (She was our child.) We were without a pet since then, until September 11, 2010. I had told my husband that I would wait-the cat for us would be dropped on us. Lost my brother unexpectedly March 15, 2010. The Ides of March (fitting for him). Mavi Kedi was literally brought to our door on 9/11. A perfect baby of about 5 weeks old. I fully believe that my brother was in cahoots with God to send us another cat on a memorable date (like his passing). I also believe that they put Peepers into that little gray hellion that was dropped into our life. They laugh every day about it. But she is perfect for us, just like Peepers was perfect for us.
Healing will take time but it will come. If the desire of your heart becomes getting another cat, one will come to you, bringing some Mr. Bean with them.
Bless you and Kevin as you work through this
It is so hard to let go of a beloved companion, but you did the right thing. So sorry for your loss…
Mr. Bean was so lucky to have you. You and Kevin were great kitty parents and you did the right thing for him.
I have made a donation to the vet office that my daughter works at in Beans name. They take in kittens/cats from the local shelter when it their time is almost up and they keep them at office until they find a great home. The current kitties just had purple soft paws put on their claws so they match the staff uniforms, the boys too!
Welcome home Kevin!
xoxo
Oh Layla, I’m so sorry for your loss. The house won’t feel quite as empty when Kevin gets home. I am crazy about animals and it seems I am always worrying about one or the other. Thank you for rescuing Bean and for providing such a loving home for him. He was a very lucky cat and I’m sure he gave just as much love back. Keeping you in my thoughts.
Layla, I’m so sorry to hear about your sweet cat. I have two precious cats, and can’t even imagine the pain of having to say goodbye to one of them. My heart just breaks for you. So glad your hubby is coming home, though!!
I am happy that your hubby is on his way home, but I am so sorry about your beloved kitty! It is always so hard to lose a pet. They have a special place in your heart, and you just grow to love them so much.
Oh what a handsome kitty boy Mr. Bean was! And what an awesome life I’m sure he had with a momma who loved him so much! My husband is a vet, so the loss of a cherished family pet is something we are very familiar with, both professionally and personally. Your post was such a lovely tribute to him.
I’m so sorry Layla. It’s so difficult to say good-bye to our pets.
You did the right thing — but that doesn’t make it any easier. We just said good-bye this past year to our little yorkie, Maddie — after 12 years of her in our life. We still miss her.
Prayin’ you. Have a wonderful reunion with your man!
I’m so sorry about your little Mr. Bean. It’s so hard and I hope you are feeling better soon.
oh my heart and eyes are full. sorry for the loss of that bean.. godspeed kevin!
Oh, I am so sorry 🙁 For the first time in my life I had to put down my dog in 2008. We rescued him at when he was 12 years old and had him nearly 2 years. He spent the final 6-7 months battling this weird autoimmune thing that left him with such swollen paws that he would lick incessantly (around the cone on his neck – he was tricky that way). He basically couldn’t really walk and when he did they would basically bleed. It was bad. I still struggle a bit with if we should have just pumped him with antibiotics (it made it sort of manageable, still not good though) but I worried it would just kill his kidneys and only be a very temporary solution. And we only had him 2 years, never mind his whole life.
Anyway, I hope you feel better soon. He looks like he was a beautiful cat.
I just had to come and tell you I am sorry about your loss. I hope you are doing better, losing a pet is always so hard!
p.s. I am really glad your hubby is coming home, I think I would have gone crazy! Two months is a really long time!
So sorry to hear about Mr Bean. It’s so hard to let go. He looked like such sweet kitty.
Glad your hubby is on his way home. Hope he had a successful trip.
I’m so sorry to hear about Mr. Bean.
I’m sorry about your cat — he was a beauty! Hope you and hubs are having fun catching up!
I feel your pain and am so sorry. We just put down our 18 year-old “kitty” and it was just like you said, heart-wrenching. We wanted to be there with her to say good-bye and have her go surrounded by our love, but it was an incredibly hard thing to do( and watch). We’re just praying God has a special place up there for animals, too. Wouldn’t it be nice to see them again? Glad you have great pictures, and wonderful memories, of your Mr. Bean.
Oh my goodness, I am so sorry about your cat. The floodgates were opened for me while reading the story of his passing. I must say I also do all the same things when my husband is out of town… no scary commercials, shows, etc., and of course the lights on at night. Good to know that I’m not the only one doing this:)
Meg
Awww… sounds like it’s a VERY good thing your hubby is comming home now… I know first hand how horrible a pain it is to loose a loved pet. And I am dreading the day my own cats grow old and I have to make that decision again… They’re like our little babies arent they. Bringing us so much joy and truthfully a bit of pain-in-the-ass sometimes 😀 He sounds like a lucky cat, with a long life… you did the right thing for sure! I hope you decide to get another cat though. It usually feels alot better when you have a new kitten to look after!
Soooo sorry, Layla and Kev… the sadest……..and now…… the BEST…EST…Kev is home!
By the By…
I hope the tour was a success!
*Lynne*
{with love}
I’m so sad to hear about Mr. Bean…our pets really are part of our family. It sounds like he lived an amazing life with you and Kevin. I’ms so glad that Kevin is coming home today! You two are so cute! 🙂
layla i’m really sorry! i had to put a pet down a couple of years ago and it really is one of the worst things to have to do.
glad your mister is comin’ home to comfort you!
Oh Layla I’m truly sorry for your loss, I now have a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. Glad Kevin is home and hope the tour was awesome. Warm hugs to you.
Cheers, Amanda
I’m so, so sorry to hear about your cat 🙁 I’m currently living in South Korea teaching English and I’ve gotten involved in trying to help out the animals here. It can be so hard to love an animal as much as I know you loved your kitty, but know that he’s remembering you with lots of love while he sleeps in the sun near that rainbow bridge!
Love Heather
P.S. That shot of him laying on your chest reminds me of my cat so much. That’s where he likes to sleep 🙂
Two months??? Holy cow! I can’t imagine it. But I suppose that means that Kevin’s music career is doing what he hoped it would do, which is a great thing.
And Mr. Bean … honey, we’ve been there with one cat and one dog. And we still have one cat to go. The sorrow of losing a pet is so strong … my prayers are with you! Hope you and Kevin celebrated a wonderful homecoming. 🙂
Oh Layla, I’m so sorry. I couldn’t help but cry too when I read this. It’s so hard to loose a pet. I’m so glad you rescued him and gave him a wonderful life and at least now he’s not suffering anymore. Glad Kevin’s coming home.
Oh, that’s so hard to say goodbye to a beloved pet! And it must be even harder without Kevin there. Sending hugs!!
Layla – I’m so sorry. Losing a loved pet is as bad as losing a loved person. They are our friends, they trust us completely and love us always. You gave Mr Bean a wonderful life and you can be proud of that. You have my sympathy.
Rest in peace, Mr. Bean, member of the graduating class of Life, 2011.
I’m so so sorry to hear about Mr. Bean. Pets are just as much family as the humans, aren’t they? (I know my hubby and I feel that way about our two furry family members). Hugs to you! Enjoy being reunited with your sweetheart.
Layla,
I am so sorry for your loss of Mr. Bean. This post made me tear up because we are a cat loving family. I grew up with rescued cats and now that I’m married, we have our own rescued kitty. They really are family. You did the right thing and were a great mommy to take care of him like that at the end. He is in Heaven now enjoying “meals on wheels” (mice on rolling skates). At least that’s what my mom and I always said when we had to let our kitty go. (clearly those mice are not in their Heaven). Enjoy all the happy memories that Mr. Bean left you. He’s happy and healthy now. 🙂
*hugs*
I’m so sorry to hear about Bean. It reminds me of the loss of my beloved dog about a year ago. You never really get over it.
I hope Kevin had a safe trip home!!!
Your post about Bean made me go home and hug my pups. My oldest one turns 15 today. Thanks for the reminder to cheerish your furry companions every day.
This post made me cry. I lost my first cat/best friend in 2002 after an awesome 14 year friendship. His name was Bear and I still don’t think I ever got over his loss. I can only imagine what you must feel like after not seeing Kevin for so long. I would go nuts without my Chris-y-poo for that long!
Peace and happiness to you always.
xo
Sofia
I’m so sorry! Our pets become family members and it’s so hard to see them go. Hugs to you!
So sorry to hear this Layla. Bless your heart! Mr Bean was a lucky little critter and I know always knew he was loved!
Hi dear Layla – I’m what I think is known as a “lurker” but I read all of your posts and love your blog and your wonderful design skills. I just wanted to say how sorry I am about Mr. Bean…so very hard to lose a family member. Boy have I been in your spot before…so hard to make that call about a life, but not wanting our furry babies to suffer:( My husband also travels quite often for his work and it seems like pet problems seem to occur when he isn’t home! I am also quite nervous when he is gone and I guess I shouldn’t be since he has travelled on and off through our 27 year marriage! I tend to go to bed later than I normally would because I DREAD that moment when I shut the lights and music/tv off and I’m alone in the quiet and the dark. Kind of silly for a 53 year old…hee-hee! I watch NO scary shows during his absences, but I do have a treasure trove of King of Queens, Two and a Half Men, Frasier, Martha Stewart, Martha Bakes, The Barefoot Contessa, anything HGTV or Hallmark channel on my DVR.
I hope your hearts heal and please enjoy the wonderful memories of the incredible Mr. Bean:)
Sheila
Oh I’m so sorry to hear the news about Mr. Bean! I went through a similar situation with my kitty Sydney a year & a half ago…so hard to say goodbye…and I still miss her. On a happier note, I’m glad you get to see you Mr. again; that’s a really long time to be apart:)