Title
Losing Ra
Artist
Jim Williams
Medium
Photograph - Pixels
Description
I must apologize to those of you who think this is just another cute cat picture. This is an early tribute to my best ever cat, RA, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. He is 16 years old and had an undiagnosed tumor on his tail all his life, which we had removed and biopsied when it burst. Our Vets had cursorily called it a cyst all his life but I can't really object. He had it for over 16 years without causing him discomfort. It metasticized into his lungs, which are covered with tumors now. 16 is a pretty good run for the typical tabby, cancer or not. He may even have years to live still. I sure hope so, as long as he doesn't suffer.
I fell in love with him the first time I saw him at a friend's house and told my friend that, if he ever needed another home, he should call me, which he did a few months later. He was saved from being taken to our local county animal shelter which isn't a no-kill facility. I can't understand giving up such a beautiful creature but I'm glad he came to me. When we got him home, he and I seemed to have an instant bond which has lasted.
I, we, have had a lot of cats over 40+ years. In my experience, tabbies are the most people oriented domestics and gingers, of whom we've had three, are the best of the breed. This picture was taken in 2005. He has lost several pounds and his hips and ribs show now, but this is how I'll remember him. He has always come when I called him, even just wiggling my fingers. These days he seems to take longer to respond, like his memory has slowed, although it could be just because he's a cat.
_____________________________________________________
Ra left us on January 22, 2015. As could be expected of an affectionate and beloved companion, he visits me in my dreams.
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December 29th, 2014
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Comments (38)
Sharon W
He will always be with you, and such a beauty he was, too. His face almost seems human to me. I lost my angel kitty Willow about 6 years ago, she was 21. She was the best, they are so often more special than so many people. I am so happy to read he comes to you in your dreams, that is beautiful.
Diann Fisher
AWE_What a cutie. Heartfelt prayers.
Jim Williams replied:
Thank you, Diann. Because both of our brother cats died about a year apart, I was putting off trying to replace them. I couldn't wait any longer. We have two new boy kittens, one is the craziest and the other is the most beautiful we've ever had.
Hartmut Jager
Have no fear, fearless Jim, RA will greet you - and you will perhaps be surprised what he will look like in his glowing spirit body. :-)
Hartmut Jager
If you look into his thoughtful eyes, Jim, this wonderful photo of your good friend RA clearly shows and proves that all animals have souls. :-)
Jim Williams replied:
If he doesn't greet me at the pearly gates, I'm not going in. Thanks, Hartmut.
Denise Clark
Beautiful capture Jim. ... some cats seem more empathetic and bond closely with you.. their intelligence is wonderful l/f
Anand Swaroop Manchiraju
Wonderful mood and looks!!! Great capture with flowers in the foreground. ,showing your feelings and tribute. Love this. L/F
Patricia Keller
What a beautiful capture. I am sorry about your beautiful cat! I love your description. I am glad he has been in your life & at the same time feel for you your sadness. God bless both of you. l/f/p/t
Denise Clark
I understand how you feel Jim. I am sorry for your loss. There are very special animals which you bond with more closely than others...I have that privilege at the moment ...I don't go out for more than a day trip at the moment because I am the only one my Wally will take his medicine from every morning and night. l/f
Denise Dube
This is precious.. LF
Jim Williams replied:
Thank you, Denise, he really was precious to me. Now his memory is, though I still get misty about him.
Nancy Kane Chapman
Just saw this beautiful photo of Ra! What a beautiful and special cat....! We lost our Coo Coo Michelle (named by my daughter) after twenty years. I've posted her pictures, and my artwork of her on FAA! I think tributes are the very least of what we can do! We now have a tabby named Feather.
Jim Williams replied:
Thank you, Nancy. He had been having some trouble getting around, but I knew it was time when he stopped purring for me.
JG Thompson
Hi Jim, my daughter is a vet tech, I am amazed at the number of times they still make house calls to perform a service similar to the one for RA.
Jim Williams replied:
We've used these vets since the early 70s. I thought I might have had to ask them to refer me to a mobile vet, but they were happy to come over the same day. I expected a house call charge but they refused payment. I wasn't surprised, but still grateful. They've been wonderful through the years. I think vets may have broader streaks of humanity than MDs.
JG Thompson
Hi Jim, I saw your posting that RA has passed on. RA looked a lot like two cats we had many years apart, both named Rusty. We share your sadness. The loss of a good companion has an impact so I just wanted to let you know that we will be thinking of you and RA.
Jim Williams replied:
Thank you, JG. It was agonizing wondering when to pull the plug. We were glad that one of our vets came to the house, saving RA from the stressful car ride.
Clif Jackson
RA was a very handsome and I'm sure, loving fellow. My heart goes out to you, Jim; we once had a poodle that passed after seventeen years and we still feel his loss.
Constance Lowery
I am saddened now from reading your description. I am also very happy that this beautiful cat is yours. This is a lovely photograph of a very sweet friend. L/Fav
Nikolyn McDonald
Very sad. He looks very well loved and I'm sure the affection is returned. Nice composition.
Jim Williams replied:
Thanks, Nikolyn. He is mostly sleeping or maybe in a purring cat trance. I am cautious about disturbing him too much but he still gets around, eats, drinks, uses the box, lays in the sun.
John Malone
Oh so sad....I hope he keeps going strong Jim! L
Jim Williams replied:
Thanks, John. He's slowing way down. We're trying to keep him comfortable and give him special attention while we have him.
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