A rescuer, a friend

My little white cat, Lilly came to live with me 10 years ago when a dear friend had to go into a retirement home and all her cats had to be placed elsewhere. I chose Lilly (who was then named Sara) because she reminded me of Rita herself; shy but funny and very loving. Lilly has always been MY cat and seeks me out to sit on and settle down for a long cuddle. Lilly was rescued by Rita when she was a kitten. She was found in a barn at the back of Rita's property and was a very thin and sickly kitten. Rita always had many cats as she would take them off the street and sometimes adopt them from a local shelter. Now when I say she had many I mean between 20 and 25 at most times. It never fazed her that she was actually living with the cats and not the cats with her. Her home was set up for them and because she was a retired senior when I met her she never spent money on herself...only the cats.

Today Rita died. I knew she was ill and visited her yesterday at the hospital. She was only semi-conscious but I know she knew I was there. I could tell by her little smile.

Lilly is close by me tonight and I want her to know that the woman who saved her from a terrible death when she was a kitten many years ago died today and that I will treasure having her with me even more now.
"Thank you Rita for saving her and so many others and for always putting a smile on my face. You were a treasure and a savior for so many animals. I know God has something special for you to do in heaven. Rest in Peace now."