On Forever Midnight

I have waited a while to update this blog for so many reasons. However, the main reason is that on Sept. 6, 2024, my baby Midnight crossed the rainbow bridge.

The week prior, she was doing well. She was eating great and acting like herself. Suddenly, she was getting sick and not eating much. Of course I took her to the vet. Her condition continued to decline over the next few days. I felt that on that Friday, I had to make the call that I have never wanted to make.

I always dreaded making that call. I think we all have this dream-like idea. When it’s their time, our older cats just pass away quietly. They do so in our arms at home. I know that so rarely happens.

I didn’t want Midnight to suffer another weekend. Things could get worse and she could suddenly take another turn. So, I made the call to put her to sleep. We tried multiple things that week to try to get her to overcome the illness. But nothing was working. She was continuing to drop weight. I felt like at times, she struggled to hold herself up. The vet we took her to was new to us, but they were very kind and understanding. They believed that her other organs were starting to fail due to her kidney disease. They helped us a lot that Friday. I’m glad that my mom, my stepdad, and Zach were all able to come too. They all have had a long history with Midnight and wanted to say goodbye.

I’m so lucky I got 20 years with her. I’m grateful she was as healthy as possible and I know she was a happy, spoiled kitty. We poured so much energy and thought into her care. Because of that, she lived as long as she did. She was such a happy kitty.

When an animal or person passes away, I never say “I loved them.” I always say, “I love them.” Just because they’re no longer physically here, the love we have for them still exists. They still exist in memory, in our hearts, and beyond. I will always love Midnight and I miss her every day.

I wish our cats lived forever. Midnight has been with me for over half my life and she’s lived with me everywhere I’ve ever lived. I’ve had her since high school. I’m so lucky that I had so much time with her. I know I will see her again one day. I often envision her being back at 14 lbs. with incredible hearing and totally black fur. I know she’s more comfortable now. I know that when she sees me again, she’s going to meow as soon as she sees me. I will pick her up, and she will hold me and nuzzle my shoulder like she’s always done.

I love you, Midnight, and I cannot wait to see you again.