Wednesday, April 14, 2010

" Bye, Bye Sweet Midnight "

I will get the sad part of the post out of the way first. I had to take our cat, Midnight, to be put down today. She was the oldest of all of our cats, 19 years old.



We had been noticing her failing health this past year although she was still very lovable. Her eyesight was almost gone and she couldn't eat the dry cat food any longer so we had to switch her to canned. Lately she had started to sit in her cat food bowl.



Even though we have a two story house, she wouldn't venture out of Katie's bedroom downstairs. Only to eat and use the litter box. She wanted to be with Katie all of the time the past year and she finally started to urinate in Kate's room. So we made the decision to have her put to sleep. The litter box was only a few feet outside of Kate's room, but she just wouldn't venture out of there anymore.

This was very hard for Katie as Midnight always slept with her but Kate started telling me a few weeks ago that Midnight was just acting very strange. I felt awful for having to take her to the vet but was told that it would have been very costly to keep her going and even then there was no telling if it would help or not.

I stayed in the room with her and held her while I cried until her last breath was taken. Sometimes I really hate being the decision maker. She will be dearly missed. My thoughts while holding her was how much she loved my mom and would come running out for mom's attention when she would visit. So maybe she can sit on mom's lap now.

O.K. that was hard so I will switch things up a bit before I start to cry some more! The Birthday weekend was a lot of fun. Jake didn't get home until Saturday morning so we scrambled around trying to get the yard ready for the B.B.Q.





The Lilac bush cooperated by blooming for the party! Jake grilled steak and our Daughter-in-law brought a salad, corny cobs and a Birthday cake which I really didn't expect. Oh she brought ice cream too. I made some oven roasted potatoes but for the most part I sat and played with the grand kids!




I didn't bring my camera outside with me but I did manage to snap this photo of Sarah, my granddaughter, in the kitchen. She cracks me up. She has somewhere and for some reason started to strike a pose whenever a camera is pointed at her. It's really hysterical, she'll just turn around and pose! She never wanted her photo taken in the past and now she acts like she modeling!


It was a very fun evening which even included a sickly rendition of the "Happy Birthday Song"! You see my family doesn't like to sing. But I do. So I lead everyone in song at birthday parties. Since it was a party for me, well I felt honored that they tried!

The next day I went and did a little flower and plant shopping. I have been focusing these last few years on perennials. I found this interesting bush. I can't remember it's exact name but I think it is a Japanese Pencil bush and grows to about six feet tall.




The pink one is an Azalea bush that I picked up for $1.88 at Lowes! I don't know what the orange one is as it wasn't marked but it is a perennial. It looks like a Lantana but it's not. Poor thing was on the clearance rack. After a bit of water it perked right up. I also bought a tomato plant and a few basic annuals.


 

Oh I forgot that I also bought another Hosta. I have lots of shade in my yard therefor I also have lots of Hosta's! The other plant is a Columbine which was also on clearance and is a very pretty purple. So you see I have been and will be very busy for a while!

I also managed to get two of my Living Room walls painted yesterday! Only two more to go. Sorry no pictures until the entire room is finished. Jake won't be home for another two weeks so I'll have to wait to get the blinds and curtain rods hung. I just can't do that myself any more, it kills my hands. So the big reveal with before and after photos will most likely be the beginning of May!


Don't worry I'm almost done! While relaxing in the yard on Sunday, we met a new friend. Apparently he has been hanging out in our yard! Katie thinks that he makes a great accessory!




And even though Katie is 15, you know I got to hear THAT question. "Mommy, can we keep him?" ! Mommy said "NO!". But we did feed him as he appeared very hungry. I named him "Noir"  and we haven't seen him since, but I'll betcha as soon as I get my yard all pretty with flowers and plants that he'll turn back up!

It will probably be "Noir's garden litter box!"

44 comments:

Andrea said...

I am so sorry you had to put your kitty to sleep, today.
Blessings, hugs, and prayers,
andrea

Lois Evensen said...

Aww, I'm sorry to hear about Midnight. Those of us who have pets and have had to do the same know the decision is difficult and the grief is heavy.

It's good that the birthday party was fun. :)

Best,
Lois

Wanda..... said...

So sorry Di, I remember some of your first posts I read were about Ruby, Midnight and the other pets.

Glad you had the sweet smell of lilacs for your Birthday BBQ and of course the fun of Sarah's new friendship with the camera.

Enjoy your new plants Di...I'm wondering what color your walls are and how long you will say no to Noir, not long I bet.

♥...Wanda

Arlee Bird said...

Sorry about your cat. I don't know much about cats but Midnight sounds like she lived a long life.

Good that you had such a nice birthday. Sounds like outdoor activities are back around as summer approaches.
Lee
Blogging From A to Z April Challenge

Maria said...

Oh Diana... I'm so sorry about Midnight... Our Muffin is going to be 16 and she's a piece of work...

Noir was the name of my first cat as a little girl ...

The photo of Sarah is beautiful... Your heart must melt when she looks up at you with those big blue eyes!

What a beauty!

Enjoy your Spring gardening!
Give your hands some TLC in between all that you do ♥ Blessings each day ~ Maria

Wanda said...

I'm coming to your post from Maria.

I was so touch with your story of Midnight. All to often have we had to do the same since we are animal lovers, and always have pets.

When we had to put Hildy (a sweet Shih Tzu dog) down because of health issues similar to Midnight, it was the hardest thing...but we also held her to the end.

I really enjoyed your post, even though it was sad. I will be back to visit.

A new friend
Wanda from Brushstrokes

Barb said...

Dear Di,
I've been wondering where you were - glad you are feeling well, but I'm so very sorry to hear about Midnight. I know what grief the loss of a beloved pet brings. Your birthday sounds wonderful and happy with Family present (what a beautiful girl Sara is!). Your flowers are all pretty and you must take another photo when you have them all planted. Thanks for sharing your own fear with me, Di - I think you really know what it means to just go on living.

Dee said...

Sorry about the loss of your midnight...19 is pretty old for a cat. I am sure we will be hearing more about Noir. :) I had a hard time saying no when the word MOMMY was used. Good luck.

Diana said...

Hi Andrea,
Thank you for the prayers. It was a tough day. Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Lois,
Yes this is why I don't want anymore pets. I've had to do this too many times over the years. It is heart wrenching. Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Wanda,
Sorry but your not getting the color out of me! I have fed Noir, against my better judgement. He is still hanging around but no more inside cats. Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Arlee Bird,
You are correct, 19 years is a long life span for a cat. Indoor cats do tend to live longer than outside ones.
Let the summer fun begin!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Maria,
I can't believe someone else chose Noir for a cat name. No one else liked it! But since Jake and Katie wanted him to hang around, I wouldn't budge on his name. He is a HUGE cat!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Wanda,
Thank you for stopping by. And I can tell that you understand that pain. They just become so much a part of the family it is just heartbreaking!
Just so you know, I'm not usually sad!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Barb,
I have just been so busy! And I don't see an end to it for another week. But things will slow down a bit when I get this room done. I am so glad that your tests came out good. And yes I do understand the fear very well, I still have it at times just not as much. I think the fear was hurting me more than anything!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Dee,
Katie can't get me with the "Mommy" word anymore and she usually knows it! I guess Noir can hang around outside if he wants but I don't want anymore inside cats. I still have three! Love Di ♥

Sue said...

Di - I found you thru Wanda, and my heart was immediately touched with you talking about Midnight. I know exactly how you feel. When we had our beloved Peaches put to sleep, I too held her till her last breath. Animals do find that special place in our hearts and become family. I enjoy your blog and I will be back.

Garnetrose said...

The hard thing about having pets is having to put them down. It is never easy and I am sorry for your loss.

Sniffles and Smiles said...

Oh, Di...I'm so sorry about Midnight!!! That's so very, very hard...we had to put our dog down 7 years ago...and I cried and cried...he was my dog...followed me everywhere...so I can well imagine how you and Katie must feel! I wish I could give you a great big hug!

I'm so impressed that you are painting the living room all by yourself!!! That's a huge job!! And I can't wait to see how beautiful it is when you are done!! Your gardening is fabulous...if we lived closer, I'm sure you and I would be shopping at Lowe's together!

Sending you HUGE hugs...and just wanted to say that it doesn't matter to me how early or late you stop by...I'm just ALWAYS glad to see my dear friend!!! Love you much!!! Janine XO

Lynilu said...

I'm so sorry about Midnight. I know how hard it is. I've been through that too many times in the last few years. :'( I wouldn't have it any other way than to be holding them as they leave, but geez, it is hard.

Bernie said...

Oh sweetie I was so sorry to hear about Midnight.....but I was really happy to read you had a lovely BBQ for your birthday. I just can't believe your lilacs are blooming already, they must of smelled heavenly.....I love anything with the lavendar smell.
I'm guessing your walls are on the creamy white/beige color....will be fun to see them.
Stay well sweetie, take care of your hands but do enjoy your yard and flowers........:-) Hugs

Anvilcloud said...

Having just gone through this experience, I know how hard it is. It's not all fun having power over the life of another being.

Diana said...

Hi Sue,
Thank you for stopping by. It was a difficult day, she was a very sweet cat and I just wish she could have gone naturally. I hope to see you again! Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Garnet,
No it is never easy and I wish I never had to do this, thanks for understanding. Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Janine,
I still haven't hit the nurseries yet! We have several Amish nurseries around here and they are great. I think we would have fun!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Lyn,
I've been through it several times too. We've had a lot of pets over the years and Jake always seems to be gone when I have to do it. It never gets any easier which really makes me not want anymore pets!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Bernie,
All weekend long Jake and I could smell the lilacs. He even wanted to buy another one to plant! I do feel bad about Midnight but we did see it coming, still it didn't make it any easier. I hope you are feeling better?
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi AC,
I think that was one of the hardest parts of the day, having to make that decision and carry it out. It's awful.
Love Di ♥

Trisha said...

Di, I am so very sorry about Midnight. I know exactly how hard those decisions are.
I love lilacs! I haven't had success getting one to grow in my yard.
Noir's been named, you won't be able to say no much longer. My 18 year old brought home a stray dog about a month ago with THAT question! lol

Gail said...

HI DIANA-

Oh my, I am SO sorry about your cat 'Midnight'. It is always so hard to have our pet friends put to sleep. :-(


Your bushes and shrubs are lovely and my lilac bush is redefinging itself nicely. :-) We cut it back last yeas and it is coming in thick and full.

Have a beautiful day DI-

Love you
Gail
peace.....

Lynilu said...

Di, I understand your not wanting more pets. My daughter is of that opinion, too. But for me, especially since I'm living alone, I've made the decision to continue having them because of the companionship they give me. I figure my grief is my due for the love they've given me in my many hours alone. :)

Teresa said...

Hi Di,
I am so sorry to hear your sad news about Midnight. Yes, I am sure he is sitting upon your mom's lap in heaven.

I think it strange that all of a sudden Noir shows up...

Glad you had a wonderful birthday with your family, and your grandaughter is so beautiful!

One day we will take a walk together, and ride that roller coaster! (((HUGS))) TT

Unknown said...

Hi Di, so sorry about your Midnight. It is never easy! Oh dear, feeding a stray will always lead to them coming back for more of Noir! LOL Yes the unveiling will be so fun to see! So glad that you had a marvelous BD!

Robynn's Ravings said...

Happy Belated Birthday, Diana. It sounds like it was a wonderful party. :) Glad you got to sing.

I was so sad to hear about Midnight. They become such a HUGE part of our lives it is terribly hard to say goodbye and, like you say, be the grown up.

I lost my Kitty Baby after 18 years and that was about 15 months ago. I still haven't been able to look for another one. She was THE dearest friend and mama to my babies. I wrote a post about her that I'm sure you can identify with if you ever want to read it. I still can't since the original writing. It's still SO painful to think about how much I miss her. You can find it here: http://robynnsravings.blogspot.com/2009/01/kitty-baby-love-story.html

I'm glad you have other diversions and I'm not surprised Noir showed up. Our houses do have vacancy signs I'm sure! And my two teens want every cat they see!

Hugs to you,

Robynn

Shelley said...

Di, it's so hard to put one of our furry friends to sleep. They become as part of the family don't they? My heart aches for you.

Diana said...

Hi Trisha,
I can't take credit for the Lilac bush as it has been here many years before us! And Noir has been trying to trip me all afternoon in my yard, oh what did I get myself into?!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Gail,
I have never thought about cutting the Lilac back. It's been here a long time and is huge! Thank you for caring Gail, we buried Midnight today.
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Lyn,
My vet sort of said the same thing to me as I was sobbing!! Part of the problem is that I have to take care of all of the animals including leash walking the dogs. We don't have a fenced in yard and sometimes with my arthritis it gets pretty hard on me. Katie helps some but really most of the work falls on me. But I've never been without a cat or a dog so I don't know how that would be either :( And that's my story!
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Oh Teresa you don't know how many times I have dreamed about taking a trip to Canada to visit you, Bernie, and AC! That would just be a dream for me.I love Canadians, they have THE BEST sense of humor!!!
And I too thought that Noir showing up was a bit strange myself.
Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Linda,
O.K. so dig this, Noir has a friend and SHE appears to be pregnant, now what do I do? Love Di ♥

Diana said...

Hi Robynn!
I will read the post about Kitty Baby. I've had cats since I can remember so I am sure I can relate. You are such a good writer Robynn and I have so enjoyed reading your blogs.
Love Di ♥
P.S. I do believe you are right about the vacancy signs!

Diana said...

Hi Shelly and thank you. You know we never think when we get a cute furry friend about them passing away. It's a good thing or there would most likely be many more strays!
Love Di ♥

Tranquility Speaks said...

Even though the decision hurt I'd like to think it was a wise one. Because there is no point letting the cat you love so much to experience so much physical pain.

I loved the way your birthday was celebrated "with co-operation from the lilac bloom". Love the way you write !! :D

Again, Katie looks very pretty!

Jenny said...

I'm so sorry about your beautiful, beloved Midnight. You are having such a tough time lately. I'm sorry for that. I'm glad the lilacs and the birthday celebration gave you some joy!

Happy Belated Birthday!