I had no clue I would be celebrating the first day of Spring by digging Cameron's grave.
He has not been doing well since I had that bad fall in the beginning of February and we were recovering together. Yesterday, Thursday, he ate well and was as affectionate as ever. Last night, when I went to bed, he climbed over the pillow and cuddled with me for a long while. Then he went to sleep in the bed I'd made for him between the headboard and the pillow.
I had an offer of a ride to walmart today and he died shortly before the appointed time. I bought a new shovel, thinking it would be easier to dig his grave. It could barely cut the ground.. My old shovel worked better in this hard clay.
I wrapped Cameron in one of my summer shirts. All the Funny Farmers were given an opportunity to say good-bye. Marcus bathed him. (He has been giving Cameron a good bath every night and several today.) Buddy opened the screen door to come outside and make sure I dug the hole properly. (I didn't. The ground is too hard for me and I can't dig a grave deep enough but there was no one to help.)
Cameron was born next door and moved in with us because he loved his best friend Merci and wanted to be an indoor cat. He was the calmest of the group. He never raised a paw or started a fight. His biggest annoyance was his habit of closing his eyes or turning his head when I tried to take his picture, so I have few decent photos of him.
Farewell, my handsome tuxedo. I am going to miss you something fierce!
We are so very very sorry.... Fly free Cameron
ReplyDeleteJan I'm so sorry. It's never easy to say goodbye. Keep all the good memories safely tucked away in your heart.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry! :( He was beautiful.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear of Cameron's passing. Perhaps you could contact a local church for help with the ground? Many have handyman's ministries.
ReplyDeleteWe are very sorry to learn about Cameron.
ReplyDeleteIt is indeed a sad way to start Spring.
We are sure he had a very happy life with you, and now, you must be so sad.
We send comforting purrs and headbumps.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
and mom Nancy
Oh noes! We are so furry sorry that Cameron has left for the Bridge. How wonderful that you gived him a happy home an' so much love. We hopes all your happiest memories of him will help your heart heal. Love an' soft purrs from the Meowers an' mom.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry. :-( It's awful when it's so unexpected. Purrs to all of you.
ReplyDeleteOh, Jan, we are so sorry. I'm sitting here with tears in my eyes at the thought of your Cameron having to go to the Bridge. I wish there were something we could say or do that would help ease your pain, but know there is not. Please know you are all in our purrs, prayers and thoughts. Fly free, Cameron. You will always be loved.
ReplyDeleteOh Jan we are just so so sorry. Dear Cameron bless you on your Journey.
ReplyDeleteJan and Funny Farmers, we are so very sorry to hear of Cameron's passing. We has to confess he was our favorite FF as he reminded us so very much of our Whiskers.We wishes you could have had more time together. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy for your loss.
ReplyDeleteWe're so sorry to hear about Cameron. We're sure Sweet Praline was at the bridge to great him. We're sending comforting purrs.
ReplyDeleteI am so very sorry
ReplyDeleteSo so sorry. Sending lots of hugs
ReplyDeleteLily & Edward
We're so sorry. Purrs and prayers for you all.
ReplyDeleteoh my, Cameron was only eleven years old. I will dearly miss you, sweet Tuxedo boy.
ReplyDeleteAnd lots of hugs for my dear friend Jan... purrz of peace in your heart.
Delete-Katie.
We're so sorry to hear that Cameron has left this world. Purrs to all of you. Fly free, sweet Cameron!
ReplyDeleteOh mom Jan we are so very sorry. Cameron we will see tilt at the Bridge one day. Now we will go light a candle and cry
ReplyDeleteI an so very sorry that your sweet Cameron left for the bridge. Run free little one. Hugs and love to you Jan xxx
ReplyDeleteI’ve come to pay my respects to Cameron. *bows head* Please accept comforting purrz.
ReplyDeleteGoodness, wes so sorry to hear Cameron has gone over the bridge. Wes is sending yous all lots of love (and strength) We have found this quote very helpful.
ReplyDelete"We who choose to surround ourselves with lives even more temporary than our own live within a fragile circle, easily and often breached.
Unable to accept its awful gaps, we still would live no other way. We cherish memory as the only certain immortality, never fully understanding the necessary plan..."
"The Once Again Prince", from "Separate Life Times" Irving Townsend
Jan, you are a wonderful and special person, Cameron, you are a wonderful and special cat.
Kisses
Nellie and Mom
This is a beautiful quote; one of my favorites! What a nice tribute.
DeleteMay your sorrow be softened by the memories of the life and love you shared...that will never fade. You were both fortunate to have found each other and as sad as you are now...you meant the world to him!
ReplyDeleteOh, no! I'm so very sorry to hear such sad news! I'm sure he knew he was well loved and was happy to be part of the 'funny farmers.'
ReplyDeleteMay he run free over the Rainbow Bridge, and may you find peace in happy memories.
Much love, and kitty kisses from Liz and the Talk With the Paws crew.
Our thoughts are with you in this difficult time. So sad to know he had to leave you...what a handsome kitty he was, and we are glad that he knew exactly where to find the love he wanted. He obviously gave much love back.
ReplyDeleteFly freely and in good health, Cameron.
(( ♥ ))
(((((Big hugs to your mom and all of your furmily.)))))
I sent you an email from imikimi for Cameron.
DeleteIf you cannot open it, here is the image info...paste it into your browser and you should see it. You can use that to put it anywhere else if you'd like, too.
http://kimages.imikimi.com/image/1qtzM-1ZF.jpg
(( Hugs ))
Oh, we are so sorry to hear Cameron has run for the Rainbow Bridge. We sends our purrs for you and mom Jan. Our mom bean sends hugs too.
ReplyDeleteSasha, Sami, & Saku
We are so sorry to hear the sad news. Our thoughts and prayers are with you Jan and your wonderful fur babies.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry, Jan. You and the funny farmers are in my prayers of comfort.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry to hear abouts your kitteh Cameron. It is so hard sayin' goodbye, butts knows that he is free over the Bridge.
ReplyDeleteTil you meet again....
Kisses and {{hugs}}
Ruby ♥
We're so sorry that Cameron has gone OTB. We're sending you soft healing purrs and prayers.
ReplyDeleteThe Florida Furkids
I'm heartbroken over your news. I know you and I have shared a tough couple of months, but this is the worst. I love you and your funny farm and promise that Skeezix, Mao and Rocky and giving Cameron a huge welcome (especially Rocky who's happy to see a fellow tuxie.) <3 <3 <3
ReplyDeletehello funny farmers its dennis the vizsla dog hay i am verry sorry to heer that cameron had to go away to the rainbo bridj it is always too soon wen we hav to leev!!! run free cameron and be shoor to visit tuckers all yoo can eet neverending rainbo bridj buffet and mayk shoor that trouble givs yoo a ride in her motorized cat cup!!! ok bye
ReplyDeleteAw, man...this sucks so hard. I am so, so sorry :'(
ReplyDeleteOh how awful! Sending love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Ms Stella O Houligan
Oh how awful! Sending love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteXoxo
Ms Stella O Houligan
So sorry for your loss. Purrs.
ReplyDeleteSending you many warm thoughts and comforting purrs. We're so very, very sorry for your loss....
ReplyDeleteSending purrs and prayers. We're so sorry for your loss.
ReplyDeleteWe are so very sorry for your loss. Fly free sweet Cameron...
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Mama Beth, Dory & the Boyz
I'm so sorry Jan. I don't know what to say either, just like you said to me this week. At least we can grieve together. I'm so very very sorry. Big hugs from me and Angel. Taz will have welcomed him with open paws at the bridge. Xo
ReplyDeletePam, prairiesunshine
I am so sorry for your loss Jan. Cameron was a handsome boy and will have left you many happy memories to help you as you grieve for him. You are in my thoughts.
ReplyDeleteSharing in your loss and sadness ~ farewell, beautiful boy! Prayers for you, dear Jan.
ReplyDeleteI am heartbroken for you, Jan! It has a special resonance for me as Cameron was a very handsome tuxie . Feeling for your loss and love and hugs, Caro xx
ReplyDeleteJan, I'm so sorry to read this. I wish there were words to ease your grief, but I know that grief is a path we all have to walk on our own. May your heart find peace on the other side of that journey.
ReplyDeleteKeeping you in my thoughts and prayers, with purrs from Nicki and Derry.
Kim
Gosh, we are so sorry to hear about Cameron. It is way too hard when they go like that all of a sudden. Sending lots of purrs to everyone.
ReplyDeleteSo sad to hear this. Goodbye, little one and run free at the Bridge. Warm, kind thoughts to Jan and all the Funny Farmers.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Cameron. We are sending you purrs and comfort. Hugs, Bugsy , Knuckles and Lou
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about Cameron. We are sending you purrs and comfort. Hugs, Bugsy , Knuckles and Lou
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to read Cameron has gone to meet his friends at the Bridge. Sending comforting purrs and kitty hugs to comfort you..
ReplyDeleteCat Scout Charles
We are so sad to hear that Cameron has gone.....he came into your life quietly and left the same way didn't he.....I know the hole in your heart is huge - it is whenever we lose one of our darling "kids", but no doubt Cameron will cuddle with you forever and a day until you meet again. Sending you what we can - hugs and hope for peace.
ReplyDeleteLove, Pam and Sammy
Oh Jan. I am so so sorry. Dear sweet beautiful Cameron is now an angel and a wonderful star at the Bridge! Sending you all our love and purrs. Sorry to hear too about your bad fall. Oh dear! Please get better. And take care, all of you!
ReplyDeletex
So sorry to hear of the passing of Cameron. You and all the funny farmers are so special to us that the loss of even one member affects us deeply. Know we share your sadness and want to send comforting thoughts and prayers to you. RIP Cameron. x
ReplyDeleteDear Jan and Farmers,
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry Cameron has left for the Bridge. Sending sympathy and love to you all.
xxoo
Maggie
Dear Jan and babes
ReplyDeleteMadi and I are so very sorry to read about Cameron's passing. He was a most handsome tuxie. Always a quiet presence in you family...and will be missed terribly. We send you hugs and gentle kitty kisses
Madi and mom
Oh Jan. I am so very very very sorry. Cameron's precious spirit winged its way to wait for you and the others. The much loved boy slept and drifted away in the safety of his beloved home and with his mom as his watch person though you knew it not. And I know too what it's like to not have anyone to help with burial. Clay as you and I have is like concrete. Farewell Cameron till we meet again the other side of the veil. <3
ReplyDeleteJan..words will not help..we are so so sorry your sweet boy has left you..i am so glad he did so at your side and not alone or scared .for that i am sure he will always be grateful..we send our most heart felt love and say fly free sweet Cameron...much love Bev xxx <3
ReplyDeleteOh Jan......I am so very very sorry. Please let me know if there is anything I can do for you. ::hugs:: purrs, and love. <3
ReplyDeleteDear Jan, me & mom are so sorry.
ReplyDeleteWe are soaking with tear, he is really sweet kitty
Rest in peace, Handsome Cameron.
Sending soft purrs to you & the family
Hug
xox
We are so very sorry for the loss of your very handsome tuxie, Cameron. RIP sweet boy. (((hugs)))
ReplyDeleteSending over gentle hugs and kisses.
ReplyDeleteRun free Cameron.
Hugs,
Lily Belle & Muffin
Oh Jan, we are so very sorry to hear about dear Cameron. He sure loved you and knew you loved him. We all send you love and hugs.
ReplyDeleteWe are very sorry to hear about Cameron. He sure was a handsome kitty.
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry about Cameron. He was a sweet, beautiful boy.
ReplyDeleteWe send purrs and prayers of support for you and all the Funny Farmers. Cameron please watch over us from you soft cloud and until that day we all meet again.
ReplyDeleteMuch love from all of us
Timmy Dad and Family
Just saw this and am so very sorry that you have lost Cameron. You had a special last night with this sweet cat and he will live on in your heart forever. With deepest sympathy,
ReplyDeleteCheri and Cats of Wildcat Woods
We're so very sorry for your loss. Many purrs for you and the rest of the funny farmers during this sad time.
ReplyDelete..... and St Francis said, "Come little one, there is nothing more I can do for you here, don't be afraid"......and St Francis gently picked up Cameron and carried him into the kingdom of heaven.....when the little cat looked around, he realized everything St Francis told him on his journey was true....heaven was beautiful beyond what mere words could express.....
ReplyDelete...... and Cameron saw there was no pain, suffering, fear, sickness, hunger, thirst or sorrow, until he looked down and saw the family and friends he had left behind. ......and for a very brief moment, the little cat too, was filled with sorrow.
....then St Francis bestowed Cameron with a set of wings and said, "Use them to return to your family, when their need is the greatest, as nothing can separate your bond of love. Hold each other in your hearts and your memories, until you are reunited again at heaven's door."
..... and when the little cat tried on his wings, he knew nothing was impossible...... when there is....love
God's speed our friend, we hope HE grants your mom and family, especially merci ..peace in their hearts, you will be missed....we love ya dood....xxxxx
Boomer, Dai$y, Tuna...and Dude and Sauce too
I am so sorry Jan~~~ Laura
We've only just seen the CB Jan and we didn't know that your beloved Cameron had passed over the Bridge until just now. We are so, so sorry and know you will be in bits over him. We are sending purrs and whiskery kisses in the hope they will help.
ReplyDeleteLuv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
We are so very sorry to hear. Cameron was lucky to have found you
ReplyDeleteJan - I am so sorry for your loss of Cameron. What a sweet boy. (((hugs))) from all of us in KC
ReplyDeleteSending purrs of comfort.
ReplyDeleteCory and family
We are all devastated to hear the sad news. The girls are purring hard. Know that Cameron will be met by many cats including our Patches, Mittens and Mistrie Rose.
ReplyDeleteMine and Mousie's thoughts are with you on this terrible day.
ReplyDeleteOhhhhh =( We are so sad for all the farmers. Cameron was beautiful, wasn't he? Inside and out.
ReplyDeletePurrrrrrssssss and {{{{hugs}}}} for all the Funny Farmers as you get used to live without Cameron. Just keep remembering that he loved living with you all.
Marilynn, Grace & Company
Jan, we just heard from Ann about Cameron's passing. We want to send you all our love and heartfelt condolences. We hope that you will be comforted knowing he left as he chose to, with you nearby, surrounded by your love for him, and his for you.As difficult as that is for you now, we hope it will bring you comfort in time along with all the wonderful memories you shared with him. Rest in peace sweet Cameron. You were loved.
ReplyDeletelove from your pals at the critters in the cottage and their Mama Sophie XO
Sending love and condolences, Jan.
ReplyDelete(((PURRS))) from The Purries.
Farewell Cameron. Sending comforting purrs and hugs.
ReplyDeleteOh, dear, sweet Jan we are so very sorry to hear that sweet Cameron had to go to The Bridge. How blessed he was to have spent his life with you and all at the Funny Farmers and I know you have lots of wonderful memories to cherish. Thinking of you dear friend and all the sweet furries and sending lots of love, warm, gentle hugs, nose kisses, purrs and prayers to you all.
ReplyDeleteDear Jan, we're so sorry for the loss of Cameron. We send you tender purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs
ReplyDeleteDear Jan, So very sorry for your loss of Cameron. I know this leaves a gaping hole in your heart, but he would say thank you for all the love you poured out on him over the years. May his memory bring you comfort in the coming day-for now I know nothing will ease your pain.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Noreen
We're so sorry your boy had to leave for the Bridge. Purrs to you all in this painful time of loss. :-(
ReplyDeleteWe are so very sorry for your loss of sweet Cameron. We love that he got to choose yours as his forever home and lived such a long life surrounded by love. Our thoughts are with you. Sending gentle hugs and purrs.
ReplyDeleteWe are so sorry to hear about Cameron crossing over. Many hugs and purrs and purrayers to you at this difficult time.
ReplyDeleteLuf, All of us at Forty Paws and Maw
Oh Jan, our hearts are breaking for you. If there is a bright side, he seemed to have a peaceful crossing and you didn't have to help him. Such a handsome panfur kitty. Our soil is clay too M says, so it would be impossible to dog for a grave. M is sending you a big HUG and I'm sending soothing purrs. Cameron, you were so well loved and will be missed.
ReplyDeleteOh Jan, I am just so sorry to hear this :(
ReplyDeleteMy thoughts are with you.
Jan, Our hearts and purrs go out to you. We are so sorry on the death of Cameron. We know how heart broken you must be. Remember to keep the memories close to your heart, the good as well as the bad. My thoughts are with all of you.
ReplyDeleteJan, please accept our condolences on the loss of your dear Cameron. I send soft purrs of comfort during your grieving journey.
ReplyDeleteJan and all the Funny Farmers,
ReplyDeleteOur Thoughts and Hearts go out to you as you mourn the loss of your beloved friend Cameron. We send our Prayers and Purrs to comfort you.
Hugs,
Penny & Sir Knight
Purrs,
Genghis Khat
Oh Jan, we are so very sorry to hear about Cameron's unexpected passing. What a beautiful, gentle personality he had and what a special boy he was. Sending you our gentlest purrs and holding you in our hearts and prayers. Much love to you.
ReplyDeleteBe Well Sweet Cameron
We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts.
ReplyDeletePurrs xx
Athena and Marie
Oh Jan, I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you. All of you are in our prayers.
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
ReplyDeleteSue B
Charlie,Cashew,Garfield,Tubby,Hope
Oh Jan! We are so sorry to hear about Cameron! Lots of purrs and prayers for you all!
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Samantha & Mom
We are very sorry to hear about Cameron, but we are glad evryone had a chance to say goodbye.
ReplyDeleteWe are sorry Cameron went to the bridge. POTP to you all!
ReplyDeleteYour Pals,
Murphy & Stanley
Jan, I am so very sorry about the loss of Cameron. He was certainly a fun part of the farm and will be greatly missed. You have our loving thoughts and prayers. ♥
ReplyDeleteWe are so sad to hear your beloved Cameron has left for the Bridge.
ReplyDeleteWe know, as he knew, he was well Loved by his family ♥
Cameron will be sorely missed by All.
Sending Soft Purrz & Purrayers to all of you~
May the Bright Guiding Light guide his way as he travels to the Bridge ♥♥♥
Safe Journey Cameron♥♥
Until we meet again........
The Garden Cottage Cats & da mom :,(
Jan and the Gang,
ReplyDeleteWe learned earlier today that your dear furriend, Cameron, said good-bye to you the other night while you were all in your sleep. We're sorry you had to part ways. He was certainly a handsome one.
The Boys and Karen
We were so very sorry to read of the loss of your sweet friend.
ReplyDeletePurrs,
The Chans
I am so, so sorry for your loss, Jan. Sending gentle purrs of comfort and love your way.
ReplyDeleteVery sorry to hear this news. Sending big hugs your way!
ReplyDeleteOh, Jan and the Funny Farm family, we are so sorry to hear. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteOh No!! Goodbye for now Cameron. Hugs to all of you at the Funny farm. Way too sad!!
ReplyDeleteMom was furry sad to see the email Saturday morning after she got to The GKP -
ReplyDeleteWe hope Cameron finds The Equinox parties at The Rainbow Bridge -
I'll taunt one of the neighborhood khats in Cameron's honor -
Hugz&Khysses,
Khyra
We are so sorry Cameron was needed at the Bridge and hope that our purrs and hugs find their way to you and will be of some help. He knew he was much loved and we'll miss reading about him.
ReplyDeleteJan - We were so saddened to hear of Cameron's sudden passing. I can only imagine what a shock it was to you given that he had seemed fine. When Cameron chose to live with you & the gang, he was making a statement that he knew he would be happiest living with someone he felt would give him the love he deserved. Cat's can always tell which humans are kind & loving towards animals. That is why he chose you to love with & you were generous enough to let Cameron into your home & heart. While I know you will miss him terribly, he will always remain in your heart. I'm glad everyone got to pay their respects. I wish I knew of some solution to the ground being frozen. Perhaps your vet's office could give you some assistance with getting a grave dug for you so he can be buried where you had planned. Again, our thought & purrayers go out to you for your loss. Cameron was always one of our favorites.
ReplyDeleteJan, I am so sorry to hear of your family's sudden and unexpected loss of dear Cameron...It's never an easy transition, but it's always good to know these sweet fur babies enjoyed a loving, affectionate home before they must leave for the Bridge...Wishing you guys peace and comfort at this sad time, keeping you all in our purrs and prayers...xoxo...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat
ReplyDeleteJan, I am so sorry to hear of your family's sudden and unexpected loss of dear Cameron...It's never an easy transition, but it's always good to know these sweet fur babies enjoyed a loving, affectionate home before they must leave for the Bridge...Wishing you guys peace and comfort at this sad time, keeping you all in our purrs and prayers...xoxo...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat
ReplyDeleteWe are so very sorry. Godspeed, Cameron♥
ReplyDeleteLove ya lots♥
Mitch and Molly
We are so sorry that you left Cameron. Run free at The Bridge, there will be many true friends there to greet you
ReplyDeleteLuff
Mungo & Jet
Oh... I am so very sorry. May you find peace in your heart and take comfort that Cameron will always be in your memories... Purrs from Deb and the Zee and Zoey Gang
ReplyDeleteJan, I am so sorry about Cameron.
ReplyDeleteJan, we're so very sorry for your loss. Sending soft purrs to comfort you.
ReplyDeleteCharlemagne, Tamar and Mal
This is so very sad; we are sending gentle purrs of comfort and consolation to all of you.
ReplyDeleteRest in Peace, dear Cameron.
Purrs ... Rainbow
So sorry for the loss of sweet Cameron. Sending purrs and prayers to you and the Funny Farmers.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get online all weekend and I'm so sorry to be so late to say, Cameron you were obviously very well loved and will be missed deeply. Praying for your family. Especially Jan.
ReplyDeletePurrs of comfort to you. Such a good handsome kitty, much loved and greatly missed.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry for your loss. Sending hugs and warm thoughts......
ReplyDeleteI am sorry to be late in offering my condolences. One of my own feline family is not long for this world. Cameron was fortunate to have you look after him, and that he passed away quietly in his sleep. His life was too short, but I'm certain he loved it with you. Godspeed, Cameron.
ReplyDeleteI am just now seeing this post. I am so very very sorry.
ReplyDelete