I remember when we found Scamper on the street as a kitten. She was just big enough to fit in the palm of your hand. She was about four weeks old at the time and we took her in to give her a better life.

And a better life is what she had. She was there through most of my childhood, making the moves with us across country and up North.

We would pick her up to cuddle and she’d lick our nose then give us a little love bite. She loved chicken and would wind herself around your legs if you were cooking it. If you crumpled paper, she’d come running and would chase it. Many times, we found her walking in the room, her entire face hidden behind a dollar bill that she was carrying in her mouth. She curl in a ball at the foot of our beds and purr like crazy when we petted her, kneading the comforter but not opening her eyes. When she walked, she curled her tail, as if she knew she was cute. She had an odd affliction for the smell of nicotine and would like your fingers raw if you had just smoked a cigarette.

She was our kitten, our baby, and she lived a good life. She had slowly been deteriorating for the past few months and this past week, Mom realized she had no more fight left in her. Even as she took her last breath, she was loved dearly. She was a part of family and even now, it doesn’t feel right that she’s not around.

Tonight, we held a sort of memorial for her and my mom handed me the bag with her ashes in it and it was all I could do not to break down and cry. That wasn’t right. My sweet kitty was supposed to be rubbing against my leg and purring.

But she lived a good life and she was loved. And I hope she knew that. She will be missed.

I love you, Scamper-doo!  Tell Baby we said hello!!

1993-2008