5/20/1988 – 5/3/2006
You came into our lives on a warm summer evening in 1988. Maybe you were 5 weeks old. How cute you and your sister Trixie both were curled up together in the bathroom that first night. We could not part with you. 2 years later, we got you a brother. You were mother to him, as your sister was just too jealous at first. Norton and Ralph, 2 inseperable friends.
You were the smart one. I knew you understood me when I spoke to you - and you proved it one day. Walking around the house with some newly washed socks in your mouth, you heard me say "Norton, put those back in the basket" and you turned around, walked back to the basket and dropped them there. That was the last time you ever let on that you understood me.
I think you spent somewhere around 5,000 nights curled up on the top of the couch behind me, punching me in the head every 20 minutes or so, and then putting your head on my shoulder and going to sleep.
Stealing cookies. Licking all the powdered sugar off the donuts in the box. Your love of bread. Your fear of the grass. Sitting in the middle of your circle of toys and crying when Ralphie went to the bridge.
Sweet, gentle Norton. Always wanting to be pet, but not wanting to be held. You preferred to just be near and touch with a paw or two. Always your daddy's best buddy.
Keep an eye on your sister Trixie and come for her when it is her time. Watch over the little ones and any more that may come after. Let me see you in the shadows on occasion, as it is always harder for those of us left behind. Wait for Daddy and me here on the hillside. We will come for you when it is our time, and we will all cross the Bridge together into forever. You were more loved than you know, and the hole in our hearts will never be filled.
Rest well little puddin pop.
A Poem from your Bestest Buddy - Daddy
Thank you...and Goodbye
Thank you for being my friend.
You cheered me up when I felt sad.
Ours was a friendship few ever had.
I'll always remember your soft smile and gentle soul.
How we laughed and played through the day and night.
You brought joy into my life.
Then God came calling and took you away.
I miss you more every day.
But I know you're in a happier place.
Someday, I hope we'll be together again.
So with a smile on my face, and a tear in my eye
Just let me say
Thank you...and goodbye.
August 3, 2006
From your twin sister, Trixie, who misses you so much:
TRIXIE
I see you in the shadows
You come to visit often
You come to watch over me
How I miss you, sweet brother of mine
Sometimes I get so tired
And I wish you were here with me
It's hard to be without you
sweet Norton, brother of mine
Do you like it in the sunshine?
Are you happy there with Ralph?
Will you come to get me
when it is my time?
I never thought we'd be apart
Not even for a day
But it's been 3 whole months
how I miss you, brother of mine.
Someday we'll be together
Sleeping in the sun
You and me and Ralphie
Together for all time.
August 28, 2006 - Hello there my sweet poodin pop. I saw you this morning when you came to bring your twin sister Trixie to the Bridge with you. She missed you so much in the almost 4 months that you were apart. She did not want to be without you one more day. Thank you for watching over her and not letting her suffer. She slipped quietly from my arms into your paws at 5:15 am this morning. I hope that you all have fun together. Please don't stop coming to see me. Watch over Sammy and Miles. They, and your daddy and I will come to be with you when our times come, and we will all dance a joyous dance over the Bridge and into Forever.
I love you my baby Norton.
May 3, 2007
Oh my Puddin Pop - it's been a year already since you left us. I still miss you so much. You are always in my thoughts. You were in my life for 18 years, it will take more than 1 to get over the fact that you are not here anymore. I hope that you are happy with your brother Ralphie and your sister Trixie. I know that you are here watching me too. Stay with us sweet Nortie, you are always in our hearts and in our minds. Someday we will all be together again, and it will be the happiest day ever.
Love, Mommy
May 3, 2008
Oh baby Norton, it's been 2 years already and I still miss you so much. Thank you for sending me Baby Bill, your little twin kitten. He is so very much like you and it's made my heart feel better having him in our family. But I still miss you. I know that you and Ralphie and Trixie are watching over us and waiting for us. Keep watching over us Nortie, I love you so much and you will always be in my heart Puddin' Pop.
Love, Mommy
May 3, 2009
My baby Norton - I miss you so much - it's been 3 years and my heart still aches for you. I am so thankful that you have sent Billy SweetFeets Norton Gingersnap into our lives - he, like you, is a daddy's boy. But your daddy and I still miss you so much. I know that you have been busy welcoming and showing around some of our dear cat blogosphere furriends to the Bridge. Please keep watching over us sweet Nortie. We still love you so much Puddin' Pop.
May 3, 2010
Baby Norton - we still miss you so very much - 4 years now and there's still a Norton sized hole in our hearts. I'm so glad we still have a ginger boy in our lives - sent by you. I know that you still come to visit us - we can see you in the shadows. Keep watching over us sweet Nortie. We love you and miss you Puddin' Pop.
