Final Moments

(in dedication to one of our cats who is sadly not well and is at the last stages of life)

I'm glad to have these final moments
Of holding you, cuddling close
Talking to you while you look up at me
As I tell you how sweet you are

I love the happiness you express
It's wonderful to see you like this
As happy as you can be in this state
Reminiscent of how you once were

I adore seeing you so comfortable
Feeling you relax in my arms
As my hands stroke you softly
Nails scratching how you like

My mind is flashing through those times
Times where you slept right beside me, remember?
Where you'd wake me up just to show affection
Rub your face against mine in the cutest way

It was your way of kissing
When someone said "kisses"
You'd stand up on your two legs
And rub your face on theirs incessantly

You're so much like your Mother
You both have such adorable traits
Yet unique in your own way
Your crazy quirks can't be matched

Like the way you never did like yelling
And how you certainly knew how to show that
If an attempt was made you'd meow in their face
Then attack or love depending on the person

I loved the way you meowed at me and then stood up
Then tried to climb on me, got half way
I could tell you wanted this
It only seemed right to help you and stay a while

I wonder if you're thinking about similar things
Because your purring is getting loud and increasing
I know that you're struggling to breathe
But still somehow you're inhaling this moment

It's okay, at least right now
I wish I could say that was permanent
But I'm enjoying what I can, while I can
Because I know what it's like to not have the chance

Nothing hurts like sudden departure
No more time to spend doing what you know you could have
No last reminder of how much they mean to you
No last utterance of things you hope they know

This is why you can't dwell on the sadness when
You still have the opportunity to make the best of what you've got
Save all of the pain for after
Instill beautiful memories to cherish through the final moments

It will make it easier on you as well as them
Provide them happiness while you are able
Embrace the warm feeling of giving
And the bittersweet of when they receive

This applies across the board
From animals to humans
Loss is loss
And there's no closure or going back when they're gone

You're so content, as am I
And oh, how I'm going to miss this
But I'm glad for these final moments
To remind you one last time
That you are loved
And to feel that you know it
Without a doubt