Jem

While we were on our staycation with Kenny’s family, Nola texted to tell me that their big orange kitty, Jem, wasn’t doing well. He had been slowing down in his old age (16), but we thought we had plenty of time left with him. Turns out that wasn’t the case. He was barely able to move in his last couple of days, so Nola and Nopsi made the hard decision to put him to sleep. They took him to the vet on Monday, June 4. It was almost a year to the date after they had to put Jem’s sister Scout to sleep.

We told the boys the news in the car on the way to Sunday dinner on June 3. They took it harder than I thought they would, both of them breaking down in tears. They had had a long, tiring weekend, but Jem was special to all of us, and the boys were no exception. He really was the best cat.

 

 

We all made sure to spend our last few minutes with Jem before we left dinner that Sunday night. He was laying on his favorite yellow blanket on the bench in the kitchen, hardly moving. But I think he knew we were there, loving him.

 

The boys, Rory especially, have wanted to say prayers for Jem and talk about him and remember him. I’m so glad for that. I hope they don’t forget him. Riley was the first tiny person Jem encountered, and Jem wasn’t happy about him at all at first. But he soon succumbed to the new attention and before long he had captured the hearts of all four kids. They adored him.

Jem, thank you for being a part of our family. We’re so grateful we found you. We miss you terribly, but we’re glad you’re not hurting anymore. And we hope you’re having a wonderful time up there in kitty heaven, reunited with Scout.

We love you both!