Our beautiful, gentle "Lily of the Valley" left us Sunday, after a rapid downward spiral due to CRF. We're all still reeling from shock and grief; completely devastated. Through the tears, it's difficult to post this very sad news. But I felt it was necessary to explain my absence here on the blog for a time.. I knew you would want to know, and would understand. Thank you for visiting here today and for caring.
I'm so sorry, she was beautiful kitty, those eyes! I've been there, and it's one of the hardest things to lose one our furry friends.
Posted by: Lisa | May 03, 2011 at 10:56 AM
My sincere condolences to your whole family. Your beautiful kitty always caught my eye in your photos, because we have a very similar white angora cat. Your silence is well understood - losing a pet is never an easy thing to go through.
Posted by: Rebecca | May 03, 2011 at 11:15 AM
I'm sorry too! I lost my beautiful kitty a few years ago and still miss her. Sympathy to all of you.
Posted by: Susan, Champaign | May 03, 2011 at 11:15 AM
I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know how much it hurts. Over the years I've been where you are many times. I love and remember every single one. I like to honor my lost pet's life by adopting another one as quickly as possible. There are always animals looking for homes and I like to think my deceased friends are looking down and nodding with approval when I bring another one home. I can never replace the one I lost, but I can grow to love another one and give him/her a chance at life.
Posted by: Betty | May 03, 2011 at 11:53 AM
Oh, my heart goes out to you! I am sitting here with my furson Boomer (age 16 in July) in my lap. We were just writing another condolence like this yesterday, and one last week. All my blogging contemporaries seem to be losing their furkids, and it just breaks my heart. I cherish every second with Boomer. Have you heard the legend of the Rainbow Bridge, where pets and their humans are reunited? (look it up in Wiki or Google it). In the meantime, know that many of us understand the bond between people and their cats (or should I say cats and their humans?). Big furry hugs, Cathy K and Boomer
Posted by: Cathy Kizerian | May 03, 2011 at 11:59 AM
So sorry to hear about your loss, it is so hard to lose a good friend.
Posted by: Anita | May 03, 2011 at 12:11 PM
I am so sorry to hear this. I truly know the pain of loss. hugs.
Posted by: Susan | May 03, 2011 at 01:01 PM
I am so sorry! May your dear Lily rest in sweet peace. {{hugs}}
Posted by: Tracy | May 03, 2011 at 01:33 PM
Sweet pets have a way of getting ahold of our hearts. My you cherish the memories.
Posted by: Jodi | May 03, 2011 at 02:06 PM
So sorry to hear about dear, sweet Lily. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Posted by: Laura | May 03, 2011 at 02:14 PM
I've been there, too. It is hard to say good-bye to a beloved furry family member. Hugs to you.
Posted by: Patty | May 03, 2011 at 02:31 PM
I am so sad for you, I have tears in my eyes as I write to you my sincere sympathies. We have kitties, (one at the moment) and it is alwyas the saddest thing when one goes on to heaven. I told a friend once when I get to heaven I will have all of my cats. She is a dog lover and she said then I hope I don't live next to you.
May peace come to you quickly!
Posted by: Marilyn | May 03, 2011 at 02:32 PM
I am sorry to hear about your beautiful cat. I believe Lily is in heaven waiting on you!
Posted by: bethany | May 03, 2011 at 03:22 PM
I am sorry for your loss. I am still heartbroken about kitties long gone... they are dear, and we carry their hearts with us always. Take care.
Posted by: Natalie VV | May 03, 2011 at 03:39 PM
Losing a beloved kitty is terribly difficult. My heart goes out to your family. May I commend you to Brenda's blog called "It's a Beautiful Life"? She just lost her beloved kitty and has posted a prayer that is so sweet and dear that leaving without shedding a tear is impossible. Comfort be yours...
http://beautiful.wordfromhome.com/2011/04/one-sweet-kitty.html
Posted by: Vee | May 03, 2011 at 04:13 PM
I'm so sorry you've lost your beautiful Lily. Her two-color eyes and that polka-dot nose are unforgettable.
Posted by: hillary | May 03, 2011 at 05:03 PM
So sorry for your loss! They make such wonderful pals - loving us unconditionally! I will be thinking of you!
Hugs from Michigan - Diane
Posted by: Diane (Vruwink) Carlson | May 03, 2011 at 08:34 PM
I'm so very to read of your loss of beautiful Lily. It is devastating to lose our furry members of the family. I send much love to you and your family, and also to Lily. xxxx
Posted by: alyshajane | May 03, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Oh, I am so very sorry for your loss, Vicki! Lily was so lovely and I always enjoyed the sweet little vignettes you would share of her as a beloved member of your happy family, over the years. Hugs to all of you~xo
Posted by: tinker | May 03, 2011 at 10:31 PM
They are so much more than family - they are our heart and soul. All your secrets and foibles are safe as they just smile when asked.
So sorry for the loss of your lovely Lily. She will be waiting on the other side of the Rainbow Bridge.
Many hugs to you and your family.
Yvette
Posted by: Yvette | May 03, 2011 at 10:36 PM
My sympathies to your family. I'm so sorry for your loss!
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 04, 2011 at 04:37 AM
I'm so sorry for the loss of your beautiful kitty. It's so hard to lose a loved pet. My sympathy to you all.
Posted by: Leslie | May 04, 2011 at 05:35 AM
Oh, I'm so sorry, Vicki for you and your family--she is a beauty.
Posted by: Sharon M. | May 04, 2011 at 06:12 AM
Hugs to you all. I am so sorry for your loss. May you find peace in the happy memories of this most beloved family member.
Posted by: Lynne | May 04, 2011 at 09:16 AM
So sorry about your beautiful, Lily. Remember her fondly and be proud of the loving environment you provided for her.
Posted by: Lisa | May 04, 2011 at 09:55 AM
I am so sorry for your loss..i had a kitty named Orchid, who looked exactly like your Lily except she had long white hair...i feel so bad for your pain, please know that we do care, and Lily is free now and soaking up the light in heaven in god's arms....
Posted by: jo | May 04, 2011 at 11:22 AM
I am so sorry for you loss. I know how devasting it is to go through. May your love and fond memories help you and your family get through it.
Posted by: Marie | May 04, 2011 at 11:32 AM
Vicki~ My heart hurts for you and your family. I loved seeing your wonderful pictures of Lily. I know she learned as much as she could about all of you, and now she is watching and taking care of you in a different way. My love and sympathy to you, your husband, and the girls. ~Mandy
Posted by: Amanda | May 04, 2011 at 02:26 PM
Vicki, I am so very sorry. How terribly sad for your family. It was always a treat to see pretty Lily in your photos. Her memory will live through this blog.
Take care and be well.
Posted by: DonnaJ | May 04, 2011 at 05:09 PM
I am so sorry for your loss, such a beautiful kitty.
Posted by: Carmen | May 04, 2011 at 05:32 PM
I am so sorry for your loss, and I hope that your fond memories give you strength.
Posted by: greg | May 04, 2011 at 05:45 PM
I am so sorry for your loss. We just lost our Mr. Rembrandt on February 4th due to liver cancer. Only a cat lover understands the sadness and emptiness that a beloved pet leaves in our hearts and homes.
Posted by: dawn | May 04, 2011 at 06:57 PM
So sorry for your loss, there's nothing I can say that takes the pain away for you, just take your time to feel and just be. Lily was always a lovely part of your blog and people all over the world will miss her being here. Thoughts are with you x
Posted by: claire | May 05, 2011 at 02:15 AM
Bless your heart! I am so sorry for your loss!
Posted by: Terri | May 05, 2011 at 03:58 AM
Lily was beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss. It's devastating to lose a pet, almost like a person. I'm so sorry :o( Amie
Posted by: Amie | May 05, 2011 at 08:06 AM
:(
Posted by: Patty | May 05, 2011 at 01:47 PM
I'm so sad to hear this news about your sweet Miss Lilly. She was such a lovely creature, and I always enjoyed reading about her and seeing what she'd been up to.
It is so hard, I know, to say goodbye to a beloved animal family member. My heart is there with you and with your family, Vicki.
Wishing you peace,
Lena
Posted by: Account Deleted | May 05, 2011 at 02:03 PM
Hearing this news about your beloved Lily is very sad.
Please know you and your family are in my thoughts. We said farewell to our cat, Marshmallow, several years ago and sometimes I still feel she is in the house with me basking in the sunshine streaming through the window.
Posted by: DEB | May 05, 2011 at 04:11 PM
Oh, I am so sorry for your loss. My sympathy to you & your family.
Posted by: Debbie | May 05, 2011 at 05:22 PM
I am so sorry that you have lost Lily. She certainly was a beautiful kitty. We no longer have our kittys so I understand how you feel.
take care.
Posted by: jam | May 05, 2011 at 09:24 PM
Sorry for your loss and being slow to respond. As I read your post, I was so touched as today is the fifth anniversary of the death of our beloved Dave. His picture is still my avatar. We miss him all the time, and no one will love us like our cats love us.
Lily was blessed to have you.
Posted by: Mary | May 06, 2011 at 08:51 AM
My sympathy to you and your family. It's difficult to lose a beloved pet - they bring quiet joy to our lives. Lily was a beautiful cat - thank you for sharing her with us.
Posted by: Kathy Bennett | May 06, 2011 at 09:13 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss. Our pets bring us much joy in such a short time. It's always difficult to say good-bye. Send hugs your way.
Posted by: Jeanne | May 06, 2011 at 12:12 PM
Sorry to hear about Lily. She is such a pretty girl. It is so hard to lose a constant companion.
Posted by: Beth | May 06, 2011 at 02:56 PM
oh i am so sad to hear of lily's passing. i am so sorry for the loss of your sweet girl. love from aotearoa xxx
Posted by: louise | May 06, 2011 at 04:34 PM
So sorry for your loss. It is so hard, I lost my beautiful Willow less than a month ago and not a day goes by I don't miss her. Please accept heartfelt condolences from another cat mom. Godspeed Lily.
Posted by: Elizabeth | May 06, 2011 at 06:32 PM
I have been watching that sweet little cat for yrs now and thought she was most interesting !! I especially love a picture you had of her trying to take ornaments off a table she is so sweet. Im sorry for your loss, this week my aunts doggy died my moms doggy died and now famous Lilly ..Its been a very sad week. I don't know what CRF is but I'm so sorry to loose such a cutie.
Posted by: reindeerisland | May 07, 2011 at 11:50 AM
God Bless Lily. Another reminder to cherish the time we have with those that are important to us. May the memory of her love help ease the pain in your hearts.
Posted by: Ramona Chester | May 07, 2011 at 12:54 PM
Such a short time to love such a nice cat.She'll be always in your heart.Think of the good times you sure have had and that she's got a better peaceful part now.
Hugs and my best wishes for you
Posted by: Marlies | May 07, 2011 at 05:03 PM
My heart is broken for you. As a kitty lover, I have enjoyed seeing sweet Lily in so many of your posts. She certainly was blessed to have found a home with you, just as you were blessed to have her all these years. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers... Donna
Posted by: An Enchanted Cottage | May 07, 2011 at 10:41 PM
I am so very sorry Vicki, it is soo hard to loose a beloved pet. I hope you have a blessed Mother's day today xoxo Clarice
Posted by: StorybookWoods | May 08, 2011 at 07:45 AM
“To live in the hearts of those we leave behind is not to die.” –Thomas Campbell
From one kitty lover to another, blessings to you at this ime of loss.
Posted by: Sophie & Me | May 08, 2011 at 08:58 PM
*time
Posted by: Sophie & Me | May 08, 2011 at 08:59 PM
Havig lost my handsome boy cat, Seemore, less than a year ago, I knw how you are feeling. My heart goes out to you and your family
Posted by: Leslie | May 09, 2011 at 10:48 AM
I am so very sorry for your loss. May you find comfort in your loving memories of your beautiful Miss Lily.
Posted by: Velma | May 09, 2011 at 12:38 PM
Désolée cela est difficile comme instant.
Je vous embrasse
Liza
Posted by: Liza | May 10, 2011 at 05:08 AM
aww, sweet kittie girl. I'm so sorry :(
Posted by: Jennifer | May 10, 2011 at 07:59 PM
As much as I love my 10 year old cats, I know your heart is broken. Blessings to you and your family.
Mary
Posted by: mary | May 12, 2011 at 08:09 AM
I am so terribly sorry. I know how you feel. My beautiful little dog, and who I had come across in the Dogs' Home in Battersea, London when he was about 2 or 3 years old and had been my constant companion for 16 years died recently and my heart shattered. The pain will go and then we will be left with beautiful memories and no regrets.
Posted by: Mia | May 13, 2011 at 01:41 AM
I'm so sorry for your loss! She looked like such a wonderful kitty. You're in my thoughts & prayers.
Posted by: Jennifer I. | May 14, 2011 at 08:52 PM
So sorry about Lily who was so pretty.
Posted by: Dianne | May 15, 2011 at 08:02 PM