Who would wait at the window, watching for me, when I came home from work?  Who would race from the window to the back door so he could be there when it opened and get my attention as I came through the door?  Who would streak from the kitchen to the living room and race up onto the back of the chair so fast that he would nearly tumble over the back just so I wouldn't be able to ignore him as I went into the back room?  Who would climb up on my chest, with his paws just below my neck, and his face close enough to mine that the gentle rising and falling of my breathing would both soothe and warm him as he dozed while I watched TV?  Who would always be right under foot whenever guests would arrive so that he could inspect and approve anyone that came into the house?  Who would wait, expectantly, by the bedroom for me to open it and absent-mindedly forget to close it before he could rush into the taboo area of my bedroom?

Simba, wherever you have gone, I would like to believe that you are God's cat now!  That you are running through pastoral fields, in heaven, enjoying all the freedom and joy that I could never give you.  I have the consolation of knowing that you brightened my life when the people that I loved were busy with their lives.  That you were always devoted and genuinely interested in EVERYTHING that I said and did.  You demonstrated what a faithful, unconditionally loving, and affectionate friend can be.  You gave me countless memories of joy and laughter at a time in my life when I needed it the MOST!  There are no words, only tears, to convey the deep loss I feel with your departure.  I love you and I will miss you Simba! But hey, God!  You're gonna LOVE Simba!

01-27-2001