Tuesday, April 1, 2014

His Name was Bear-Bear


Bear-Bear was cremated after his untimely death, and his ashes were brought to me last week. I asked to have them. I’ve placed them on the bookcase in my bedroom, next to a photograph of my late friend; the picture is my favourite likeness of him. I put the BB’s little memorial where it is as none of the other cats would get up there to knock it over. They have little sense of respect at times, despite Renn’s regard in the image below.


The mortal remains of even the longest of cats are reduced to a small amount after cremation. It seems unfair, somehow. Even sick, Bear-Bear was a presence. Now, this is all that’s left of him.


But my memories of him remain. Where did he come from? Whose friend was he before he was rescued? What was he called? His name will always be Bear-Bear now. Names are important in remembrance. They give faces to the faceless, laughter to the silent and warmth to the cold. The Menin Gate is one of the ancient entrances to the Belgian town of Ypres, where the British Army fought for four years in the First World War. On its sides are engraved the names of 50,000 British soldiers who have no known graves. At Verdun, the French raised a memorial carved with the names of a quarter million of their soldiers who vanished in that interminable battle.

Yes, names are important in recalling those who pass away. Names keep them close. My friend's name was Bear-Bear. I will remember him.

8 comments:

  1. The happy memories will always live in your heart. Hugs from all of us.

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  2. This is a beautiful, heart-aching post for Bear-Bear. I'm glad you have his ashes, even though they don't contain his essence, his spirit.

    It's a lovely memorial.

    Purrs from the boys.

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  3. This is a beautiful remembrance of Bear Bear, I too found it unpalatable that Abby and Gracie were reduced to mere ashes and so very little. It was 6 months before I could open up the box she now lies in and look and then I could only look quickly before the tears came again. I know she is more than those mere ashes but it is the only tangible parts of her aside from a small tuft of fur I have of her. The rest are memories and photographs.

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  4. The names of those we love are etched on our hearts for ever. Thinking of you.

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  5. I'm so sorry to hear about Bear-Bear. My human has her Ducky and Trey in little boxes so she can still talk to them sometimes. It helps to think of them, even if it makes her sad. She's happier having known them for a little while.

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  6. Bear Bear will live on in the happy and funny and enjoyable memories you have of him. What a lovely tribute to a beautiful soul. Eileen and Jessica

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  7. What a lovely memorial for Bear-Bear. He was blessed to have you in his life. Based on your words, I understand you feel the same about him.

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  8. What a great tribute to Bear Bear. He knows how much you loved him and cared for him. Memories are the best. From time to time, I remember all the ones that I have lost. Glad he had you in his life.
    Have a great day.

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