Now, I am old.
I walk slowly, and don’t really care to walk at all. I can’t remember the last time I ran. My joints ache and my muscles hurt, and my bones are brittle and weak.
Now, I am old. I don’t have the appetite I once did, and food tastes bland and dull. I shiver too much and the air is too cold. I sleep most of the time, and my dreams are filled with what used to be.
Now, I am old. I watch the youngsters play, and remember making my friends laugh, and strangers smile. I now climb slowly, where I used to leap. I am excited by nothing and enthused by less.
Now, I am old. Some day, relatively soon, I will die. But I will not cease to exist. For I will have loved and will have been loved; I will have experienced joy and contentment, and given joy and contentment to others; I will have touched the world, and been touched in turn. And all those I will have touched, and all those they will touch, will carry a piece of me with them. When they smile, I will smile; when they love, I will love. And when youth yet unborn runs and jumps and feels the sun upon its face, I too will run and jump and feel warmed by the glow of a new day. I will exist in a million lives because I will have lived one, and I will be a part of eternity.
Even though now, I am old.
That made me so sad for Neville. From what you have said, his early life before he was rescued must have been awful. I hope he can still find contentment for however long he is in this world.
ReplyDeletePurring for all of our oldsters.
ReplyDeleteThis is a heart-rending, beautiful post. I hope that Neville still has good quality of life, and when it's his time, that he transitions peacefully and gently. ❤️
ReplyDeleteYou are a special one sweet Neville.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post, but it is also a sad one. (Read with tissues at hand.) I think anyone with an aging cat can relate to it. It certainly struck home for me since Danni is 19 years old and Willow is 16 years old. And I've noticed the signs of aging just like you noticed with Neville. The best we can do is make their golden years happy and enjoy whatever time we can have with them.
ReplyDeleteNeville, dear old boy, you are loved world round. Sleep sound and warm.
ReplyDeleteNeville enjoy your sweet dreams of youth. Deep purrs dear one.
ReplyDeleteI've always had a special love for you, Neville. You knew that though. No need to tell you again and yet again. I always call you by your given name, Neville, because it befits you. You are dignified and loved. And aways treated accordingly.
ReplyDeleteOh how I liked this growing old isn't fun for any living creature.
ReplyDeleteAnd you have given and received love.
ReplyDeletePoor Neville. XO
ReplyDeleteMr Neville, you take it easy lovely boy. You have deserved a rest xxx
ReplyDeletePoignant post for Neville.
ReplyDeleteIts like that for those whom I care for too...but it is a privilege to be there for them, and you are for Neville.
Sorry John...But l 'do not' approve of this post....
ReplyDeleteSuch words and comments should be kept to
yourself....and 'not' forced on those who care
and love your cats....
I shall review my position in following this Blog....
PS...
Love you Neville...always have, always will....! :)x
This was so beautifully written and brought tears to my eyes. Neville is greatly loved by myself and so many others. I hope he has a lot more time, but I know you won't let him suffer when it is his time.
ReplyDeleteApart from the brittle bones, the first two paragraphs could have been describing me!
I do not think remarks , such as that one above from "Willie" are appropriate or civil.
ReplyDeleteThe fortunate few of us, cats and people, live long lives and grow old. Those who love and are loved are the most fortunate of all. I'm grateful that Nev has been given a good home where he is loved and can live out his days on his own terms. May we all be so lucky.
ReplyDeleteBeautifully said, Saku.
DeleteJohn, I appreciated your comments on Milo's passing. I have spent the morning reading through your blog and it's like reading a book, so well said. But. This post is so touching and true. Gently saying the truth. I needed to read it because of Milo's passing even though he was so young and I needed to read it because I've been scrabbling for some meaning to life. I'm going to copy the last paragraph to my journal to re-read. Thank you for being so thoughtful. Love, LeeAnna
ReplyDelete(notafraidofcolor)