Rip - Meow Tai Sammi

by Kathy OH
(Stanwood WA)

My friend Sam was the best. He had a tumor (fibrous sarcoma) growing on his right shoulder blade. Noticed it first a week before Thanksgiving. It was small, barely noticeable, but by last week was larger than a baseball. He'd quit eating and gotten really thin. He was 12 & 1/2.

Sam had been my parents cat and when they passed away I was fortunate to be the one to take him home. I lived alone, so we spent a lot of one on one time together. He loved to chase and retrieve tin foil balls or Snickers wrappers (whichever was handiest). Always near me on my lap or shoulder. He didn't talk a lot, but when he did it was worth paying attention.
Have had 5 Siamese over the years. Completely love them, the way they tend to bond with one person, the way they communicate. Sam would sit and look at me, then close his eyes. I think he was happy and smiling. I know I was. Has anyone noticed how if you press your forehead to your cats, during a quiet time, that everything is better for that moment?
Sam's gone and I miss him so much. My brothers and I like to think our folks are now dickering over who gets him on their lap next.