Lullaby

February 1, 2011 in Etc. | 112 comments

I first started writing this post on May 3rd, 2010 when my cat, Sushi, sixteen years old and in kidney failure, was really, really sick and I feared the worst. With all of your lovely hopes and prayers and support, I felt so blessed and grateful when she pulled through. After that, she would get sick every few months, but would always buck up after a course of antibiotics and a week of subcutaneous fluids.

Still, nothing lasts forever, and this recent bout was different. Sushi had been losing weight pretty steadily by the time she fell ill last weekend. This wasn’t the usual infection and she wasn’t her usual, cheerful, goofy Sushi self. She stopped eating, couldn’t really get on the bed, and gave up on her litter box.

When I took her to the vet last Monday, I walked away with pain medicine instead of antibiotics, and the heartbreaking instructions to take her home, spoil the hell out of her with cuddles and delicious food, but to bring her back, and soon, so she wouldn’t have to be in pain for too much longer. In the Death Cab for Cutie song “What Sarah Said” from their album Plans (most depressing album ever, seriously), Ben Gibbard sings, “Love is watching someone die.” As much as I wanted to protect myself, drag it out, keep her alive with drugs and fluids, I knew I had to do the loving, merciful thing.

Long story short, the vet just left after a very caring home visit, and my little cuddlebug is finally at peace. My eternal gratitude to Dr. Mollica at the Carroll Gardens Vet Group. I put together the most wonderful — if I say so myself! — play list as she fell asleep. “I Will Follow You Into the Dark” (Death Cab), “Magic” (Ben Folds Five), “Levon” (Elton John), “When I Fall” (Barenaked Ladies), and, finally, “Lullaby” (Ben Folds Five). Right now, as the music ebbs, I’m imagining her in one of those afternoon sunbeams she loved so much.

For almost exactly five years, I’ve been so incredibly lucky to share my life with two amazing cats. I lost Smokey to old age in July 2009, and it tore me apart to see Sushi fade from the same so soon after. A heart without a pet to love is truly a lonely thing, and I miss both of them so much. I always will. If this strikes a chord, please donate to the Humane Society of the Silicon Valley, the non-profit shelter that gave me both of my wonderful girls. I love them and every moment they’ve given me has been a joy and a gift. Even on this very sad day, I swear, I live an incredibly charmed life, in no small part because I got to be Sushi and Smokey’s “forever home,” as they say when you adopt.

I’ll let Ben Folds take it away perfectly because, well, he always does:

Goodnight, goodnight, sweet baby
The world has more for you
Than it seems
Goodnight, goodnight
Let the moonlight take the lid off your dreams.


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  1. Megan K. Bickel’s avatar

    Megan K. Bickel on February 2, 2011 at 7:13 am

    I’m so sorry to hear that you had to let your precious girl go. My heart goes out to you. It is never an easy thing, even if you see it coming for months. Hugs.

  2. Kathy R.’s avatar

    Kathy R. on February 2, 2011 at 10:37 am

    Mary, You are an excellent writer… thank you for sharing this! Your post brought tears to my eyes… I can relate. Praying God’s loving comfort surrounds you as you grieve the loss of your dear Sushi. p.s. Great pics!

  3. Kristen Faulconer’s avatar

    Kristen Faulconer on February 2, 2011 at 1:14 pm

    Mary, I am so sorry about Sushi’s passing. I was deeply moved by your post, and am holding you in my thoughts.

  4. Nancy Parish’s avatar

    Nancy Parish on February 2, 2011 at 1:42 pm

    So sorry to hear of the recent loss of your dear cat, Sushi. Losing a furry friend is never easy as they leave pawprints on our hearts. But she is out of pain and is reunited with her friend Smokey. Thanks for sharing your story in such a personal way. Take care,

  5. Suzie F.’s avatar

    Suzie F. on February 2, 2011 at 6:07 pm

    Oh, Mary. I just read your moving post about your dear, beloved Sushi. I’m so sorry. There’s nothing like the love and affection between person and animal friend – a special bond. My thoughts are with you.

    Suzie F.

  6. Greg Pincus’s avatar

    Greg Pincus on February 3, 2011 at 12:45 am

    Awww, foo. That’s what I have to say, though profound it’s not. Sorry you have to go through this, but I’d say both you and Sushi have been lucky and loved. And that, at least, is a mighty good thing.

  7. Helen Robertson’s avatar

    Helen Robertson on February 3, 2011 at 8:38 am

    I’m so sorry, Mary. I’ll be thinking of you and Sushi.

  8. Shari M.’s avatar

    Shari M. on February 3, 2011 at 10:02 am

    Mary, I know Sushi was your friend, your companion, and your baby. So hard to say goodbye to a furry loved one who filled your heart so full.

  9. Lisa’s avatar

    Lisa on February 3, 2011 at 12:27 pm

    So,so sorry! I’ve been in your shoes and it is the most awful thing to go through. My son said he didn’t believe that animals have souls, but I told him that they do, because it wouldn’t be “heaven” without animals.

  10. Diana Murray’s avatar

    Diana Murray on February 5, 2011 at 6:27 am

    My belated condolences. So sorry, Mary. :(

  11. Amy’s avatar

    Amy on February 12, 2011 at 8:34 pm

    Mary, I am so, so sorry to hear of your loss. You’ve inspired me to donate to your shelter and our own shelter here.

    I love the picture of her sleeping in the sun.

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