Wednesday, July 1, 2009

Hollywood

She was leaving work late one night when she heard the plaintive mewl coming from beneath the car. Leaning down to peer under the darkness of the vehicle, she saw nothing. Still the noise came. Opening the car door, she pulled the hood release lever. When she opened the hood, the mewling became louder and suddenly she pinpointed the noise...there just within reach was a bundle of color just a little lighter than the darkness beneath. Reaching out, she bravely grabbed the little bundle of fur encased within the engine and it yawned widely, already knowing that a parking lot vehicle was not going to be it's home forever.

They named him Hollywood. He was a star. The silky gray fur stood out from his body as though he had stuck a claw into a light socket. Bela, the Dark Lord of the Underworld, simply ignored him. He neither hissed nor threw out long claws to dice and dissect, simply walked around him so as to give this new intruder no purchase on his body or his psyche. So Hollywood stayed.

He grew into a rather large cat who neither ruled nor became enslaved. He simply was. And because he was, he was loved obsessively. You could not walk into his presence without reaching out a hand and touching the velvety ears or tickling the small pointed chin. So in a way, I suppose he actually did. Rule that is.

And so this is how came into my life, the first "Grandcat". We heard the story of the rescue from the car engine several times, and the haughty young mister would stroll out into the limelight to be admired and stroked (or not) and then lay upon his sofa or chair of choice and like Garbo, wait to be left alone.

He was older now. Not quite as old as niece Deanna, but older by far then nieces Haley and Kirsten. He did not move as fast as he once did. He began to lose weight. One weekend he simply could not eat. He slipped into a deep sleep from which no amount of coaxing or cajoling could waken him. Hearts broke. Tears welled. Whispered discussions were held. Phone calls made. Vet appointment scheduled for the final goodbye. Grandma called.

So this is how Hollywood came to rest within the hallowed wood behind our home. Resting comfortably in the shade where wild flowers grow and squirrels romp through trees and birds fly and nest and other cats play along the primeval floor and God looks down from His Heaven. Where Grandma can keep him safe and softly speak to him when she passes by the place where he sleeps. No more goodbyes. Hello, Hollywood.

58 comments:

Sandi McBride said...

Hollywood passed away as Wallace and Charity entered the Vet's office, he was held in Wallace's arms. It was as though he couldn't stand to put them through this final heartbreak. He crossed the bridge to join others from his family on Monday, June 29th 2009.
Sandi

Vee said...

Awww, you tell that story so very well. I hope that everyone is comforted to know that he rests comfortably in the glen.

Listen, Sandi, it suddenly occurs to me that you may well have excellent advice on introducing two dominant cats to one another. I am bringing my mother's cat to live here with my whacky calico. I am envisioning murder and mayhem. Any tips?

Lee said...

Really beautiful tribute to Hollywood, Sandi! I find myself missing him too. I'm so glad his passing was peaceful and in his beloved family's arms!

Prayers for his journy to await them in heaven!

Hugs!
Lee

Unknown said...

Beautiful telling of Hollywood's time in your life and his passing, Sandi, so beautiful.

Jane

Terri Steffes said...

Now he lives forever! That's the power of the pen (err.... computer).

Terri Steffes said...

Now he lives forever! That's the power of the pen (err.... computer).

Anya said...

Lovely words
really touching ...
Take care!!

Diva's Thoughts said...

Very sad and beautiful story.

Jeni said...

You are like the song -"Nobody does it better" -as you weave your stories about the people, events and animals in your life -past and present.
This was a simply beautiful piece.

menopausaloldbag (MOB) said...

Lovely tribute. Touching but not mawkish - just right.

Sharon Rose said...

Sandi,
that was a beautiful story and a great way to honor Hollywood.

Suldog said...

Very nicely told. They all romp in green fields forevermore :-)

Pam said...

Aw Sandi! *tears* What a wonderful tribute to Hollywood. I'm sure he's a star in the sky now.

Maggie May said...

Good old Hollywood!
Wherever cats go..... I'm sure he is living it up!

Nessa said...

I am sorry for your loss. You told a very touching story.

Rabbit, rabbit.

SandyCarlson said...

Your post makes me think of Rita Reynolds's lovely book, Blessing the Bridge.

My heart felt this one. I am glad the cat slipped into heaven as you describe.

Mary Isabella and Kiley too! said...

So very beautiful...hugs to you my friend..m.

Beth P. said...

Dear Sandi--
Thank you for telling us how gracefully Hollywood went on over the bridge. Absolutely beautiful story of love and life.

May all of your hearts be warmed by the echoes of his purrs...

Love to you-

Country Cottage Chic said...

Rest in peace Hollywood.

Jayne

Arkansas Patti said...

Such a beautiful tribute. So sorry for your loss but happy that you each gained so much by the accidently meeting. The happy times have to out weigh the sad ones you feel now.
Thank you so much for your visit and comment.

Shadow said...

aaaaw, it breaks my heart... i've had to say goodbye to a precious furry friend before too, and they leave a little empty space, there where their shadow used to be...

and thanks for your visit!

Debra from Bungalow said...

Sandi, You are such a talented story teller. What a gift. I'm so sorry to read of the passing of Hollywood. He must be in a beautiful cat heaven now looking down on you and thanking you for this lovely tribute.


Congratulations on the book!
Thanks for stopping by my blog.

Cheffie-Mom said...

What a beautiful tribute, Sandi. I'm sending hugs your way.

Anonymous said...

Hello Sandi. Thanks for stopping by my blog earlier.
It's heartbreaking when a pet passes on but at least comfort can be taken in knowing Hollywood clearly lived in Heaven on Earth while he was with you all. It's clear he was well loved.

Nancy said...

Very sweet, Sandi.

NitWit1 said...

You will find him at Rainbow Bridge and walk through Heaven's gates! together.http://www.petloss.com/poems/maingrp/rainbowb.htm

Akelamalu said...

A lovely tribute to Hollywood and what a great name for a cat. x

Kathy's Klothesline said...

Bittersweet. He died in the arms of those that loved him.

Janice said...

Cats hold many memories and special places in the hearts of their owners, and will never be forgotten.

Woman in a Window said...

Oh, I'm sorry Sandi. As I read this I thought it was in your book and not such a recent event. These things are never easy.

Debbie said...

How sad. We love our cats so much and hate it when we have to say goodbye.

♥ Boomer ♥ said...

Awwwwww..... I know the pain of losing a sweet animal. I love the tribute.

I hope you and your hubby are doing and feeling well and that you enjoy this July 4th weekend with loved ones.

Merisi said...

I am all in tears and hardly know how to type. We all love our creatures of the heart so dearly, it's hard to read about another's darling pet passing away. You did a beautiful job writing about it, you very brave woman!

Now, where is that tissue box?

i beati said...

I buried Sweetheart last Sunday . i just wish it didn't hurt so very much but its the measure of love..sandy

jay said...

Aw .. what a sweet post. And what a wonderful name he had, too!

I expect he crawled inside the car engine to keep warm, bless him. Now he's been loved and cosseted and at last sleeps where he can still be loved.

Strawberry Jam Anne said...

Obviously a star among cats - Hollywood sounded a wonderful character. So pleased to know he lived a comfortable life with loving folks. You have paid a lovely and loving tribute to him Sandi. A x

Unknown said...

I'm sorry Sandi, I know how much our furry friends mean to us. I love how you told this. Hugs to you and have a good 4th.

Deanna Bland Hiott PhD, MSN, RN said...

So beautiful...A fitting end, er , beginning for a lovely friend...my condolences...

Dr.John said...

I never thought I would feel sad over the passing of a cat but when I finished reading this entry I did.

Justabeachkat said...

How very sweet! Wonderfully written.

Happy 4th!
Hugs!
Kat

granny grimble said...

Sandi that was beautiful, it bought tears to my and also bought back memories of long and not so long gone furry friends.
Thank you.
I'm notgoing to be around for a while as my computer is going into hospital for a bit. So please forgive me if I don't comment on your lovely postings. See you soon
Leeta

Sandy McTier Designs said...

Hope you have a wonderful 4th of July!!
Blessings,
Sandy

NeereAnDear said...

Awww.... every time I read something like this it brings back memories of the passing of my Pepper.... what a beautiful story .... You have such a way with words that it is both a sad and happy one... one cries to hear Hollywood has gone ... however its a happy story that Grandma can walk by and visit every day...

PS love the photo of you below and congrats on your book signing...

HUGS
JO

Anya said...

Hi Sandy
its only a few days hot in Dutch,
its a cold country ;)
Next week the forecast says 20C and rain !!
Thats the reason that we have no aircondition :)
greetings
Anya :)

Pondside said...

What a lovely tribute to your Hollywood.
Everyday I pass the Dogwood tree that shelters our little Cairn D'Arcy and say a similar 'hello'.
Great photo on your previous post - congrats on the book sales and good luck on the 20th!

Hilary said...

Very nicely told. Hollywood was a lucky kitty to be saved and then surrounded by so much love. RIP velvet-eared kitty.

Anonymous said...

Lovely story that was told beautifully. Thanks for sharing.

Aunt Julie said...

Sending positive vibes your way. Good ol' Hollywood...what a kitty cat, huh? Listen, I wanted to introduce myself. I'm Aunt Julie, Veggie Mom's SIL. Veggie is retiring today as the proprietress at Eat Your Veggies! today, and I'm stepping in. I realize I have really BIG shoes to fill, but I'm up to the challenge. Please come by and wish Veggie a fond farewell on her last post. Look forward to seeing you over at my new place!

2Shaye ♪♫ said...

Man, oh, man. How very touching. You've written this so beautifully. Hollywood lives on. Thank you!

~Shaye

VALKYRIEN said...

Thank you for visiting my blog today, and your kind words!

Lovely story your are telling here! :)

imbeingheldhostage said...

Such a sad event told so beautifully. I'm so sorry.

Jamie Dawn said...

Hollywood timed his exit just right, and he saved them from having to take that final action.
That cat was loved indeed.
What a heartwarming story!!!
:-)

Jamie Dawn said...

Sandi, I just ordered your book!! I anxiously await its arrival.
Many congrats and much success!!!!!

:-)

® ♫ The Brit ♪ ® said...

Beautiful and sad Sandi! told with dignity and the love just shines through - it's so hard when we lose the family members that some people call pets...
Sending Big Hugs,
Donnie X

cheshire wife said...

I have to say that I was expecting something totally different. Hollywood would be proud to read his story. Sorry that you have lost him.

Shrinky said...

How beautifully and lovingly told - and what a fitting end to a well lived and much loved life. Here's to you, Holywood!

Mrs Mac said...

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwwwww (snff snffff snnffffff)
that's so beautiful, such a loving and lovely tribute. WOnderful words. Beautiful! Sounds like just the spot for him to rest in......

myonlyphoto said...

Sandi sorry to hear about Hollywood. Nice tribute, yet sad that one eventually has to cross the bridge... Anna :)