Goodbye, my sweet friend

I wished to never have to write these words, and even typing them fills my already broken heart with sadness. On Monday we lost Miley; my sweet loving friend, my companion and my comfort. He was just two years old, taken cruelly by a speeding car. Our hearts are heavy and burdened with grief.

I count myself lucky to have had the privilege of having him in my life, even if it was only for such a terribly short time. He was a unique and intriguing creature, a beautiful grey tabby with emerald eyes. Every morning he would squeak at my window. As I opened it, he would tap my hand with his little paw, then jump into my arms for a cuddle before he walked me into the kitchen for his breakfast. Our days were intertwined, our routines worked around each others. He was an important part of my daily life, and life won’t be the same without him.

Since he was a tiny kitten he had such a caring and sweet disposition. We often joked that he was more like a loyal dog than a cat, as he would follow me everywhere, glancing back at me every few steps to make sure I was still with him. From my Instagram page, you will know that he always accompanied me on my daily walks. We would venture off, him and I, wandering down the bóithrín on the farm. We would explore the fields and hedgerows together, stopping for his essential belly rubs, sheltering together under the brolly from a passing sun shower, and him often disappearing down an old rabbit hole, making sure his wonderland was still there. We often watched the sunsets together, observing the luminescent light fade into the crest of the mountains beyond.

Every sunset now, I will watch without him. Everywhere he was, he will never be again. His spirit is now in every sun beam, welcoming me each morning and bidding me farewell each evening, a last goodbye until I can walk beside him once again. Farewell Miley, my sweet little friend.