A Tribute to Sapa Ray...

Sapa Ray (Black ray) you my friend touched my heart deeply. We traveled nearly 2 decades together and experienced a lot of life in the midst of one another.

It was August 2006, I came to look at a cottage in the woods, my next possible home as I was soon to sign the papers that would officially end a 24 year marriage. You my friend greeted me at the door. Your tiny black self no bigger than a tea cup seemed to know you and I would be friends. I scooped you up in my arms and toured the grounds and the possible new house with you in my arms.

A 2 room cottage nestled in the woods, 40 acres to roam, 2 ponds, lots of trees, trails, sauna, gardens and flowerbeds and you....seemed like the perfect place for the next new begining. We could do it together.

I soon signed the papers and we began the next phase together. We experienced a lot of life together. We grew up together. I remember the first time you had babies. Not much more than a baby yourself at 8 months. You waited for me to come home that night. You came in the house and I knew it was time. I prepared a box for you and your soon to be young ones. You were terrified not understanding what was occurring as labor stared. You looked deep in my eyes for comfort. I told you we were going to be ok. As soon as the first baby came your mama instinct kicked in. You simply knew what to do. You started to relax as the next ones came. I stayed close to your side.

Over the years we grew together in ways that only you and I will understand. In 2009 when Brian came into the picture you told me very clearly you didn't like it or him. You were on guard watching. It took him 7 years to warm up to you and for you to allow him to pet you without grumbling. But as time passed you let him in just little and actually enjoyed the added attention.

When we moved in 2012 I decided to take you with me as you had become "my cat". Moving from the woods to the wide open was not your favorite thing. You went from a mostly outdoor cat to an indoor cat. No trees to climb, passing cars kept you inside looking out. Occasionally you would wonder on the deck and smell around, soon to come back in to the comfort and safety of the house.

You cared for all the new ones that showed up and joined the family. You were after all "Mama kitty", mama to all. I remember the time my niece was visiting at Christmas time and as she was packing to leave her baby in carseat started to scream and cry loudly, you rushed in from up stairs to care for and protect the baby.

Another time you tried to save me from the paper shredder thinking it was attacking me. When my Mom was nearing her transition you sat close, watched over her and comforted her. You friend were special, unique and original. My black ray will shine on forever in my heart.

I am so happy that you decided to come to the new house with us. You even got outside a few times to enjoy the trees and sunshine. But you and I knew it was getting time you would travel on from this time and place. Yesterday I paused to hold you through out the day, and tell you I loved you and I appreciate the companionship we shared for 18 years. You friend touched parts of me I didn't know were there.

Now you sit on the highest hill to watch over us for all time. You queen in all your glory deserve to be in the highest of places. You friend were beyond ordinary.

I love you Sapa Ray. Thank you for touching the deep parts of me and sharing Life with me.

Until we meet again, I will remember you always.

And so it is....

I write this as a release of all the emotion that is moving through me. Tears of sadness. Tears of joy. Tears, lots and lots of them. I write this to allow you the reader into our experience together and so you too can get a glimpse of this special one I called Sapa Ray. Animals touch our hearts like no other. When you know, you know. They know and teach unconditional love simply by being. They are indeed a blessing to us. Sapa and I experienced a lot of life together. I feel blessed for each and every moment we shared. I suspect now that she is free, out of pain and out of the limitations of her aging physical body, she will be visiting us often and continue to watch over us.

Do you believe that is possible?

Oh the stories I could tell.

Perhaps you will hear them one day.

Peace and Blessing to you the reader and to you my friend Sapa Ray for always.

~ Anita 💕🙏💕