At the beginning of March 2002 I was on vacation at Deer Harbor on Orcas Island. I was staying in a cabin on a road called Cayou Valley. That is when I decided to get my first cat and name her Cayou Kitty.

I wanted a female siamese with personality to enjoy my life with.

On March 27, 2002 she was born and 6 weeks later I brought her home. She was a beautiful snowshoe blue-point siamese kitten. She was not show quality which is exactly what a wanted. Just like me she had God-given imperfections making her even more adorable.

For over 19 years Cayou was my best friend. Always waiting by the door when I came home from work. She would run down the hall with her tail straight up when I came home from being out. The purring would start as soon as I bent down to pet and kiss her.

We had fun play games. She liked it when I would throw the soft ball down the hall then she would run after it. Once she got to it she would use her paw to bat it back to me.

She loved it when I was making quilts because as soon as I laid the quilt top on the floor she had to walk on it as if to give it her approval and then pose for a picture.

She loved it when a box would be delivered. She would walk in circles as if to say "hurry, open the box, and pull your stuff out so I can jump into it." It was always a joy to see her spend time in a new box.

Wrapping gifts at first was a challenge because as soon as I laid out the paper, she would jump on it. So I learned quickly to always cut a piece for her first so she could take ownership. Then I could cut more pieces for the gifts.

I didn't need an alarm clock because she always got up at 4am ready to get a new can of albacore tuna, fresh water, and some crunchy kibbles. She was a grazer and ate small amounts throughout the day. She maintained her slim 9 lbs figure until the last 2 years where she stayed steady at 7 lbs.

Cayou was an indoor kitty but would go on the deck with me when I watered the plants. She would plop down on the outdoor quilt I made her and take in the sunshine.

Over the years she became more comfortable sleeping in the bed right next to me at night. She had her side and I had mine. In the winter I had the electric blanket on her side and would wrap her in quilts I made just for her. She purred me to sleep each night. What a blessing!

In the morning she would put her paw on my face if I wasn't already up and then meow until I got out of bed.

She loved to sit on the bed and look out the window to watch the birds. She made cat sounds when they would get close.

In the evening after work she would sit on the right side arm rest of my recliner facing me. As if to say she was happy I was home with her.

I spent many hours talking to her about things going on in my life. She was an awesome listener. Her tail would move as if she understood.

Cayou loved my cooking. After work and on the weekends I made her chicken, beef, and salmon. Only the best for my little girl.

When I was sad and crying, Cayou would come up to me and sit beside me. I believe she knew the tears meant her mommy was sad so by sitting next to me, it would make me stop crying, kiss her, and be at peace.

I went through a lot during those 19 years. But the best time was when I retired in March 2020 and we moved from the city to the country. I was home with her all the time. We saw even more birds out the bedroom window, squirrels, and even deer.

Cayou led and incredible life. Never going without and always being loved on and kissed. The times I enjoyed the best and will miss the most are when we would cuddle on the bed.

Her last day was Monday, April 19, 2021. She was ready to sleep and not wake up. I knew it was time.

My heart broke into a million pieces when I watched her take her last breath. My tears covered her soft fur as I petted her saying goodbye my precious love.

I'm so grateful that God blessed me with so many years of love. She taught me patience, unconditional love, responsibility, and how to be selfless-always putting her needs first.

I miss her presence so much!! My home is not the same without her. I know she is in Heaven with God. God made the animals before He made humans so He too has a special place in His heart for our beloved pets.

I keep pictures close by as a reminder of how special she still is to me. My life was better because of her and I'm a better person for being her mommy.

Rest in peace my sweetheart. Mommy loves you and will keep you close in my heart.