I returned home. After a long night of catching up with friends, I entered the house. I saw Yoda, my Siamese cat, sitting in the rocking chair. I playfully made my way over to him and started to give the old guy a pet. He seemed to enjoy it. I knew this was my buddy and I’s favorite thing to do. Well, it was 10 years ago. We had not played 'rocker' for years. So I gave it a shot. Knowing he could barely move, had little energy, I expected nothing. I peered at him through the side of the rocking chair, then the other side, nothing. I began to stand up and say, "I get it my old friend." As I stood up, bam! He had found the energy to jump to the top of the rocker and paw at me.! I smiled and laughed and continued to play with him. Side, bam. Other side, bam. Top, jump bam. Over and over again for what seemed like hours, we continued this! I could not wait to let my mother know what had happened.
The next morning, I was preparing to go back to college. So I let my mother know what happened between Yoda and I. She was as thrilled as me! She remembered the days of her little boy with his brand new cat playing this game. Now she would have a memory of her college boy and old cat doing the same. Like me, she was happy to learn that there was still energy left in this old, grumpy, cat. I said my goodbyes to her and to Yoda and headed off to college.
I arrived at college and like all college students started to prepare for Monday classes. Monday morning soon arrived and I reluctantly went to class. When I arrived home, one of my roommates let me know my mother had called. So, I gave my mother a call. She explained to me she had gone to work and when she had returned home, she found that Yoda had passed. As tears rolled down my face, I spoke with my mother. She tried to comfort me with her words. Try as she might, it did not stop the pain or tears. I was in shock. After hanging up the phone I required privacy. All I had was my room. I went to my room and remembered all Yoda and I had done together. To this day, I remember our final rocker session. That big guy, finding enough energy to do our favorite thing one last time. Thank you big guy for digging deep, regardless of your health, regardless if the rocker was actually your favorite thing to do, but to do it for me. To give me one final and lasting memory of you! Love you Yoda!
Pets are a large responsibility. They will teach us many things. There is nothing like a friend that always listens, says very little, but remembers the good times. Always be a friend like that.