I found Damian as an infant kitty, starving with the umbilical cord still on. My dad wanted to "put him out of his misery". I was only sixteen, but I said I would take care of him. I woke up every 3 hours around the clock to give him his bottle, and he never forgot it.

I miss how he wouldn't let me take my shoes off before he climbed up on my neck, his awesome hugs, the fact that his meow sounded like a dying car engine. I miss his patience, how excited he was when it was bedtime, how he mothered every animal he met. I miss how he would climb into my arms, and then just reach one paw up to rest on my face, how he knew when I was sad, how he would lick my face and keep me awake at night.

I don't miss the pain he was in when he died. All I can think of is him dragging himself around the apartment after he had his stroke. He came to me for help. He trusted me. And I had him put down as he snuggled in my arms.

I hope he understands. I miss him.