4.25.2013

Hello From the Bridge

Today is two years since I helped Sweet Praline cross over the bridge.  It would be so easy to just focus on that day as I remember her.  Those images of saying my final goodbyes to her as she peacefully passed away bring renewed tears to my eyes.  I don't know if I'll ever get those pictures out of my mind when I remember that specific day.  What I realize is that time heals those wounds and painful memories.  Many of my friends on the CB have recently lost a cherished fur child and the pain is fresh.  I'm here to tell you that it does get better and as I remember my sweet girl - I remember her with a smile.  Today, I'd like to share a few of my favorite baby pictures of Sweet Praline and hope they bring a smile to your face, too!

Sweet Praline was curious from day one.  This picture was the first picture I took of her when she came to live with me back in 1995.  I was going through a divorce and had chosen to move away from home and pursue a Ph.D.  God brought this beautiful little ladycat in my world to help me heal.

I always loved this picture of Baby Praline.  She was literally laying upside down on the back of the couch.  I don't remember if she fell off after this picture, but I'm so glad I was able to capture this photo.
  
I bought Sweet Praline numerous toys to play with, but her favorite toy was a shoe string from my sneakers.  She would grab the string with her little flat face and carry it around the apartment.

Here is our first official portrait together.  I had a nice Canon AE-1 camera that had a timer on it and was able to set it and jump in front of the camera with Sweet Praline in my arms.  All of my pictures of the two of us together were with a timer on a camera because it was just the two of us for almost 16 years.


Sweet Praline grew from an adorable baby cat to a beautiful ladycat.  She had attitude, was a diva, exhibited a unique personality and always made me smile.  I know she's looking down and watching over Truffle, Brulee, and me each and every day.  I miss you sweet girl!

34 comments:

Angel Prancer Pie said...

These pics are adorable! We know they must give you lots of comfort. Sending you ((hugs)) and whisker kisses from all of us kittehz at Prancer Pie.

Cory said...

We remember Sweet Praline as a beautiful girl and good furriend. We always love seeing her precious baby photos.

Sending you purrs

Cory and family

Sparkle said...

I still think about Praline sometimes... and I always do with a smile.

Angel Simba said...

Such lovely pictures to bring back very happy memories. What a precious cat she was. We are smiling along with you. We know having Truffle and Brûlée helps too!

SeaThreePeeO said...

We will never forget you Sweet Praline. The Mum often thinks about you and how you're doing over at the bridge.

The Paw Relations

Marg said...

Wow, what a wonderful post for Praline. And what terrific pictures. That Mom Paula did a great job for ya Sweet Praline. It was so much fun looking at all the past fun pictures. It did all bring a tear to our Person's eyes. Thinking about you Praline.

The Island Cats said...

Aw, Baby Sweet Praline was the cutest! Those pics of her made us smile. We miss her too.

Purrs and headbutts to you, Mom Paula, as you remember Sweet Praline on this special day.

The Florida Furkids said...

We always love seeing those kitten pictures of Sweet Praline. We miss her a lot too and know she's having a great time at the Bridge with Angels Sniffie and Tamir.

The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

Mariodacat said...

Awwww she was the sweetest kitten. Those pictures are so precious and I know you will treasure them always. RIP Sweet Praline!

Hannah and Lucy said...

A lovely post about Angel Sweet Praline - she was a beautiful lady.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

Random Felines said...

Those are the best memories..... and it so does help. She was a serious cutie!!!!

Everycat said...

Sweet Praline as a kitten! What a sweet faced little imp! Thank you for sharing these lovely memories with us, it's great to see her as a baby and learn more about her.
Sweet Praline was a one off, an original.

Gerry & Mungo

PS: Our ape still has her ancient AE-1 but finding film gets harder every year.

Jans Funny Farm said...

Thanks for the happy memories of Sweet Pauline. It's good you took photos of the two of you together.

Mo and The Purries said...

Such great pictures, and such great memories.
She will always be loved, by you of course, but also by your Cat Blogosphere family.
Sending great big floofy HUGS to you today, Paula.
It's an honor to be your friend.
Love ya,
Mo

The Purries of Purrchance To Dream send great big PURRS up to Sweet Praline at The Rainbow Bridge, remembering her, always.

Jan, Milo and Alfie said...

Remembering your beautiful sweet girl today ~ and sending you love and hugs and purrs.
Love Jan, Milo and Alfie xxx

Anonymous said...

Hey Paula..Im not really blogging right now...but I had to stop by and see your tribute to Sweet Praline!! She was a special girl and was lucky to have such a loving Hooman Mommy!!
Purrs to you!
melody

Angel, Kirby and Max said...

It is hard to believe that it has been two years! WE miss your sweet diva!

Jacqueline said...

Thank you for sharing your gorgeous sweetheart with us...We miss her too=she was an unforgettable, one of a kind beauty that stole our hearts from the first blog visit!...Purrs and prayers for you, Mommy Paula...big hugs and kitty kisses...J, Calle, Halle, Sukki, Mommy Cat, Daddy Cat

The Lee County Clowder said...

Not sure we ever saw those baby pictures before. Praline was a little cutie who growed up to be a gorgeious diva.

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

We miss your sweet girl too.. The pictures are gorgeous.. Hugs GJ x

Brian's Home Blog said...

Hugs to you Mom Paula. We miss that Sweet Praline and think of her so very often.

Mickey's Musings said...

What a lovely memorial for Sweet Praline. It is hard to believe it has been 2 years,but we remember it because our Mickey went to the Bridge that March.
Praline was a beautiful kitty and we miss her too, but we love seeing her baby pics :)
Purrs Tillie and Georgia,
Treasure,Tiger,JJ and Julie

Samantha & Mom said...

Oh my!! I miss Sweet Praline so much!! Samantha & Mr. Tigger had the best fun with her!! Lots of hugs to you Mom Paula!!
Your TX furiends,

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We also miss Sweet Praline. We know she and Angel Cerise are at the bridge romping all around and getting into a little bit of mischief. The three of us are sending (((hugs))).

Oui Oui said...

Thank you for a very touching post. What a little cutie Praline was! The pain may be older, and sometimes it hurts just as much, but thank Cod for sweet memories. No doubt Brulee and Truffle help with the hard times, reminders of how good life can be.

John Bellen said...

What a doll Sweet Praline was. A pet can bring warmth into a world that life has made cold, and her memories will keep it warm long after she must go.

meowmeowmans said...

What a wonderful post, Mom Paula. We miss Sweet Praline, too. How great that her memories now bring you smiles.

Just Mags said...

Oh, we love this post and those precious pictures. We still miss sweet Praline. Thank you Mom Paula for sharing these wonderful pictures. Hugs

Tigger said...

just letting you know mom & I are thinking of you todsy, & remembering sweet praline.
love Tigger and Mom

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

The kitten pictures on Sweet Praline is adorable !

Anonymous said...

Such a cutie!

Layla Morgan Wilde ( Cat Wisdom 101) said...

So sweet and thank-you for saying it does it better with time. We lost angel Coco in 2011 and time does helps heal. Praline must be purring from the bridge over this tribute.

Team Tabby said...

Such wonderful 'baby' photos!

Katie Isabella said...

Oh how I understand. My Admiral flew away just months after Sweet Praline did. Seeing Praline's dear little sweet body makes me smile a LOT!

You know that she was instrumental in bringing you Truffle and Brulee to help heal your heart. I still tear up with certain reminders of my Admiral as I did when I saw that picture of her in a cradle that some furriends made of her the day she passed.

Yes, we heal outwardly but we never forget our furchildren. xox