Stray Cat Friend died today. I’m heartbroken. He was a good friend. He was the best cat friend I ever had.

He came into my life in August 2013, drawn to the patio outside my home office window by birds visiting my bird feeders. At the same time, a lost cat poster showed up in the neighborhood with a picture of a similar cat. The people came and said he was not their missing cat. After that, he simply stayed.

He loved people and would sit on anyone. However, when I came into the room, he would walk across everyone to sit on my lap. He made me feel loved and appreciated in a way no one ever has.

I never knew the story of where he came from or how he had become a stray cat. But, he was neutered and well socialized, so he must have belonged to someone. I wondered if he had simply been abandoned.

He seemed grateful I was willing to be his friend. I was grateful he was willing to be my friend. He inspired me and that inspiration is in the stories I write. He gave me love and friendship and made my life better.

I didn’t choose him like one would a cat in pet store. He was a free and independent stray cat who could have moved on anytime he wanted. I was blessed that he chose to stay with me, that he chose to love me.

I miss him.