Tributes

From time to time, certain people and creatures make such an impression in our lives that we are permanently marked by having known them (either personally, or by reputation, or from afar).  I would like to dedicate this page to those individuals and creatures (mostly cats I've known) who have been important to me in some way, touching my life and my heart, and living on in my memory forever.  This page is likely to grow, with regular additions as time goes by.  The 1st picture on the page will likely be the most recent addition, and the rest of the pictures will not be in any kind of order. Each picture will have a few words of "Tribute" from me.

    The Rainbow Bridge                                                        I Stood By Your Bed Last Night

My Mom .. We had a special relationship right from the beginning. I used to sit outside the bathroom and wait for her to come out. Here she's holding the thermos of coffee I'd bring on my visits to her at Brookdale Assisted Living in Willoughby, where she spent the last 3 1/2 years of her life. I visited her EVERY Sunday, and we had great times together, which I'll always hold as special memories in my heart. At the end of 2013 began the Alzheimer's decline - it was so hard to watch. I'll love you always, Mom! Apr. 29, 1923 - Aug. 13, 2015

My Dad .. what can I say. A WWII Vet from the "Greatest Generation" who did his tour in the Pacific theater, finishing in Japan. Provided for our family while going to college to become an Industrial Eng. for TRW, where he worked over 40 years. Played softball, bowled and played golf. He picked up Chess at work, and played against his boys until they started beating him. We golfed every Father's Day; the last year being 2011 at a Mentor Putt-Putt course, where he had 3 holes-in-one. I'll never forget you, Dad! Dec. 21, 1922 - June 3, 2012

Tasha - My special girl! You were brought to me by the black feral kitty I fed regularly for so long. You showed up with him in Feb 2015, and decided to stay with me. I worked to make you an indoor kitty again, as I saw you had been abandoned or ran away. I loved your SPIRIT, and the way you sashayed when you walked. For over 3 years, we loved each other. Then, you were poisoned by antifreeze, and your health rapidly deteriorated. It crushed my heart to take you to be Euthanized, but I could no longer stand to watch you suffer. June 23, 2018, the day I held you as you passed at NRVet Hosp. is burned into my memory. I cried then - and still cry when I think of you as I hold your ashes. I hope to see you at the Rainbow Bridge, with all my Furkids. Until then, wait for me, with Geordi, Data, Garfield and all my other FurKids.  I'll NEVER forget you my Dear Tasha!

Geordi - My special boy, who lived with me for over 18 years. Half-brother to Data, Major & Musti-Bear, he loved to do his 'roll over' trick for guests. He required insulin injections for most of the last 5 years of his life, and that routine brought us closer together than I can say. He held on to life until I got home from work, went to his favorite couch, called to me, and passed away in my hands as I held him, tears streaming down my face. I'll never forget you, my "Geordi-boy" ... you truly left paw prints on my heart.

Data - My precious boy, who lived with me for almost 17 years. Forever by my side or on my lap, he slept close to me each night, and comforted me when I was sick or down. Our bond was special, and beyond description. He was athletic and one of the smartest cats I've known.  His sudden loss devastated me to the core.  Truly "My Forever Friend" ... I miss him so.

"Peaches" April 29, 1989 - October 2004 Grand Champion Kanab Luanne's Peach Schnapps of Angtini. Sire of my own two Maine Coons, Data & Geordi. I was lucky enough to see him during and after his show days. His sweet and gentle disposition, and stunning good looks were passed on to all the kitties he sired. Though he is now at the Rainbow Bridge, his blood line continues, and he lives in my heart and fondest memories.

"Thanks for the Memories" Bob.  Few people deserve to be called a "Great Human Being" ... Bob fit it to a "T". 1903 - 2003	DeForest Kelley, best known as Dr. McCoy on Star Trek.  He was truly a gentleman. 1920 - 1999

Garfield, a very special domestic shorthair friend, who was so smart and yet so aware of my everyday feelings.  He was with me during some of the most difficult times of my life, and helped more than words can convey. October 25, 1982  -  August 15, 1990

My Aunt, Alice Somrak, wife of my Uncle Don listed below. She was the most courageous woman I've ever known.  Despite the great personal losses of her children and husband (all untimely), and severe medical limitations, she strove to live life to the fullest, and kept up a spirited countenance to the end. I know that God has prepare a very special place for her. I'll remember her always. 1932 - 2011

My Uncle, Don Somrak ... what a character!  Put him in front of an audience or a microphone, and he'd have everyone laughing in less than a minute. I was always happy when we'd visit his home, or he'd visit ours.  He just made you feel good.  He loved golf, a good Martini, and playing cards.  He left us WAY too early in his life, but I guess he couldn't wait to see his son and daughter, who left this earth before him. 1930 - 1999

           The Rainbow Bridge

Just this side of heaven is a place called The Rainbow Bridge. 

When an animal dies that has been especially close to someone here, that pet goes to 
Rainbow Bridge. There are meadows and hills for all of 
our special friends so they can run and play together. There is plenty of food, water 
and sunshine, and our friends are warm and comfortable. 
All the animals who had been ill and old are restored to health and vigor. Those who 
were hurt or maimed are made whole and strong again, just as we remember them in our 
dreams of days and times gone by. The animals are happy and content, except for one 
small thing; they each miss someone very special to them, who had to be left behind.

They all run and play together, but the day comes when one suddenly stops and looks 
into the distance. His bright eyes are intent. His eager body quivers. Suddenly he 
begins to run from the group, flying over the green grass, his legs carrying him 
faster and faster.

You have been spotted, and when you and your special friend finally meet, you cling 
together in joyous reunion, never to be parted again. The happy kisses rain upon your 
face; your hands again caress the beloved head, and you look once more into the 
trusting eyes of your pet, so long gone from your life but never absent from your 
heart.

Then you cross Rainbow Bridge together.... 

Author unknown... 

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I Stood By Your Bed Last Night

I stood by your bed last night, I came to have a peep.
I could see that you were crying, You found it hard to sleep.

I called to you softly as you brushed away a tear,
"It's me, I haven't left you, I'm well, I'm fine, I'm here."

I was close to you at breakfast, I watched you pour the tea,
You were thinking of the many times, your hands reached down to me.

I was with you at the shops today, Your arms were getting sore.
I longed to take your parcels, I wish I could do more.

I was with you at my grave today, You tend it with such care.
I want to reassure you, that I'm not lying there.

I walked with you towards the house, as you fumbled for your key. I
gently put my paw on you, I smiled and said "it's me."

You looked so very tired, and sank into a chair.
I tried so hard to let you know, that I was standing there.

It's possible for me, to be so near you everyday.
To say to you with certainty, "I never went away."

You sat there very quietly, then smiled, I think you knew ... in
the stillness of that evening, I was very close to you.

The day is over... I smile and watch you yawning
and say "goodnight, God bless, I'll see you in the morning."

And when the time is right for you to cross the brief divide,
I'll rush across to greet you and we'll stand, side by side.

I have so many things to show you, there is so much for you to see.
Be patient, live your journey out ... then come home to be with me.

Author unknown

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