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A part of life is watching friends, family, and pets come and go. It's hard to say goodbye to that special someone in your life until you will see them again. Her name was Smokey, and I never really realized how much I really did love that cat until the night of her death. Of course I've always loved her, but you never truly realize how much you care for them until they've left. She died unexpectedly, and I can't stop thinking of my sweet, friendly cat running through the green grass in Heaven.

She supposedly died of a stroke on the night of her death. A week before, she was running around the inside of the house, chasing the shadows on the walls. It was as if she grew old overnight; she had never acted so old and different before. She quickly began to slow down and sleep more; her bones were more visible as I stroked her long hair. She was eating less and less; her sudden laziness had affected her days. As she tried to walk one day, but her walk was crooked, as my mother reported. She wasn't going to live much longer. She was sick, and I didn't know what I could do to help her.

I like to picture her playing with my other dog, Max, in Heaven. They used to get along really well and would always love to play together in the backyard. I can just imagine them chasing each other and having a terrific time. Hopefully they'll be waiting for me as well; hopefully they'll greet me when I cross through the gates of Heaven.

Cats are often stereotyped as being independent animals, but not my Smokey. She was friendly and loved to be around the family, even though she was an outdoor cat. There are so many memories I can quickly remember. My cat never liked other cats very much, but she did care for dogs. One day in third grade, it was show-and-tell. I brought my cat, and other students had brought their cats as well. My mom clearly remembers Smokey inside of the kennel, worrying how to keep the cat satisfied so she wouldn't get into a fight. Through the whole time though, she only hissed at another cat once.

Cats really do live nine lives. She'd been chased by mean dogs in the neighborhood, pecked by the birds while hunting; she was a strong cat, and I'll forever admire her. I'll always know she lived a safe, healthy, wonderful life up until her death.

As I continue to think of my beloved cat who is no longer with me, I always tell myself that I will see her again. I should be happy that she's not suffering; that she's happy and healthy. I know these things and it brings a smile to my face knowing that we'll live eternally in Heaven together forever. It's not just dogs that go to Heaven, cats, and other animals, are welcomed there too.

Learn more about this author, Kelsey Opel.
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