Now I lay me down to sleep

pharber-murphy · Apr 1, 2015

Kelly and Angel Ungo shared this poem privately with me on BigTent, another forum for cats with health issues. It brought back all the grief I've felt over the past two weeks, but its words are healing in the end. I apologize if it makes you cry, too, but I hope you find some comfort in it:

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain should wake me from my sleep,
Then you must do what must be done,
For this last battle can't be won.

You will be sad, I'll understand,
But don't let your grief then stay your hand,
For this day more than all the rest,
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
What is to come will hold no fears,
You wouldn't want me to suffer, so,
When the time comes, please let me go.

Take me to where to my needs they'll tend,
Only stay with me, until the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me
Although my tail its last has waved
From pain and suffering I've been saved.

Don't grieve that it must be you
Who has to decide this thing to do,
We've been so close - we two - these years,
Don't let your heart hold any tears.

~Author Unknown~

Forever in my heart, Mr. Grimsby. I love and miss you, but hope you're well on the other side of the bridge.

Best regards.

riley1 · Apr 1, 2015

Made me cry for my Rizzo. He stayed awhile for me but let me know when it was time to go.

di and bob · Apr 2, 2015

Oh yes, the tears flow, because it is all so true. Thank you so much for sharing, it will be comforting to those who are going through this painful time in their lives, and for all of us who will go through it in the future. Bless us all!