Yesterday, my friend Fran emailed me some sad news: Miss Kitty had died. I’ve written about Miss Kitty several times, when I wrote about the luncheons Fran hosted in her home. Those were special times–a warm welcome from Fran, friendly chats with the women I met there, and, of course, a visit with Miss Kitty. The cat at the top of this page is not Miss Kitty, but the next picture, below this, is.
Miss Kitty was an orange Persian, a beautiful, fluffy cat who walked softly through the house, checking on her guests, making sure everyone was comfortable and had a full plate of food. She offered a paw for a friendly handshake, the only cat I’ve ever known who would do this. Then, she would softly retire to a spot of sunshine and listen to the chatter of a group of women gathered around Fran’s long table.
Sometimes in the summer, Fran would have Miss Kitty’s hair cut. This made her more comfortable. Her cut resembled a poodle cut or that of her famous and fierce relative, the lion, but Miss Kitty’s personality was neither lion-like nor like a poodle. She was comfortable just being herself.
This is a picture of Miss Kitty after she came to greet us and then found a spot of sunshine on the windowsill beside Fran’s trunk. She lay there for quite some time, thinking about things.
I had the feeling that I could tell her my deepest secrets and she would understand. She inspired me to include her in one of my cozy mysteries, Grave Heritage. In the book, she is white, but her name is Miss Kitty and the personality is the same as Fran’s cat.
This is not Miss Kitty, but bears a close resemblance
So, when I found out she was no longer with us, I felt a sense of loss. She was eighteen years old, so she had lived a long, happy life, bringing joy to Fran and Jim and the people who were fortunate enough to make her acquaintance. Maybe she felt she had lived out her mission, finished her job, and it was time to go. Maybe she’s resting now in a spot of sunshine, watching birds through the window and thinking about the next guests she should greet as they come through the doors. She was the perfect little hostess, extending a silent but sincere welcome, and we who loved her miss her.
Dear Blanche, how I loved reading this and have read it several times, printed it out, and am sharing with others that cared about her!
She was indeed a very special little God-given friend and hostess to many and you’ve portrayed her beautifully, thank you for that!
Thank you , too, for immortalizing her in your book, Grave Heritage! She was proud of that fame! : )
Fran, you’re welcome. It was my privilege to know Miss Kitty and to write about her. Thank you for Miss Kitty!
Lovely! As was Kitty! How I miss my furry friend!
Thanks, Beth. Yes, she was a lovely little friend. So sorry she’s gone!
She was indeed very special. A God given gift to all who knew her. So fitting, as that is a description of Fran also.
You are right, Marilyn. It is a fitting description of Fran. It was a pleasure to know Miss Kitty and a special privilege to be Fran’s friend too. Thanks for writing.