Friendship

I know sometimes it is going to rain. Times when you just can't get through the pain

Over 17 years ago the most loyal friend I have ever had came into my life. He became a huge part of our family. I considered him my brother. Almost two decades of unconditional love, almost 18 years of true friendship. My sister and I had horrible allergies to pet dander but our love for Robbie made those allergies go away.



He captivated those around him. Rubbing guests legs while purring loudly, he made everyone feel welcomed. His tail would regally wave, letting people know that he was the king. Many of my friends fell in love with him. But what he did for me was so much more. He invigorated my life. He helped make me who I am.



During those high school days when I couldn't take the stress, he would push my bedroom door open, hop on my bed, and just curl up by me so I wouldn't have to go through my pain alone. He could sense if anyone in the family was hurting and he would always be the first person to comfort them. And Robbie did that for me more times than I can remember. Its amazing how giving him one hug could alleviate any pain.

When I moved out of the house, he would always excitedly greet me when I came home to visit. He used to go to my room, take one of my shirts that had my scent on it, drag it to the living room, and lay on it and just meow. My mom told me he did that but I really didn't believe it until I actually saw him do it. I went home to visit but no one was home and I just needed to take a nap so I went to my brothers room to sleep (the bed in my old room was gone). I woke up to the sound of Robbie meowing in a way that it sounded like he was crying. I got up to check what was wrong and saw him lying in the middle of the living room on my shirt. When he saw me, he got up and just starting pushing his head against my shins as hard as he could and purring as loud as he could. I knew he loved me so much and everytime I left I wanted to take Robbie with me.



Mary Anne and I were fortunate enough for Robbie to stay with us over six months of the past year. Even our dogs knew he was the king. They let him do whatever he wanted. Mary Anne would let him do whatever he wanted. He would sleep in our bed, right next to my head. Sometimes, in the middle of the night he would paw at the inside of my bicep so I would pet him. In the past couple years he always wanted to be petted. And nobody could ever say no.

Robbie, I love you and I will never forget you. I am sorry I wasn't around in the past week. I know you knew how much I wanted to be there for you. For all those times you comforted me, it eats me up that I couldn't be there for you. I just wish I could pet you again. I just want to hear you purring. I want you to wake me up in the middle of the night so I could rub your belly. I want you back so bad. I know you are in a better place and I will not be selfish because now you can give your love to those who need it more than me. You are the best and I will never stop missing you.

(It's weird because as I write this, Joey is looking at me from the sliding door and barking for some reason. I think he knows that I am hurting, I think he misses you too Robbie)