Top: In Memoriam

Top - In Memory Of A Beloved Friend - Author's Picture

Top came to live with us when my daughter was a little girl. She's now 25 years old.

Top Relaxing - Author's Picture

My wife got Top at a homeplace where they were giving away kittens. It was somewhere between Henderson and Carthage, Texas. We had no idea as to what kind of cat he was. The vet told us that he was a "flame point white Siamese." Like other Siamese that I have seen, he was cross-eyed. He had beautiful blue eyes. The picture shows Top chilling out in my office in front of a bookshelf/speaker box that I made. I copied the box from an online acquaintance who had constructed a similar speaker box.

Soaking Up The Heat In Winter - Author's Picture

Top was with us for almost 19 years. He passed away about three years ago, just a couple months short of his 19th birthday.

Top In Front Of The Heater - Author's Picture

Even when there was no heat running, Top liked to lay in front of the heater. As he got older, he sought out the heater on a regular basis.

Top Grooming - Author's Picture

Top was, in my experience, unique in his personality. I could say to him, "Top." And he would always "meow" in reply. He would often "talk" to me. When I talked to him in front of company and he "replied," our guests loved it.

Top Soaking Up The Heat - Author's Picture

Another unique thing about Top was his love to take naps with me. I could say, "Top, do you want to take a nap?" He would meow and run to the bedroom door. He always slept under the cover at my side.

I miss Top terribly. I don't think I've ever been so attached to a pet. He's gone now, but not forgotten. All I have now is a few pictures and a grave site. I hope to God above that I never love a pet as much as I loved Top. You don't get to keep them forever, and the eventual loss cuts to the bone.

During the night, occasionally, I feel a cat walking on the bed, coming toward me. I look, but no cat is there. I don't know what I expect to see. I guess I'm imagining it. I expect to see Top.

Top, I hope to see you again one of these days. I miss you, and I think of you often.