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December 9, 2020

Fly Free, Sweet Gracie ๐Ÿ’”


"There are no goodbyes for us. Wherever you are, you will always be in my heart.” – Mahatma Gandhi
 

Our hearts are broken beyond belief. On Tuesday afternoon, our beloved Gracie made her journey to the Rainbow Bridge. She was 20 years old.

 

Adopted at the robust age of 13 (along with her sister/littermate Zoe) in September 2013, beautiful and gentle Gracie packed a whole life’s worth of love into her seven years here with us. The pawprints she left on our hearts will remain forever, and we know there will come a day when her memory brings more smiles than tears. But for now, there is only deep sadness.

 


Gracie Grace, we will love and miss you forever, darling girl. There were so many things that made you uniquely special. Like how you helped Mom Tracey put on her makeup every day, resting your paws on her thigh as she applied it while sitting on the couch. We will miss your funny, old ladycat meow, and the way you sang the song of your people with such gusto (especially when you had a vet visit). And how you would steal Mom’s spot on the couch whenever she got up. And the way you were still playful when the mood struck you. How you loved chasing the red dot, and playing with your favorite toys, like the mouse-on-a-string, fleecy wands, and especially the collar stays from Dad meowmeowmans’ dress shirts. And how you headed upstairs each night to drop the hint to everyone that it was time for bed.

 

While we’re remembering, can you remember how, when you were younger, you would instigate tussles with Zoe, you little rascal? Or how you were such a speedster, especially when it was time to eat?


Gracie and Zoe

 

In November of this year, Gracie was feeling really good, and had reclaimed a little of that youthful pep in her step. Check out this video of her (taken about three weeks ago) trotting from the kitchen to join us for some family time on the couch. Not bad for a 20 year-old with arthritis and advanced kidney disease, huh? ๐Ÿ’•

 


Earlier in life, Gracie loved lounging in sunpuddles, but in her twilight years, she was partial to her heated cat bed on the couch. Her culinary palate also evolved with age: once a fan of turkey and giblets, she graduated a few years ago to a more refined chicken and lobster pรขtรฉ. She did retain her lifelong love of tuna fish; it remained one of the things that had the power to wake her up from a solid sleep.

 

Ava is a little confused by Gracie’s sudden disappearance. Although she and Gracie were 17 years apart in age, they had a very respectful relationship, and we even caught them snuggling on a few occasions. Gracie was very good with her much younger sister; as an older cat, she didn’t often concern herself with Ava’s silliness, effectively defusing any shenanigans by walking right past.

 

Gracie and Ava


One last thing: Gracie loved her Christmas tree, and we were glad we got it set up over Thanksgiving weekend, so she was able to lay under it for one last season.


Gracie under her tree (November 27, 2020)

Fly free, sweet Gracie. We love you always with all of our hearts, and will see you again. Wait for us, okay?

XOXO

Mom Tracey, Dad Kevin, and Sister Ava

66 comments:

Lily said...

We are so sorry for your loss of sweet Gracie. Hugs and purrs for you all.

M Dawson said...

A wonderful tribute to a marvellous cat. Kevin and Tracey my heart is with you at a time of such a great loss.

Susie said...

We are sorry to hear of you loss. Mommakitty, Kimo, Sabi, & Sherman.

Cathy Keisha said...

I'm here to pay my respects to Gracie. *bows head* She was so lucky to have adopted you and Tracey. Sending some comforting purrz.

Savannah's Paw Tracks said...

Simply heartbreaking and yet such a long life and her senior years were filled with your love.

The Swiss Cats said...

What a beautiful tribute to Gracie ! We're so sorry for your loss, we send you comforting purrs and gentle headbonks. Purrs and hugs

Holly said...

Gracie knew great love and gave it back measure for measure. I’m so sorry for her loss.

Athena Cat Goddess Wise Kitty said...

Beautiful cat. We are so sorry for your loss.

Purrs and hugs xx

Athena and Marie

Milo and Alfie Marshall said...

A beautiful heartfelt tribute to Gracie. We are so very sorry to hear this news. Thank you for loving her so much.
Live from Jan, Milo and Alfie. Xxx

The Whiskeratti said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. She was a lovely girl. Hugs to you all.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

So sorry for your loss of dear Gracie. We love your tribute and are especially grateful that you shared your loving home with her for the past seven years. Sending hugs. ~ Mom Julie, Tom, Bridget and Penny xoxoxo

My GBGV Life said...

Oh, we are so sad for you. Gracie was such a beautiful kitty, and doing so well for her age. It's wonderful she was able to be with her Christmas tree one last time too. GBGV hugs to you in this very sad time.

www.shelter-cats.com said...

Dear Kevin and Tracey, I’m so sorry Gracie is gone. Thank you for taking Zoe and Gracie into your heart and home. It sounds like they rewarded you with a lot of love and happy memories. I know those little kitty angels are reunited and watching over you from The Bridge.
Hugs and sympathy from Maggie and Rick

Random Felines said...

We will forever remember the girls....and that you took a chance on a pair of senior house panthers. Safe journey Gracie...we know Zoe was there to meet you. Purrs to you all

Marg said...

Oh Kevin, I am so so sorry about Gracie. What a great write up about her. She was so lucky to have found you.

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

This was so beautiful and special and a testament for adopting a senior cat. I didn't realize Gracie was adopted at 13 nor did I realize she was 20!!!! She looked incredible and had a beautiful life thanks to you! Sending prayers and love to all of you and my deepest sympathy. Cody was waiting with arms stretched to give her a giant hug, he told me he will take good care of her. We love you all and we are so sorry, please send lots of love to Ava too xoxoxoxo

Kea said...

Oh, gosh, I'm bawling my eyes out, Kevin. I'm so, so sorry for Gracie's passing. There aren't any words I can write that will help; just know that you, Tracey and Ava are in my thoughts and prayers. Derry is sending soft purrs of comfort. Hugs.

The Florida Furkids said...

We are so very sad to hear this. She was a beautiful girl and we loved the video of her. Fly Free Gracie. You will be missed.

The Florida Furkids

The Island Cats said...

Oh Kevin and Tracey! We are so sorry to hear that Gracie has run off to the Bridge. She had a wonderful life with you...even if it was only 7 years of them. We send you many comforting purrs and hugs to help fill the Gracie size hole in your hearts.

Ernie, Zoey and mom Sue

Brian's Home Blog said...

We are so, so sorry to hear about your dear Gracie. It's so hard to say goodbye to those we love, we totally understand. Your tribute to Gracie was so beautiful and she loved you both just as much as you loved her. Gracie, you touched all of our hearts beautiful girl.

Mickey's Musings said...

So sorry to hear this. Such wonderful memories you have with this beautiful kitty.
Her passing will leave a big Gracie sized hole in your heart for a long time.
Remember all the good times. Hugs <3
Purrs, Julie and "mum" Nancy

Maria said...

Kevin and Tracy, I am so very sorry for your loss. I remember Gracie well, and I was so thrilled when you adopted her! What a lucky kitty to have lived out her life with the two of you. It's never easy to lose a beloved fur baby, but take comfort from the fact that she lived such a wonderful life!

Saku said...

I'm so sorry to hear of Gracie's passing. May your sweet memories provide some comfort at this difficult time.

Eileen

ZOOLATRY said...

Kevin and Tracey ~ my heart is full of sadness for you both, yet also full of joy that you shared so many years and
have such wonderful memories ... Gracie was truly blessed your lives, gracefully. We'll share an image for her soon ...

Sandee said...

Big healing hugs. They embed themselves in our hearts and remain there forever. ♥

Gidget Blue Sky said...

wat a troolee elegant laydee, noze kisses

edie said...

I'm sorry for your loss. Sending comforting thoughts.

The Menagerie Mom said...

My thoughts and prayers are with you as you remember your precious Gracie. She was beyond blessed to have you two, Kevin and Tracey. She will always be with you.

Catscue said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Thank you for sharing such wonderful stories of your Gracie, what a precious girl. Run free over that Bridge sweet Gracie and roll in fields of nip. Hugs to all.

Katie Isabella said...

I am heartbroken with you. I am so very deeply sorry that Gracie flew away to the Bridge and left you all there for now. Such a beautiful special and loving as well as loved little girl. Forever in yours and our hearts. God Bless.

Gigi said...

Aw, Spitty and I send you all tons of love and purrs while you miss your beautiful girl. She lived her older years in paradise with you! Bless you for adopting an OlderLadyCat those many years ago--we are betting her sunset years were her very best ones. We know you two and Ava will have each other to weep and laugh with as you remember your Gracie together.

VickyC said...

So sorry for your loss. Sending hugs, purrs and head bonks your way.

Leah said...

I'm so sorry you've lost your beautiful Gracie. Sending love, hugs, purrs, and peace.

Summer said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Gracie. I didn't know she was 20! It sounds like she had an awesome life up to the end. Lots of purrs to you.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

Gracie; heaven received another beautiful angel; you. We hope mom and dad know St Francis remained by your side, as you made that journey to heaven, so you had no pain, suffering, felt alone, or afraid. We are truly sorry and send hugs and loves not only to you, but to mom, dad and Ava as well.♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥

Marvelous Marv said...

We know that Gracie was elderly, but she was a much loved member of your family and the cat blogosphere's family. You gave her such a wonderful life, full of love and comfort. Thank YOU for sharing her with us. Wes KNOWS she loved you too. Wes grieves with you in your loss. Wes knows Moosey, Zoey and all your other "befores" were waiting for her as she went over the bridge.
Sending you loving purrayers and strength.
Marv, Jo Jo, Kozmo, Cinnamon and Barb

Timmy Tomcat said...

Dear sweet Gracie we know you were welcomed at the bridge by so many dear friends. When you find a family like yours and feel that love every day it is such a blessing. We send your parents Kevin, Tracey and sweet Ava purrs and prayers of support at this sad time. Fly free dear girl

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

There was so much love and in the end that is what matters most. I am so so sorry for the loss of your beloved and beautiful Gracie. It never is easy to say farewell for now, and for the heart not to ache. I hope that the loving memories you have will soon fill you will more comfort than pain. Thinking of you both.

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry to hear of Gracie leaving for the Bridge. She had a good long life but it is never long enough and she will leave a huge hole in your heart. My love to you both

Lola The Rescued Cat said...

We're so very sorry for your loss, and we hope the paw prints she left on your hearts will help you heal. Godspeed, Gracie. We know you'll use your beautiful wings to fly around your parents to make them feel better.

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

I'm so sorry for your loss, Kevin and Tracey. Fly free Gracie.

catladymac said...

We are so sorry to read that swee6 Gracie has gone on to her next adventure. We imagine her now with pep in her step always She will never be forgotten !

pilch92 said...

Gracie was a beautiful girl. How blessed she was that you adopted her and gave her a lifetime of love. I am so sorry for your loss Tracey and Kevin. XO

Melissa, Mudpie and Angel Truffles (Mochas, Mysteries and Meows) said...

I'm so, so sorry for your loss. Losing a beloved pet is heartbreaking no matter when it happens, but just before Christmas is especially cruel. Sending purrs and love to all of you.

BellaDharma an LadyMew said...

Deerest Mistur Kevin an Miss Tracey an Ava wee just found out that Gracie has earned her wingss to Purr Land.....
What a beeuteefull tributte you rote 'bout Gracie....shee was one magicall kitty girl...
Pleese accept our deep sympaffiess on yore loss...
***purrss*** an ~~head rubss~~BellaDharma~~ an ((huggiess)) LadyMew....

The Creative Cat said...

What a lucky girl she is. 20 is a good age to achieve. We will always remember her.

Tamago said...

Kevin and Tracey, I’m so sorry to hear about Gracie. Tears are coming down now. Gracie was a very lucky girl to live such a long life and got to spend good seven years in her forever home, loved and happy. Thank you for sharing her lovely photos and fond memories. (Somehow I can’t see the video.) The photo of her under tree is really wonderful. She was a very special kitty.
I’m worried about Ava and hope she will be okay. Sending warm thoughts and hugs your way.

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

I'm so sorry. Sending hugs and purrs to all of you

Basil and The B Team ~ BionicBasil ® said...

Awwwwww guys, we are truly devastated for your loss ๐Ÿ’” RIP Beautiful Gracie and may mew be young again at the Rainbow Realm ๐ŸŒˆ we'll light one of our special rainbow candles in her honour tonight, and we send big hugs and gentle purrs to mew all XX

Deziz World said...

Oh sweet Gracie, you will be missed. We are so sorry fur your loss. We're sending lots of hugs and purrayers fur all.

Luvs ya'

Raena, Dezi and mommy A

Peachy, Stippie, Angel Binky and Granny said...

Oh, no...so sorry to hear about the passing of sweet Gracie. What a blessed age she had and wonderful people who adopted her. The post made us tear up, especially when we saw the video. She'll be missed in body, but she'll be always with you in spirit. Untill we meet again sweet furriend. Fly free beautiful Soul✨
Soft Pawkisses for you Tracey, Kevin and Ava๐Ÿ’—๐Ÿพ๐Ÿ˜ฝ๐Ÿ’ž

Photo Cache said...

Oh dear, so sorry for your loss. You gave her a wonderful loving home the last half of her life. You were able to put into words all your emotions and feelings and mom is teary-eyed reading this.

Hugs and kisses from the kitties are sent your way.

Emma and Buster

Three Chatty Cats said...

I'm so sorry to hear about the passing of Gracie. Sending lots of hugs.

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

Run young and pain free again at the Bridge, sweet Gracie. My most heartfelt sympathy on your loss.

Hugs

John Bellen said...

I'm sorry Gracie had to go, but what a life she lived in those seven years. There is nothing like the love and gratitude of a mature animal, and Gracie clearly knew and gave both. I'm happy for her life, and sad that it ever had to end. Godspeed, Gracie.

Kitties Blue said...

We are all so saddened by this news. Making it to 20 is a great accomplishment for any kitty, but it isn't nearly long enough. Gracie was a gorgeous panfur girl, and we know she was dearly loved and will be missed deeply. Please accept our humble sympathies and prayers. Though the PAWS kitties were featured on Sunday Selfies, we will honor and remember Gracie there tomorrow. Love and warm hugs, Mom Janet, angel Lily Olivia, angel Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, angel Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth, Calista Jo, Cooper Murphy and Sawyer

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We were sadden to hear about the passing of Gracie, we know she enjoyed the time she had with you. Purrs of sympathy and paws of comfort from all of us.

The J-Cats said...

We are devastated to learn that sweet Gracie Panfur had to leave for the Bridge. Although she had reached a grand old age for a kitty, it is never long enough for those of us who are left behind to mourn. But we must try to take comfort from the knowledge that she is young and healthy again, and reunited with old friends, as we shall all be reunited one day.
We send you, Dad Kevin and Mom Tracey and sisfur Ava, purrs and pawpats and headbonks of comfort.
Fly free, Gracie, so well-named, safe in the paw of the Great Cat in the Sky.

Clooney said...

Dear Tracey, Kevin & Ava,

We are so, so very sorry and sad to hear of the passing of your precious Gracie. What a beautiful post and tribute to her, love all these pics and the videos and are so glad she spent the last 7 years so well-loved and cared for by you. Gentle purrs to Ava as she mourns her sweet sister. Much, much love to you. Holding you in our thoughts and hearts.

Poppy Q said...

Sorry to hear about your sweet girl Gracie.

Mark's Mews (Marley, Lori, Loki, and Binq) said...

We are so sorry to read that Gracie has had to leave you after all her many years. 20 is amazing! Your description of her was touching. We cats all have unique habits. In her case sittin with Mom at make-up time. And we are glad she was good with her Little Sister...

Darla M Sands said...

You gave her a wonderful home, it's clear. Be well. I'm sorry for your loss. ~hugs~ Bless you all.

Meezer's Mews & Terrieristical Woofs said...

I am so sorry you had to say goodbye to your dear sweet Gracie. We did not have the pleasure of knowing her, but each time a kitty becomes an Angel, it is devastating to all; the more so for their loving furmilies...

Angels Pipo & Minko send heavenly purrs their way to you to help add some measure of comfort to you art this difficult time.

Petcretary adds her sincere sympathy, too.
And a ton of healing hugs.

((((( ♥ )))))

Create With Joy said...

Dear Tracey and Kevin,

I've been under the weather so I just heard the news and am stunned and devastated by your loss. I am SO sorry that you are all without her sweet presence, especially going into Christmas. Your beautiful write-up, photos and video brought me great joy and I know that they will bring back so many wonderful memories as you revisit them over time.

Our prayers, love, hugs are with you.

P.S. I shared the news at Friendship Friday today though seriously - I'd rather write about you under better circumstances. xoxo

Danielle L Zecher said...

I am so, so sorry for your loss. I know nothing anyone says makes it any better, but you gave her an incredible life. So many kitties never know the love that she did with your family. Hugs and purrs.

CatonsvilleCats said...

One problem with being away for awhile is when I return to people's blogs I notice names missing from their permanent residents... Very sorry to hear about Gracie, and wow 20 is a great age for a cat! I had one who was just short of 20 when she died of heart trouble, I think older cats become very focused on their bond with their humans and are just that much more terrific.