Zoe came into my life while recovering from minor surgery and left my life while recovering from major surgery, ironically.  For 14 years she was a part of my family.  She saw babies born and grow into children that she loved.  She saw and only tolerated many feral rescues.  She made sure other pets knew she was the Queen and was to be respected as such and the humans belonged to her.  She carried herself like royalty.  She loved her sugar milk and was a fierce hunter of socks and pom poms.  The last funny thing I remember her doing was getting caught licking the tops off of my daughters pink cupcakes.  She laid right next to them and without shame just looked at us as if to say "they were for me afterall".  Her favorite place was a warm lap and as close to my face as she could get.  One day she was her normal self and the next day she was falling over.  I tried to find out what was wrong but we don't know.  Each day was worse than the one before until one day she just could'nt stand anymore. I knew letting her pass at home was just causing her more suffering.  It felt selfish so I knew it time to let her go.  We all gathered around her and one by one said our painful goodbyes.  I promised her she will go with me, she will never be alone, she hated that.  On April 16,2011 I held her for the last time.  She looked straight up into my face and stared straight into my eyes.  I don't know what she was trying to say to me, one day I will know.  Through my tears I returned the heartfelt stare and said "I promise...you will be with me always"

I came home to void.  The hole left in my heart leaves me sick and when I went to my room to rest and there was nothing in my arms...the empty arms!!!  

I told my family when I go she is to be placed on my chest, in my arms again.  Besides "I love you", the last thing I said to her was "see you soon, I promise".