Hercules first came into our lives at the very end of May of 1997. Barely 2 days old, he had been abandoned by his mother and subsequently rescued by the receptionist at our Vet’s office.

I was a few months pregnant with Luke at the time and was definitely feeling those motherly urges. Somehow, I convinced Steve that we should take him home.

As we got back in the truck that day, the Elton John CD we were listening to started back up again. Blaring through the speakers was the song “Hercules”. Steve said we should name the kitten Hercules.

I laughed at the thought of this tiny kitten being named Hercules. He was so small and delicate!

Little did I know that he would grow to be a behemoth of a cat.

Hercules has been a part of my life for the better part of 12 years and has been the one thing always by my side.

When I was terrified of being a horrible mother; Hercules was there.

When Steve whistled or sang a little tune; Hercules would come running.

On those cold lonely nights when Steve was deployed; Hercules was there.

On the lonelier nights after Steve and I went our separate ways; Hercules was there.

When Luke was spending time with his Dad and I was alone; Hercules was there.

On the big gamble move from Spokane to Redmond; Hercules was there.

When it came time to discipline Odin; Hercules was there.

When Doug and I drove from Seattle to San Diego as part of my move to Dallas; Hercules was there.

When I moved from my rental into my very first “all mine” home; Hercules was there.

 

He was and still is an amazing cat and I am grateful that he chose to spend his life with me.

He never refused a cuddle and was certain that every plastic bag held catnip.

He had a crinkly ear from a cyst removal many years ago. It made him look gentle and sweet even when he was irritated.

Even in his younger more spry days; he never once jumped on a counter but he would defend his coffee table from the pesky kittens by dragging them off by the scruff of their necks.

I will miss you Hercules. Thank you for being my rock of stability for the past 12 years.

 

I am warmed by the knowledge that you are no longer uncomfortable

and are happily chirping for catnip across the rainbow bridge……

 

With love and sincere gratitude for all my days…

 

~jam

 

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