Charlie, by Rachel S. in New Jersey, USA

I was upset. My first cat, Patches had just died the other week. My entire family was still grieving and being only around 4 years old it was hardest for me becuase I still couldn't really understand what had happened to him.

It was a really cold winters day a few weeks after his death when we decided to stop at the Humane Society to take a look at the cats. I climbed out of the car and couldn't wait to see all the animals they had there. We immeditly headed towards the cat room.

When we entered in I heard a little mewing sound from across the room. In the blink of an eye a male cat had placed himself on my foot and was staring up at me and meowing frantically. He was beautiful, with a white chest and paws and big splotches and a back of brown, black, and grey. He rubbed himself against our feet and looked up at us sadly. The cat would not let us leave. My mom picked him up and he went limp in her hands and let out the loudest purr I have ever heard and simply draped his long furry body across her arms.

There was a connection right then and there and we went out of the room (much to his distress) to adopt him. I did a little jig until the woman at the desk said his name was Charlie and he was on hold with some teenager. My mom looked stunned and I felt tears stream down my eyes as I hugged my sister tightly.

My mom stomped out of there feeling angry and upset that this amazing cat was going to be given to some teenager who would probably never care for him and just dump him in some old apartment. I remember crying all the way to the car. We hadn't even spent five minutes with the cat to realize we needed him as much as he needed us. He was perfect for us and he really LOVED us.

On the way home we stopped at the library and I began to search through the books with my mom. Suddenly, my OTHER sister came running down the stairs. "MOM! Mom! I found the perfect cat for you at the humane society! He's gorgeous and looks a little like Patches, his name is Charlie!"

Without thinking we were back at the Humane Society rejoicing as we brought him home. I really think that proved he belonged with us. The rest of the years as I grew up things blew by always with Charlie some how entangled in each memory.

He was the most amazing cat. Just approaching him he would leap on you and be all over you, purring and cuddling and trying to be petted. If I was doing homework, he would leap on my desk and sleep on it. Typing on the computer? He got jealous of the key board. Walking down to the store? I had to lock him in the house so he wouldn't follow us down the road and get hurt.

He LOVED being picked up and would adore it if someone held him right and cuddled him back. At nights he would sleep on my chest and sometimes even my head. If you called his name he would be right there waiting for some cuddles.

I still have not found a cat like Charlie. I had just turned ten at the time when he died. I had just come home from Softball practice, feeing pleased that I hadn't made a goof of myself realizing my mom's car was here and she was supposed to be shopping. I came in feeling pleased with myself when I saw my mom crying by the computer. My first thought was "someone died".

Grandpa? Grandma? A brother or sister? Charlie? No, not Charlie! But it was true. I remember collapsing and crying as she told me he had been hit by a car.

Although time healed my scars and broken heart I will never be complete without him. I will always miss him and love him. I have just suddenly realized that the day I write this is the anniversery of Charlie's death. I don't think it's a coincedence. I know he is watching down on me right now and I have an undying warmth and love for him. I love you Charlie.