Stryker- The Feral Spirit

[MA]

Over 12 years ago you were born under our house. I trapped your mom and confiscated you and your littermates, and you grew up in our barn, surrounded by warmth, and love. As you grew, you retained your feralness and would spit and hiss every time we approached. Hiding behind hay bales, I often wondered if your Manx roots were just to much to overcome; to be socialized. You and Cleo would play with each other but not interact with us.

Then one evening, we woke to find you on our bed! Amazed at the transformation of Hisser to Cuddler, we turned on the lights and discussed this turn of events. From that day on, you would come into the house, seek out Pop's lap, and if his was occupied, then you would turn to mine. I was always second best, you were Pop's pal.

A few months ago, we noticed tufts of your fur laying around, large clumps. Concerned, we watched you and saw you pulling large amounts of your fur off your back. We took you to the vets where you endured the indignity of captiviy while they searched for answers. The answers were not good. We were told you had a mass and that it looked "ominous". They did not want to remove it, they said it would only be "a matter of time."

That time came two weeks ago, when I walked out to the barn and found you in your final sleep on top to the hay piles that sustained you as a kitten. We buried you under the oak tree, watering the century old tree with our tears. Too upset to talk about you, my work suffered as my thoughts were led astray thinking of your presence in my life, and no longer able to grasp that you were no longer there.

You were the Spirit of the Feral growing up dear Stryker. Named for your cunning ability to hunt mice and moles, striking one time, targeted and focused- bringing a quick end to your prey.

To say that we miss you is an understatement. We have suffered losses these past two years like never before. I keep being told that what does not kill me will make me stronger. But they are wrong, what does not kill me simply destroys my heart.

You are in a far better place my friend. You are with others who care about you, feline friends of years past. Reunited with one of your sisters and a brother, I hope you and Bravo and Charley are playing with the moths in the field.

Your mother came to see me this morning. I haven't seen her in years. She allowed me to approach and she looked at me as if to say, "It's time." She was right it is time- It's time to release you Stryker, from my heart and my thoughts, and so now you truly do soar with the stars, and we shall miss you

[Traci]

Oh, MA, my heart is literally breaking for you....You are a kind and generous soul to have given so much for Stryker, he was so fortunate to have you.

You are in my deepest thoughts and prayers, MA, I know your heart is breaking. Letting go is not easy to do, but you don't ever have to let go of his presense in your heart, he will always be there close to you, just as you are with him...



Safe and gentle journey sweet Stryker, you will be so missed.
(((HUGS)))

[LisaLisa]

MA,

My heart goes out to you...Stryker will always be a part of you..he was very blessed to have you in his life...

Your post is so touching..I have read it several times, and I cry each time..please know that you are truly a very special person for all you do..

I'm so sorry MA...you and Stryker are in my thoughts and prayers.

((((((HUGS))))))