Guero, in Memoriam
Before I begin, I just want to let you all know I'm trying to keep this blog happy and positive, despite the turmoil I'm experience today.
In the summer of 2007, my family at the time had only one pet, a cat, named Shata. While she was mostly an indoors kitty, she did like to go outside every now and then. And since our neighborhood had other cats roaming the street, it wasn’t a surprise when we found out one day that she was pregnant.
Funnily enough, just the year before, my eldest sister had her first child, so I had some experience around pregnancy… but as it turned out, not enough. You see, when I found out that Shata was pregnant, I turned to my mom, and asked, “Will we have to wait 9 months for the kittens to be born?” Yes, I know, I was a pretty naïve kid back then. Anyways, after laughing a bit, my mom reassured me that the kittens will be here in a matter of weeks. And so, I eagerly awaited the day of the kittens’ birth.
Finally, on 19 July 2007, Shata gave birth. When I first looked at them, these tiny and blind bundles of fur, I knew I was a goner. I told my mom that I was excited to raise all of the kittens, but, my mom had to dampen my spirits. She told me we wouldn’t be able to afford raising them all- we’d have to give most of them away.
My family ended up keeping one, a white-furred male, and due to his coloring, my mother named him Guero- a Spanish word associated with the color white.
And so, my family had two kitties, Guero and his mother. But… one day, Shata went outside and… she never came back. We were devastated, my mother even more so, because Shata was her little princess. This event changed my family, from that day forth, we’d raise Guero (and all future kitties) as a housecat. That way, we’d never have to deal with the uncertainty that would come if they were to disappear.
Guero was, and continued to be, somewhat shy and timid. He’d hide away somewhere if he encountered someone new, and it would take him a while for him to warm up to a stranger. But, when he did warm up to someone, he or she better watch out! He’d come to you for pets and strokes, and he’d purr and shower you with affection as you do.
And, he knew he could give you a look or a meow to get what he’d want. (He had me wrapped around his little paw... lol) Case in point, when I had to study or work on an assignment late into the night, Guero would be outside my door, clawing at it while he gave the most pitiful meow imaginable- wanting to get in. I’d do my best to ignore him, and focus on my schoolwork. But, I would cave, and open the door, and Guero would rush into my bedroom, and rub up against my leg, and purr. Of course, I’d have to divide my time between studying and petting Guero, although he would have preferred if most of my time (if not all) was used to pet him, lol.
-The above is what I wrote before Guero died, and right now, I don't know how to complete this today, or for that matter, if I ever will be able to. I'll just end it here and say, Guero will always have a place in my heart.
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