Notes from a parish cat and his author Julie Mackenzie

My photo
I am Father Tom Fish, esteemed member of the religious team at Temptation of Christ Parish in the novels by author Julie Mackenzie. As to my background, I was invited into the rectory as a stray, laid on the charm, and was invited to stay, even honorarily ordained and no less spiritual than my sidekick Father Will. He dotes on me to high heaven and forgives all of my street cat proclivities, whatever the hell that means.

Sunday, July 7, 2013

Kisses..


From Julie ~

This is one of my favorite pictures of him, eyes closed, content, knowing with every inch of his being that he was loved.

For those of you who don't know, Tom lost his battle yesterday afternoon. The initial diagnosis was hepatic lipidosis, but there were underlying complications which compromised his life. Because of the holiday, the lab wasn't open, so liver aspiration cells weren't yet tested, but will be. I still have a lot of questions. Right now, I'm trying to come to terms with his leaving us all so soon. 

After having trouble breathing yesterday afternoon and crying out in pain, I helped him to the bridge. He was lying in my arms and I told him how everyone was praying, sending positive thoughts and healing light to help him. The love and caring of our friends we could feel all around us.

He sends kisses..

xx





102 comments:

Quill and Greyson said...

I am so sorry! Our purrs and hugs to you all. We are so sorry for your loss.

Brian's Home Blog said...

Oh my goodness no, I had now idea and we are all so very sad to hear that news. We all send you our best purrs, hugs and lots and lots of love. Our dear friend will live in our hearts forever. Run free dear Tom, run free. I shall look for your shining star tonight.

Mary said...

I'm so very sorry, Julie. This is heartbreaking. I didn't know. I'm sending you loving hugs. And to Tom too. I loved him though i never knew him. You chose a perfect photo of him here.. he truly looks beloved and content. Hugs and kiss to you and to him over The Bridge. xx.. Mary

Kat said...

I am so sorry to hear of Father Tom's passing. This is such sad news and I am so sorry. Please accept my condolences and prayers. This is so heartbreaking. I am sending you hugs and comforting thoughts as you go through this difficult time of loss and grief.

Connie - Tails from the Foster Kittens said...

My heart breaks for you as you navigate through all that was thrown at you in such a short time and with such a horrible ending.

You have my deepest sympathies and my thoughts and prayers are with you.

Tom was truly blessed, as were you for having known him. May time bring you the peace of the joy of having happened and dull the ache that your time has come to an end.

Shaggy and Scout said...

Julie, I am so sorry! He was a fine cat, handsome and loving and I know you will miss him so much!
He's with Trapper now, romping around the Bridge in the warm sunshine rolling in the soft grass, pain free and happy. Love and hugs, Lynne, Shaggy & Scout

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

Oh no! I didn't know. I am so sorry for your loss and know the terrible heart wrenching pain you are feeling. I hope the love and thoughts from all your friends in the cat blogosphere help you through this saddest of times.

Tamago said...

Oh no I am in shock.. I am truly sorry for your loss, your precious baby. This is such a lovely photo of Tom. By looking at his happy face, I can easily tell he had such a wonderful life, blesses and loved.
Please accept my sincerest sympathy. Tight hugs to you.

Colehaus Cats said...

Sweet Tom, how we are going to miss your words and beautiful photos. We are very sad right now, but know that someday we'll get to meet you in person. Fly free and chase all those butterflies. Gentle hugs and purrs....

Cara n Crew said...

oh my! we didn't know! we are so so sorry :( that is such a sweet picture of Tom. our purrs and prayers are with you.

Pip, Smidgen, Minnie, Hollie

Deb said...

Julie, I am so sorry to hear this. Another beautiful cat crossing the bridge too soon. My love to you and Tom. May he rest in peace.

CATachresis said...

I am so sorry, Julie! You must be heartbroken. Sending warm hugs to you and prayers for comfort at this horrible time. Father Tom will be remembered with such fondness and love xox

Jans Funny Farm said...

So glad you were able to get there and be with him as he left. But I know this is so hard on you. RIP handsome Tom. You will be missed. Hugs, Julie.

Sparkle said...

My human and I are very sad about Tom's unexpected passing. I always loved seeing his blog posts in my feed and was looking forward to so many more. :-(

The Florida Furkids said...

We're so very sorry to hear that Tom has gone to the Bridge. We're so glad you could be with him at the end. Purrs, prayers and lots of (((hugs))) going out to you at this sad time. We know the ache your heart feels and we share in it.

The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

Ellen Whyte said...

Oh no! We're so sorry. How awful for you all. We hope that knowing Tom had a great life is now a comfort to you. Purrs, Ellen, Target and Guido.

Random Felines said...

We are so very very sorry..... no loss is easy, but the sudden ones we think may be worse. We are glad you got to him in time and were there when he ran for the Bridge. We are heartbroken for you all.

Cats Herd You said...

Oh, Julie, we are so sorry! Much love and many purrs to you.

Cathy Keisha said...

Paying my respects to dear Tom. *bows head* Fly free my handsome furrend. I'm sure you had your absolutions and Last Rites and are with your Father. I'll never forget you cos you're the only priest I ever knew. You were loved by your Mom and by hundreds of cats on the CB. Conforting purrz to Julie. Oh Tom …

Mariodacat said...

My heart breaks for you too Julie. Tom was young yet and it's so unfair. We are really going to miss him too. Sending you warm hugs daily Julie and prayers.

Ivan from WMD said...

Oh no, this is just so sad to learn. We wish we could ease the pain of your loss.

Adios, sweet Tom. We'll see you again some day.

The Island Cats said...

We know there are no words to ease the sadness you are feeling. But know that we all are thinking of you and sending you comforting purrs and hugs.

RIP, Tom...you will be missed.

Wally, Ernie, Zoey and mom Sue

Katnip Lounge said...

Hugs and warm soft purrs from all of us here...we will miss big Tom's wisdom and handsome self very much.

meowmeowmans said...

Oh Julie. We are so, so sorry that your beautiful, sweet Tom had to leave so soon. Know that we love you, and that we are purring and praying, and sending much love. Big hugs.

cats of wildcat woods said...

He waited for you to be there with him. He will be with you always in your heart. So sorry for your loss.

Clooney said...

Oh no! We had no idea and are utterly devastated to hear this news about Tom. He is one of our favorite cats on the whole internet and we truly have admired him and loved him so. Oh Mom Julie, we are so, so sorry for this sudden and heart-breaking loss of your beautiful, gentle boy. We surround you with all our love and prayers. Oh Tom, we will miss you so much...

Be Well Sweet Father Tom

(Tiri says that she will always have a special place in her heart for you with cushions and a white picket fence all around...as you had for her.)

John Bellen said...

If words could make you feel better, I'd never stop writing. Please accept my condolences, though they are too little to help.

Catio Tales said...

We are so sad to read about Tom. He was magnificent. A true cat worthy of respect. The Rainbow Bridge is a richer place for him now being there, but that does not help the pain and loss.

Tails tipped and heads bowed. Many purrs x

Cat and DOG Chat With Caren said...

Oh noooooo....I didn't know! My heart is just breaking. I am so deeply sorry. I so wish I could give you a hug.
Cody and I send our deepest sympathy, we are holding you close to our heart

The Furries of Whisppy said...

We are so sorry, Julie. We were hopeful he would pull through. Sending you comforting purrs and gentle headbumps. xoxo

Mary Matthews said...

I'm very sorry too. What a beautiful and special cat. I hope that the sadness fades, and your memories of Father Tom bring you joy.

We love LUNA said...

So sad...I'm sending prayers, love and purrs to my beloved friend Tom and your family.
Luna - WE LOVE LUNA

Everycat said...

To Julie and Furry Family, we are so, so sorry that Father Tom had to be helped to the Bridge. He was an incredible cat, a wise mentor and a very good chum to Whicky. We know you loved him well beyond the scope of words and he loved you in equal measure.

We know the shock you are in is terrible and we wish there was some thing we could do to ease your pain. Please know that we will be thinking of you and sending love and rumbly purrs to you, we will never forget Tom. It was a gift when Whicky discovered Tom Church Cat.

Tom will have many friends at The Bridge, Whicky will ensure that he has the best time a cat not on earth could have

Love, purrs, hugs and sadness

Gerry, Mungo & Jane The Ape xx

Marg said...

Oh Julie, I am so so sorry about Father Tom. That is just way too sad. We sure send tons of purrs and prayers and some mighty big hugs too. Thinking about you.

Unknown said...

Every word written in your blog has always shown us the deep bond you and Father Tom have. Nothing will ever be able to break that bond. We send our deepest sympathy.

Happy Cat Family said...

I am so very sorry for your loss... Hugs from all of us....

Andrea and the Celestial Kitties said...

I am so very sorry for your loss of sweet Tom. He will be sorely missed. Our hearts go out to you and we send our prayers and purrs and hugs.

Angel Simba said...

Sending you purrs of comfort in your loss of your beloved Tom.

Kea said...

Julie, I'm just getting the news now, first thing I've seen logging in to my email. OMC, I'm heartbroken for you, I'm so so sorry. What can I write? Nothing. I remember too well the agony and shock of Chumley's sudden passing, the loss of Annie, and I'm in tears for you, for Tom's crossing.

Sending universal Light, and purrs from the boys. I wish I could give you a hug in person, but a cyber hug will have to do.

Peace.

Kim, with Nicki and Derry from Fuzzy Tales

Scout and Freyja said...

My heart is breaking with yours for the loss of your dear friend. PURRayers of comfort sent to you from the tip of the Mitten State.

Elaine Pritchard said...

So sorry to hear the news. Our hearts go out to you.
Tom's blog was a favourite with us.
Healing thoughts and lots of love.

Elaine

Rosemary B❤️ said...

We are heartbroken.
We are praying for all of you.
Oh my goodness, this is crushing news.
hugs and prayers from the cornish kitties and Rosemary

Team Tabby said...

So sorry to hear of Tom's unexpected passing . We very much enjoyed his visits to our blog. We know he was a well loved cat and we send you our purrs and condolences.

Mindy
Moe
Cookie
Mike

Big Piney Woods Cats said...

I am so sorry for your loss. It is never something we want but sometimes it is the best and suffering isn't what we want for our dear cats. I am sure he is playing with Patches, Mistrie and Mittens.

asta said...

We awe so vewy sad that sweet Tom had to leave so soon. I hope yoow heawt will be helped by knowing he had a life full of love aways. I'm sending healing amoochies fow yoow sad heawts
Love
Asta and Mommi

HH and The Boys said...

We are so sorry to hear that Tom has gone to the bridge. We are sending lots of purrrrs your way, hoping that they will comfort you. What a wonderful kitty. We will miss him.

hugs, Bugsy, Knuckles, and HH

Old Kitty said...

Oh no. We are so so sorry. We can't believe this, we are truly sorry. Sending you many hugs and purrs. Please take care
x

Toffee K. Ripple Fuzzypants & Feline American Angels said...

Our sincerest condolences ...
Charmee & Jessica

Teri and her Stylish Adventure Cats said...

We are stopping by to give our sympathies to you, for the loss of such a special mancat. We were so looking forward to the new adventures in your new home and it saddens us to know that was not to be. As your heart heals, may you find comfort that you were able to kiss his sweet face and say goodbye...and may the sweet memories of the happy times you shared help the sorrow fade with times passing...

Maggie May said...

We were so very sad to hear that precious Tom had left for the bridge. Please know you are in our thoughts and purrayers during this very sad time.
(((hugs)))
Maggie May and The Creek Cats

Mishkat said...

Julie, we are so sorry to hear about Tom's passing. We will miss him very much. Hope you are all right.

Many purrs, hugs, and good thoughts from Katie and the Mishkat cats

curator said...

The Pet Museum crew sends their love and supportive friendship...you will see Tom again someday on the other side...now if only there were ways to make it hurt less now. Big hugs.

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

We are all so sadden by the sudden loss of our dear friend Tom. Mom just wept when she saw the news. We are so very sorry for the ache in your heart. Tom was very special indeed. Our deepest purrs and prayers.

George The Duck and the HotMBC Kittehs said...

We sends lots of purrs and luvs for yore sads. We so sad Tom hadta go to tha Bridge. Me n lotsa ofur furriends welcomed him and help him settle in. His star will shine brite on you furever.
purrrrrrrrrrs,
Angel Sanjee and tha resta tha Hotties

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

We still have leaky eyes here over the heartbreaking loss of our friend, Tom. You are all in our thoughts and purrs. He will live on in our hearts and memories. (((hugs)))

Cats~Goats~Quotes said...

We are so very sad for your loss.
Purrs and prayers ..
~ The Bunch and Mom Bobbie

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

Me and mom are so so sorry that Father Tom has gone to the bridge :(
Sending lot´s and lot´s of (((purrs))) and huggies <3

Katie Isabella said...

I am heartbroken too. I send warm gentle hugs and love. Tom, play and enjoy your warm freedom and wait for us as we join you by and by. xxoo

da tabbies o trout towne said...

we wanted ta stop by N offer R sinceerest sympatheez two ewe. God's speed to ewe Tom; manee purrz N purrayerz ta yur mom N familee; we noe how devastating thiz iz....XOXO

The Tower Hill Mob said...

Sending loving thoughts and prayers to all of you.

Karen Jo said...

I am so very sorry that you had to help Father Tom to the Rainbow Bridge. You picked a great picture of him, basking in contentment. We send hugs and comforting purrs.

Karen Jo and the Kitties

Terri said...

We are visiting. So sad to hear about Tom. We're sending purrs and hugs your way.

I lost a big beautiful cat to hepatic lipidosis. I only had him 2 weeks. The shelter didn't know he had it.

Gin and Bailey said...

May God comfort you over the loss of your beautiful kitty...

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

So, so sorry for your loss. Father Tom was much loved. Having him pass in your arms will be comforting for years. That's how brandi went, with love and kisses and thank yous for her sweet life with me. And though it is hard, still, that makes me smile. She went in my arms, surrounded by love.
Smile. Please. Remember the good.

The Daily Pip said...

I am so very sorry for Tom's sudden departure for the Bridge. He knew how much he was loved ...the beautiful picture speaks volumes about what a happy life he led.

Run free, Tom ...

Timmy Tomcat said...

We are so sorry to hear of Toms passing over the Bridge.
The real thing is he knew he was loved and that is what is most important.
Fly free and without pain Tom
Be forever young and play in the endless sun.
Till that day we shall all meet again

Love and Support from all of us at the Tomcat Home

Avalon's Garden and Mewsings of Garden Cottage Cats said...

Oh Julie, my heart is breaking at hearing this sad news :'( I am so deeply sorry Tom has left for the Bridge, He will be sorely missed......

We sound loud Purrayerz fur the Guiding Light to light hiz way, and we are sure Penelope along with many ov hiz furiendz will be there to greet him.

And we send Soft Loving Purrz & Kissez to you, fur we know how hard this iz on onez breaking heart.

We send owr luvz to you and all da other furbabiez~

♥♥xoxo♥♥ Angel, Sunny, Gabriel, Lorelei, Larry, Ana,& Aurora Rose

Angel Ginger Jasper said...

am so sorry for your loss and know how much you are hurting. I send love, hugs and purrs. GJ x

sprinkles said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. No matter how long we have our pets, it's never long enough.

May your sweet memories of him help ease your pain.

Kitties Blue said...

We did not know Tom, but he looks as if he was one handsome man-cat. Please accept our condolences on his loss. We are quite sure your heart is breaking right now. Purrs and hugs from the kitties at www.thecatonmyhead.com, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Saku said...

Oh no, I am so sorry! I'm thankful for Tom that you could be together as he ran for the Bridge.

The photo is lovely and wonderful way to remember your special boy.

Oskar said...

We are so sorry to hear about your loss. Our hearts are breaking for you. We are saying prayers for your peace.

Hugs & love,
Pam & Oskar

NAK and The Residents of The Khottage Now With KhattleDog! said...

We are so sorry fur your loss...

But woo gave the greatest gift of love by letting him khross with dignity...

it's not FURever....it's just...fur now...

Hugz&Khysses
Khyra

Sweet Purrfections said...

We were so sorry to hear about Tom. We're sending comforting purrs to you and you grieve over the loss of your special kitty.

dArtagnan Rumblepurr/Diego Hamlet Moonfur said...

Poor sweet boy, I know you're at the bridge, welcomed by all that have gone before... I send my purrs to you and to your humans. Fly free, sweet Tom.

Mr Puddy said...

Mom Julia,
Me and mom are so sorry for your loss. We are in tear, weeping for my loved friend. He is my old friend, and I keep him close to my heart
Purrs and hugs for you
Lots of love
xoxo

Puddy & Mom

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

My heart is breaking as I heard that Tom had run off to the bridge. Know that you are in my thoughts and prayers. Olive was waiting for him as he arrived and helped him find his friends and family that had gone before him. Together they will all be free of the limitations that life here on earth can put on one. Until we meet again sweet friend. Run free.

Anonymous said...

Fare thee Well, Father Tom. Until we meet again.

maggie @ Shelter Cats said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. My Gracie went to the bridge at the end of June. I hope she'll be there to greet Tom and show him the ropes.
With much sympathy and love,
Maggie

Clarissa said...

Julie, We are so sorry for the loss of your Tom. We know he will be missed. And we are positive that many kitties who have gone before him met him upon his arrival and welcomed him with open arms (and paws).

The Crew said...

We're so sorry to hear about this. We know Tom was well loved and will be missed terribly.

The Crew said...

We're so sorry to hear about this. We know Tom was well loved and will be missed terribly.

The Crew said...

We're so sorry to hear about this. We know Tom was well loved and will be missed terribly.

SuziQCat said...

We are so very sorry to hear about Tom. We are sending comforting purrs your way.

Four crazy cats

Cat Street Boyz said...

Purrz, prayers and peace......the CatStreetBoyz

Oui Oui said...

We're so sorry to be so late, but we were off. We are so terribly sorry for your loss and hope knowing you gave Tom the best gift anyone could give, your love, helps to comfort you. So many animals never know that joy. We are purring for you and all of Tom's loved ones.

Safe Haven Hotel said...

Julie, I don't know you nor did I ever have the pleasure of meeting Tom but I am a fellow cat lover, a cat foster parent AND someone who has bid goodbye to furbabies of her own in the past.

You have my deepest sympathies and may your lovely memories of your precious boy bring you comfort in the days to come.

LM - Safe Haven Hotel
www.catfosterparent.blogspot.ca

Cathy Keisha said...

Stopping by to bring tea and see how your doing. Also to bring more comforting purrz.

GLOGIRLY said...

We are just so very sorry for your loss. It's hard to believe just how much our hearts can hurt. You gave Tom so much love and compassion...he was a very lucky kitty indeed.

Our thoughts and (((purrs))) are with you.
love,
Katie, Glogirly & Waffles

hopeygirl7 said...

Julie, I know how you feel.
My baby Missy lost her battle with
Pyometra last night. They live in our hearts forever.
I am truely sorry for your loss.
Purrs,
Hope

hopeygirl7 said...

Julie,
I am so sorry for your loss.
I know how it feels.
My baby Missy lost her battle with pyometra last night.
They live in our hearts forever.
Johnny, Will(our other cats) send their purrs.
And I send my hugs and prayers.
So Sorry,
Hope

Angel Gracie=^o.o^= said...

Touching base to see how you are doing. Know this had been hard for you and know how you feel. Sweet Tom and Olive ran off to the bridge on the same day and I know they are up there running free and with others that have left before they did. Until we meet them again. Again, thanks for your kind words of support and prayer while Olive was so ill. It meant so much to our family.

Noir the Texas Tabby said...

We are so sorry to hear of Father Tom. Tears and whiskers drooped in our house. Such a sweet boy. Our prayers for Father Tom and all of your family.

Psalm 50:15

Noir

Tigger said...

Lots of love to you and your family.

The Boys and Karen said...

"The Boys" and I are so sorry to hear about Father Tom. Such a handsome one and we just know he knew he was loved. Purrs and prayers.

Seville at Nerissa's Life said...

Father Tom was the most beautiful cat in every way possible. He will be missed, here on earth but will grace Heaven with his presence.

Until we all meet again...

Purrs,
Nissy

Safe Haven Hotel said...

My deepest heartfelt condolences on Father Tom's passing. It's so incredibly hard to bid goodbye to our furbabies......I hope that the wonderful memories of him will be your comfort in the days and months and years ahead.

Traveling Cats said...

What a beautiful photo and cat. I'm so sorry to hear about his passing.

Oui Oui said...

Thanks for stopping by! We wondered how you were doing, and how you like your new home. You are on the Eastern Shore, correct? We hope everyone is adjusting and starting to feel a little better. Purrs to all!

The Florida Furkids said...

Thank you for your kinds words about our Clifford. We're still in shock and the thoughtfulness of friends really helps.

The Florida Furkids and Mom Sharon

Old Kitty said...

We just popped over to give you more extra special hugs and purrs! We know angel Father Tom is watching over you all. Take care
x

Brando and Bogart said...

Hello we are new to your blog and are so sorry! We are sending you puppy snuggles, and hugs. Love Brando, Humphrey and Ziggy! We are going to follow along!