In Loving Memory of Edwin
Edwin was not adopted from Only Hope, but as we have come to know his guardian and our strong supporter Nancy, we have come to regard Edwin as much a part of Only Hope as any cat that we rescued ourselves. Edwin passed away on February 27th, 2006. Following is his story, as told by Nancy.
"I adopted Edwin on Thanksgiving weekend, November 2003. He was found by a neighbor’s friend on a very cold November day crying out in Hoboken, NJ. His rescuer was kind and courageous enough to take him home with her to a home with 3 cats and a dog while raising an infant child. She named this lovely creature, Edwin, after a gray cat in a children’s book. He was very thin, although not quiet as flat as the book.
I wanted an older cat as I always enjoyed their peaceful demeanor. Of all the cats I have ever met, Edwin was the most fearless and yet gentle animal at 10+ years old. Clearly he was the strong silent type since during the two and one quarter years I loved him I don't think I heard him meow more than two dozen or so times. At night I would just say to him "night time" and he would follow me into the bedroom and settle in the corner of my bed. He slept at night at the corner of my bed and would put his lips to my face every morning (imitating my kisses to him) to wake me. Edwin was the type of cat that could stare at you barely blinking for 20+ minutes. I know because I had done such a thing. In addition to night time he knew the word "turkey" and would follow-me to his bowl when I said it. I most value the time he told me he loved me by taking his head and making circles around my face.
Shortly after adopting him he became very ill and was diagnosed with cancer - specifically small cell variant intestinal lymphosarcoma. He underwent chemotherapy treatment for two years during which time he was also diagnosed with cardiac disease and developed early renal failure. He always willingly stepped into his carrier every two weeks to make the trip across town for treatment. He was always a willing participant in his care and hardly complained. As one vet assistant stated, 'a true gentleman.' He was a trainable cat. I always felt that he could be in movies, if he wasn’t sick.
Edwin always fought his illnesses with such grace and determination up until his time to rest in peace on February 27, 2006. This was just enough time to celebrate a third Valentines Day together. One occasion in which I was staring into his eyes I asked him to tell me when he was ready for eternal rest. Although he was still fighting for his life on February 27th the look in his eyes told me he wasn’t fighting for himself anymore, as his body was failing, but fighting to stay alive to make me happy. I let him know that I would be okay and it was time for him to take his eternal night time.
It was such an honor to care for him in the later stage of his life. I only wished I had the opportunity to love him sooner. There were so many people I will always be appreciative for the care they gave him such as Dr. Rocha, and his team of assistants, Alba and Walter; Dr. Murray and her assistant, Michelle; Kris and Laura of Only Hope who helped me give him fluid therapy and gave me encouraging words; and my sister, Regina, who gave him endless love. Most of all I thank Marta for rescuing the skinny Russian Blue boy who touched the lives of all those who had the courage to love him.
At one point during Edwin's treatment, one of his caregivers asked me what drove me to work so hard to care for this cat I hardly knew. The answer was that I made a commitment to love him and I felt honored to be entrusted with the valuable role of caring for this most special creature. It was all love, not work, although I viewed it as my job, not a multiple choice yes or no check-off. This was a job I refused to fail.
Edwin will be missed and remembered by many as he was the most beautiful creature I could hope to meet. Not only was it an honor to care for him, but a privilege. Although he is no longer with us, I know that Edwin and I succeeded in our job together which was to spread his grace and love through his presence and memory."