February 20…today would have been Biddy’s 18th birthday! Perhaps my phone knew this, as the random cat wallpaper it chose for today was of Biddy.
Biddy passed away in 2023 after a tough battle with cancer, but he’s still around me every day. I have photos and art of Biddy around the house, his favorite spots remain just as they were, and there are Easter Eggs of him in nearly every Stonemaier game.
I miss Biddy’s big, expressive eyes and his endless curiosity. While he had many needs–he had a lot to talk about, he was very food-motivated, and he had a serious of odd health conditions throughout his life–I loved taking care of him.
If he were here, today he would have gotten more kibble than normal (his diabetes kept him on a wet-food diet), potentially some freshly cooked fish, extra snuggles, and some playtime with his favorite toys. He would have sat behind me while I worked, and he probably would have asked Megan for popcorn a few times. During meals he would have squeezed between us on the couch, and at night he would have done the same on the bed, his little head on my pillow.
Walter keeps us busy in Biddy’s absence, and sometimes I think he misses his friend. I don’t think Biddy ever really knew what to do with other animals, though–he was too busy talking to us people.
Introspectively, it’s still fascinating to me that my heart got so much bigger thanks to Biddy, yet he continues to fill it in a way that doesn’t make room for another cat. I just want my Biddy back.
Ultimately, it’s good reminder of how grateful I am that I was his person for so many years. Not everyone gets that kind of connection, and I don’t take it for granted.
Happy birthday, Biddy boy. I’m always here for you if you want to haunt me.
Biddy will not come and haunt you — he will come and haunt those who try to harm you! Every time you hear a distant meow, you’ll know you’re safe. That’s what you get from loving that cat so much. He will have felt that love, every minute of his life.
Thank you, Karel. I love that!