Friday, August 28, 2015

Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day-Honoring My Angel Bobo

Today it is an honor to be a part of the first annual:
ABOUT RAINBOW BRIDGE REMEMBRANCE DAY:

This special day was created by Deborah Barnes – author, award winning blogger, and cat advocate in tribute to her cat, Mr. Jazz, who she had to say goodbye to on August 28, 2013. She shared the journey of letting him go in her most recent book, “Purr Prints of – A Cat’s Tale of Life, Death,and Beyond,” a warm and heartfelt book that is written in the wise and comforting voice of Mr. Jazz himself as he shares his life and death journey to offer guidance and understanding through a cat’s perspective as to why sometimes letting a pet go can be the greatest gift you give them. 

On behalf of Deb Barnes, Purr Prints of the Heart, and the Zee/Zoey Gang – thank you all for your support. To share your post on Facebook, click here.

In order to not make this post overly "photo heavy" I have created three collages to honor my beloved Bobo whom I was blessed to share my life with from December 1989 until July 2, 2007.

Bobo was found as a stray in sub-zero temperatures when he was approximately six months old. He spent every day of his life showing me his gratitude for having rescued him, and more unconditional love and devotion than I ever thought could exist. His life cannot accurately be portrayed in a mere three collages, but that is all I can do for now. Many of the photos I am sharing with you today,  you have not seen, (I apologize for their poor quality, but they were taken before the days of cell phones and blogging), and I will offer some explanation of the photos. Please join me in remembering my beloved Bobo with all of my love and with a heart that still breaks and grieves when I gaze upon his photos and share these memories.

In this collage you will see in the top left some of Bobo's favorite toys that I cannot bring myself to part with, nor do I ever allow Cody to play with them. The photo on the top left shows them in the bag in which they are stored, in the bottom photo you see his "kitty" that he slept with every day, his stuffed woofie, a mouse, two balls and his catnip pillow with a picture of a kitty that looked so much like him.

In the photo on the top right, are his last bowls that are kept in a trunk for safe-keeping. I have never let Cody use them. They were Bobo's and as much as I love Cody, I never could bring myself to allow him to use these bowls.
This collage is rather eerie when you hear a story that accompanies it. First, why in the world I bought my mancat a PINK carrier is beyond me! For the life of me I have no idea why I did that!

The bottom left photo shows my maiden name with Bobo's name on top of the carrier, all ready for for trips to the vet. The photo on the right is my Bobo sitting on TOP of his carrier which he used to do ALL of the time!

The photo on the top left is a photo of the  carrier as it looks today.  I keep it in the closet of my office, everything in it is exactly as it was since the day he crossed the bridge.I haven't changed or touched a thing. I sometimes think I should dispose of it, but I can't. It will be with me always.

What is eerie is one day I couldn't find Cody. I searched everywhere, and when I finally found him I found him IN the closet, IN Bobo's carrier. He had opened the door, crept in, and it has now become  one of his favorite sleeping spots. He does this nearly EVERY DAY.  I like to think that on some level he and Bobo are communicating, and I am convinced that they are. How and why Cody ever discovered this in the closet, I have no idea. For some reason it brings Cody happiness and comfort to sleep there, and it makes me happy that he does it.

I leave you with a photo of Bobo on the top left in his eating area when we moved to Michigan in 2001. 

The other photos show him on the couch that was Lenny's before we were married. There is a photo on the top right of Lenny and Bobo. Lenny didn't meet Bobo until he was 12 years old and had already slowed down considerably, but they were blessed to have six years together. Sadly, that is the same couch that the Vet helped him cross the Bridge on and we no longer have it. I just couldn't keep it, it caused me enormous pain every time I looked at it.

I used to think Bobo's markings were so unique until I saw a number of cats in the blogosphere who looked so much like him it was uncanny! I adored his perfect four white paws and his "bib", he was such a handsome boy.

He wasn't a people cat as Cody is, I often wondered what Bobo experienced in the months before he found me. He didn't like strangers, he was a much more fearful cat than Cody (who is fearless), but he had a sensitivity and a remarkable way of being attuned to every nuance of my being that was something that isn't experienced often in ones' lifetime. When I hurt, he hurt, and vice versa.

The Rainbow Bridge poem was given to me by a friend when Bobo passed. I keep it in a frame in my office, where it still brings me comfort.

I didn't intend for this post to be quite this long, and I thank you for taking the time to read it. I also would like to thank Deb Barnes for creating this wonderful event.

I send my love to each and every one of you, and look forward to reading your stories and seeing your photos of those "who came before." May we all derive some comfort from these posts. 


81 comments:

  1. You were both lucky to find each other and share something special all those years.

    Emma and Buster

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  2. Purrs to you - my human knows how much you miss and think about Bobo.

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  3. A lovely tribute :)
    Extra purrs for you today.
    Purrs Georgia and Julie,
    Treasure and JJ

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  4. That is a nice tribute to Bobo. You were lucky to have him for so many years.

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  5. Such a sweet post today Caren........I know what Bobo meant to you.......and I know how much they really bring to our lives with their soft and sweet ways leaving memories that are permanently imprinted on our hearts. Today we honor ALL of them by telling their stories. Sending you much love and many hugs.

    Pam (and Sammy)

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    1. thank you Pam and Sammy, we send much love and many hugs back xoxo

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  6. This is a beautiful tribute to Bobo! Sometimes there's a pet that marks our lives forever! I feel the same about my angel Nino - and I was still a young child when he passed away. Sending you hugs and prayers.

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    1. Rosa thank you so much. That is so true. I think it is so special that you feel the same about Nino, a cat you had when you were a tiny child. That speaks volumes to me. Thank you so much. (((hugs))) and love.

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  7. What a great story about Bo Bo. I think it is so great that you have saved so many things of BoBo. And the best part is that Cody sleeps in BoBo's carrier. By the way, we have a pink carrier just like that one and it is all beat up but we still use it. So glad you told us all about Bo Bo.

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    1. Thank you so much Marg! I wish I shared more about HIM but this was already way too long, I thank you for hanging in there and reading it! lol.
      Oh yes it freaks me out whenever Cody does it (and he does it virtually every day)...I always keep that closet door shut, and how he discovered it to begin with is beyond me. For some reason Cody LOVES it!
      About the carrier, they must have been on sale the year I got it (and you got it! lol), for me to have gotten pink for Bobo lol xoxo

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  8. Hugs to you. Wonderful tribute.
    Sue B

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  9. Caren - what a lovely tribute to Bo Bo - we're sure he will be watching over you from Rainbow Bridge.
    Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx

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    1. Thank you so much Hannah and Lucy...sending you much love! xoxo

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  10. We know how special Bobo was to you, Miss Caren. He may be gone, but he will never be forgotten...and he is always loved.

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  11. Lots of purrs as you remember Bobo, especially today. He's always with you, even though his physical body is not. (((Hugs)))

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  12. Such a lovely tribute to Bobo. I firmly believe that he is still with you and suspect Cody is communicating with him :-)

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    1. Thanks so much Sue, I agree....especially the part about Cody communicating with him!!! I always believed that Bobo send Cody to me. But this post didn't do Bobo justice...he went through 18 years of my life with me, marriage, divorce, my "now" husband, jobs, out-of-state move, multiple in-state moves...he "grew up" with me. He was an extremely intuitive, sensitive and caring cat. Cody is a lover and so fearless and affectionate and I adore him, but he isn't nearly as sensitive as Bobo was.

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  13. Bobo sounds like a wonderful cat!! A wonderful tribute as well.

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  14. That picture of his toys and bowls just kill me. I do the exact same thing...each new cat in my life has gotten all new things. The belongings of the previous cat were theirs and will be tucked away and cherished forever. This is such a special day to remember our precious angels.

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    1. Melissa (((hugs)))) it bothers me (STILL) to look at them too. I always keep them out of sight...I went and got them for this post. I am just like you are <3

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  15. They climb into our hearts and remain there. It's the way it is.

    Big gentle hugs honey. Smooches to Cody. Dakota too. ♥♥♥

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    1. I must remember that quote "They climb into our hearts and remain there. It's the way it is." I cannot begin to tell you how much I love that. It is so true. So, so true. Thank you!! Sending much love back! xoxo

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  16. We know how special Bobo was to you. Hugs from all of us.

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  17. Thank you for sharing this lovely post, Caren. The two of you will always have such a special connection, and we know he is with you in your heart. Always.

    Hugs to you as you remember your special boy.

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    1. Oh you are welcome and thank you!!! Yes, he most definitely is. I am making the rounds and will hopefully be over to your blog soon! Sending (((hugs))) back.

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  18. I love that name Bobo, such a lovely tribute to such a handsome man cat.

    Sheba.

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    1. Thank you Ian!! He was named after a cat my ex-husband had. The "first" Bobo, or the "original" Bobo as we used to call him was killed by a car I believe. When we found the Bobo above, my ex was shocked at the resemblance. He swore that the "original Bobo" had come back. Thankfully, when we divorced, Bobo was mine. We had an agreement early in our relationship that if anything ever were to happen with us, Bobo would come with me and he did.

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  19. Such a loving remembrance. I had a very hard time figuring out how to honor the spirit of my dear Tommie who left last March. Everyone has to follow their heart to start healing.
    After I wrote Tommie a letter and gathered all his favorite things, I felt ready to love some more. Maybe I chose a strange day to announce the arrival of our new cat... but I think Tommie would have approved.
    xxoo

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    1. Thank you so much Maggie! I am going to be on my way to your blog soon! I am certain that Tommie would approve and I love your idea of writing a letter. Sending much love back! xoxo

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  20. Aww! I enjoyed that :-)

    Have a tanfastic weekend Caren :-)

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  21. Caren, this is a lovely tribute to a most beloved cat! Thank you for sharing this with us. It is obviously that you and he loved each other very much.
    We love you too
    Kisses and Hugs
    Nellie and Barb

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    1. you are welcome and thank you Nellie and Barb. Yes, we most certainly did. Sending love and hugs back

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  22. We're not able to blog today but stopping by a handful of our friends like you. I didn't know Cody and Bobo's carrier!! I posted a graphic on FB event page and shared on my page inviting anyone to leave photos etc. for the next month since September is National Pet Memorial Month. xoxoxo

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    1. layla thank you!!! So glad you were able to stop by! Well, it was Bobo's carrier, but somehow and for whatever reason, Cody decided that he will sleep in it at least once a day (and it is behind closed doors!! lol). Please remind us again and we will most definitely post something! xoxoxo

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  23. Ahh what a sweet tribute.they will always be in our heart
    Snorts,
    Lily & Edward

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  24. What a wonderful tribute Caren. Just beautiful.
    ღ husky hugz ღ frum our pack at Love is being owned by a husky!

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  25. What an incredible tribute, Caren. As always, your writing comes from deep inside - so honest and real. I can relate to you saving things, not to be touched by Cody, yet how amazing that Cody found the carrier and insists on sleeping in it everyday. That would bring me enormous comfort and I am certain Cody and Bobo are communicating. Thank you so much for participating in Rainbow Bridge Remembrance Day - xoxo from Mr. Jazz, Deb, Purr Prints of the Heart and the Zee/Zoey Gang

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    1. Thank you so much Deb and THANK YOU for having created this most special day! Cody finding that carrier IS amazing. The door was shut to the closet and the carrier. I have no clue how he got that open. Cody is a determined guy. I think Bobo is asking Cody if he is taking good care of me and Cody is, (in his own way lol). Sending our love! xoxo

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  26. Yous Bobo was a handsum mancat. He sounds quite pawsum. Weez sendin' hugs.

    Luv ya'

    Dezi and Lexi

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  27. It sounds like Bobo was a very special fur child to you. How wonderful that you have such memories of him.

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    1. thank you. He was. He was my first cat as an adult. I have only had two. Yes, am blessed.

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  28. Bobo it feels as though you are sitting here with us right now. What a fellow you were and I have a feeling Cody gets some messages in his dreams as we do from our Angels.
    We send purrs to Caren and hope you are better and better can be.
    Timmy Dad and Family

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    1. Timmy what a BEAUTIFUL, BEAUTIFUL thought and I THANK YOU for sharing that. I think you are right, Cody is getting messages in his dreams from Bobo. Oh I love that and you made me smile!!!!! Sending (((hugs))) and love

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  29. What a beautiful tribute ! Hugs and purrs

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  30. Beautiful tribute. Bobo looks a little like TW’s heart cat Nicky. Hopefully they’re playing crinkle ball hockey together at the RB. I couldn’t participate on my blog but I am at TCC.

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  31. This is such a beautiful tribute to Bobo. The pain never really goes when you lose your heart cat, it just hides away in a corner just waiting to pop up taking us unawares. I think Cody found the carrier and can sense Bobo from it. Cats are aware of so much more than we will ever know.

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  32. Thank you for sharing Bobo with us. He was very special to you and we loved hearing about him.

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  33. Thank you for sharing these wonderful memories of Bobo. I too think Bobo is in communication with Cody - how else would the carrier be found! Love to you today.

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  34. Thank you for sharing...
    Have a wonderful weekend.

    Noodle and crew

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  35. Awe that is so sweet how Cody sleeps in Bobo's carrier! I am the same about my pets that have crossed the rainbow bridge's toys. I keep them in a special place.

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  36. Beautiful tribute to Bobo, he was very special.

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  37. What a wonderful tribute post to Bobo. You and Bobo's bond is as deep and lasting as Oskar and mine.
    luvs
    Kelly

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  38. Such a beautiful and heartfelt tribute to your sweet Bobo. What a special bond you had... and have.
    (((purrs)))

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  39. Very sweet post- we all love our kitties forever!

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  40. BoBo was so Grateful to you for saving him from the freezing weather and he knew you were his soul catmate! I understand keeping all of his things and keeping them separate. I have some of Abby's things in a special container I bought for her after she passed away. I haven't been able to go into it yet. I placed things inside 2 years ago now. One day I'll be strong enough.
    Purrs to you on this day of remembrance.

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  41. Caren, I am in tears. Your love for Bobo shines through like the sun. And certainly I understand that, as I felt the same for Lady Bianca, aka The Admiral. There is a brush I could never use on Katie that is Admiral's, and two food dishes that remain Admiral's alone. Other things were stored away with her curls, her whiskers and the blankie Ms Stella's mommy made for her. She went to the Bridge wrapped in that blankie. I'm in tears now thinking of it. I can't look at her dear things and some of her toys that remain hers. They hurt me to see. So, I understand your keeping Bobo's things just for him. Love his pink carrier! :-)

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    1. Katie (and Mom), thank you. That means so much. I KNOW how you loved The Admiral. I remember when I first started reading your posts about her, they were ALWAYS full of love. It tore me apart when The Admiral crossed the bridge because I KNEW how deeply you were hurting. I so remember that time vividly. Sometimes I can't look at Bobo's things either...still, after 8 yrs. That is why they are kept out of sight. It STILL tears me up. lol about the pink carrier, what was I thinking??!! lol. Sending much love!

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  42. so sweet... Sending big hugs and lots of love

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  43. What a sweet post! Bobo was a very beautiful kitty. We would have loved to meet him. Big hugs, Roxy & Tigerlino <3

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  44. I know how much Bobo meant to you, Caren, and this post is a lovely tribute to him. I enjoyed seeing the new photos of him! He reminds me a bit of a tiger cat we had in some of those pictures. I think it is so sweet that Cody sleeps in his carrier....I often think that our pets that are gone communicate things to our current pets that they know will make us happy. On a lighter note, I've never even seen a pink carrier before!

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  45. What a sweet post, Miss Caren. I really enjoyed learning about Bobo. We have loved reading all the remembrance posts and I hope this day has made the humans more happy than sad.

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  46. What love you had, and still have for your Bobo. He sure was a special kitty for you.
    Its great that you can still share him with all of us in this way, and he is much honored, we can see that fur sure:)
    Hugs and kitty kisses to you as you bare your heart and remember all the treasured moments and cherish them always.

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  47. What a lovely post, Bobo was so special and I am sure he is still with you, watching over you.

    Purrs and hugs xx
    Athena and Marie

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