I lost my bestest friend today...

She is only a cat to some, to me a very very special friend. When I was homeless 12 years ago, I found her (the homeless part is another story) She was tiny and salt and pepper colored. Short hair slick as can be and fiesty! She was wee bit of kitten froma farm in Iowa, but I loved her spirit! 12 Years have passed, her name was Stoopid Baby. My friend when I was sad, my hiking companion, my protector, her at 5 pounds. She never grew much.
Over the past few days my friend keep hiding outside. I tracked her down, soaking up sunshine, avoiding me. I knew either I'd forgotten her favorite taste of cheese or she was sick. I called the vet, we are way out in the country. They closed. Monday was the earliest. So, I brought her skinny silvery self inside. Two hours later Houdini was gone again. I found her in the mourning. Thinner, colder, sadder than ever. I gave her soup, some filtered water. She refused. She cried and called me names. We all have heard how our feline friends can do that. Leave me alone, go away etc. Sunday night she stopped, she watched me from my office , she refused to look at me. I curled up on the floor next to her, singing her name softly to her. She laid her head in the palm of my hand and slept.
Vet time, Monday. She calls me, ever so softly, weakly, her eyes meeting mine.
We go to the doctor, he tells me words I don't wish to hear. They bring the needle, to release her from pain and time. She once again lays her head in my hand, her soft paws curl around my fingers. She sighs once more..she is gone. Now it is just my pain and loneliness...My bestest friend is gone.
I am reminded..Absent from the body present with the Lord. I hope she remembers me, is waiting for me when it's my time.
Good by Stoopid baby, I Love You.