As I have reflected on our time together, I realized he's been with me for nearly 40% of my single and childless life. I only had one cat and he was it. My kid.

But it's the fun times and the quiet times that I will miss. Lazy Sundays reading or watching TV with him napping by my side. Him bringing me his favorite toy in the morning...I'd like to think, just because I was a great cat mama. Watching him honor his inner lion when he pounced. And watching him play with his toys right up until the end as if he were still a baby.

On the day he went to the bridge, the vet said something to me that I will never forget. The vet said, "He was lucky to have you." Funny, I always thought it was the other way around. But yet, that is love. A mutual exchange of affection. We loved each other. No matter what theories are out there about animals and humans, I know that my experience with Samson was love in one of its purest forms. I am a better person for having that experience. My heart is broken yes, but also open because of my life with Samson.