The White White House: Cali 1997-2013

Sunny and Cali

We got Cali, almost 16 years ago. She was a shop kitten at McGregor Downs, where Webb once worked. Webb always knew that I wanted a calico and so one afternoon, a few months after we married, he brought Cali home from work. I knew we didn't need two cats but how could I send such a cute little kitten away? We have enjoyed many years with her.

Cali used to sleep with us, up until a few years ago when I discovered that I have severe cat alleriges. Jackson said this about her in a story he dictated while in kindergarten:
"Cali stares at me sometimes and tries to wake me up. She licks my hand at night when I sleep."

Some of my best memories of Cali are more recent. She loved to curl up on the rug in front of the fire on cold winter days. She looked so peaceful and happy. In the last year, she had become especially fond of Webb and would sit in his lap each time he got comfortable in the recliner. We would laugh about it.

I took a picture recently of us on the couch with her. She didn't care that we were crowded. She just wanted to be with us or maybe she just wanted warm bodies. Ha! She seemed to be more affectionate this past year. Maybe she knew that she wasn't going to be with us much longer.

She was a spry 16-year-old until about two weeks ago. She would often run up the stairs in a sprint. She was still very playful and we would jokingly say that she was 6 and not 16. Most nights, she had a routine; once we settled into our beds, she would howl. Sunny, her older sister had done this for many years so I guess Cali decided to continue the tradition.

We bought her a case of Fancy Fest from BJ's last week. I'm so glad that we did. She enjoyed many cans each day, since then.

Our memorial, thanks to Holly and family

We said goodbye to her today. My heart is so heavy. Jackson is taking it hard. Sawyer says he doesn't want Cali to go to Heaven......but we've had 16 wonderful years with her. She's had a great life and she brought us much happiness and joy along the way.

As we watched Webb drive away with her, a butterfly flew up to the porch where we were sitting. Butterflies are always God's reminder to me of his promises and new life. I believe Cali is enjoying her new home and that we will be reunited with her again one day.