Thursday, December 11, 2014

The End of a Long, Valiant Effort

Orbit passed away last night.  My wife and I are heartbroken, and this place just isn't the same without him here.  We held him in our arms until the very end, and it's hard to keep the tears back.
     We miss him terribly, and will always remember him for the sweet, loving, entertaining cranky old fart that he was.

71 comments:

Brian's Home Blog said...

Oh dear friends, we are so very sorry to hear about Orbit and it breaks our hearts too. There are no words, so we send you our best purrs and all our love. Run free Orbit, I shall remember you and your friendship forever.

Quinn and Angel brandi said...

We are so glad Orbit left this world in your arms. It is a sweet memory, maybe not now, but later you will remember all the love. I still miss brandi, but I treasure those last minutes in my arms at home. Orbit was getting so tired of his earthly body and his pain and was very sorry to leave you, but it was time.
Many hugs,
Carol

Random Felines said...

oh no.....we are SO very sorry. there is never enough time - no matter the circumstances. we are sending gentle purrs.....

Angel Junior, Orion and Sammy said...

We are so sorry for your loss.

Jans Funny Farm said...

We have been reading some of your recent posts and we can see you took excellent care of Orbit. We are sorry for your loss. He was evidently a character.

Alastriona, The Cats and Dogs said...

We are so sads to hear about Orbit, Purrs of sympathy and comfort for your loss.

The Island Cats said...

We're so very sorry. We send you comforting purrs and gentle headbutts. RIP, Orbit...you will be missed.

cheryl said...

oh, woes! the meowers from missouri just discovered dear orbit a week or two ago--but we feels his loss keenly. our brofur, edmund, passed recently, so we knows how awful you feels. we sends purrs & prayers for peaceful hearts.

Summer said...

I am so sorry. Even though it was his time and I'm sure he was ready to leave, that knowing still can't fill the hole he left. My human and I are heartbroken along with you.

Robyn and The (Mostly) Badass Cat said...

I'm so sorry. *hugs*

Marg said...

Oh I am so sorry that Orbit had to go. Just know that you sure gave him the best chance ever and that he was well loved until the end. It is so so sad when we lose your fur friends. We sure send may purrs and some mighty big hugs.

Marg said...

Oh I am so sorry that Orbit had to go. Just know that you sure gave him the best chance ever and that he was well loved until the end. It is so so sad when we lose your fur friends. We sure send may purrs and some mighty big hugs.

Donna said...

Rest in peace.

Laila and Angel Minchie said...

Our hearts are breaking for you on the loss of your handsome mancat, Orbit. RIP sweet boy.

Kwee Cats and Art said...

We are so very sorry to learn of Orbit leaving. We sure understand how quiet it is afterwards. Hugs and purrs to you.

pilch92 said...

I am so sorry for the loss of your beautiful boy.

Zoolatry said...

We share your sadness, and send our purrs, our prayers.
Fondly,
Ann

Maggie @ Shelter Cats said...

I'm so sorry for your loss. It's very hard, even when you know that it's the right time to let go.

NanaNor's said...

So very sorry for your loss. Sending warm hugs your way.
Noreen & Hunter

Katnip Lounge said...

I am so sorry to bid your sweet old curmudgeon farewell...it's fitting that he chose his own time and place to journey forward.

Bon Voyage, Orbit, until we meet again.

Karen Jo said...

I am so sorry that Orbit ran off to the Rainbow Bridge. If he had to go, it was wonderful that he left from your arms, the better to carry your love with him. I send hugs and the kitties send comforting purrs.

Karen Jo and the Kitties

Ivan from WMD said...

We are crying right along with you. We know how hard this is and how it will be for a very long time. Purrs to you both.

Adiós, Orbit, until we meet again.

Fuzzy Tales said...

We just saw the news and wanted to leave our purrs and purrayers for you. We're so sorry...We know he had a wonderful life with you, but we also know that doesn't matter to hearts that are broken. Our wish for you right now is healthy grieving, and peace on the other side of that darkness. Please give yourselves the time and space you need to journey through this and know that his energy/spirit always will be with you.

Peace and universal blessings to you.

Nicki, Derry and Kim

Stacy Hurt said...

We join the others in sending our love and hugs and purrs for dear Orbit.
xoxo
Ms Stella O Houligan

ANGEL ABBYGRACE said...

I am so very very sorry for your loss. We have followed along for many years reading and learning about Orbit. I know how empty it feels without him and how everything will remind you of him. I am so happy you have so many memories, one day when time has helped to begin to heal your sadness, those very memories will serve to bring you joy. I believe he waits at the Rainbow Bridge for you, and one day there will be a grand reunion. But just know he will always reside forever loved within your hearts.

Old Kitty said...

Oh no. :-(

We are so so so sorry. Orbit you beautiful soul - we fell in love with you the moment we found your blog and adored your journey keeping a wise and wonderful watch over your mum and dad. We will miss your unique and magnificent presence and send your family all the comfort and purrs in the universe. Run free now, beautiful.

Take care
x

Angel Simba said...

I am so sorry for your loss. Unfortunately I didn't know Orbit while he was here on Earth, but I am sure there will be many friends to greet him at the Rainbow Bridge. Purrs and nosekissies,
Simba

Mickey's Musings said...

We are so sad to learn Orbit is gone.
We know how hard it is to say goodbye to a cherished friend that you have loved for so many years.
We send you comforting purrs and headbumps.
Purrs Georgia and Julie,
Treasure and JJ
and the mom

Cats Herd You said...

We were so sad to hear this news. We're sending lots of purrs and hugs to your family.

Meowers from Missouri said...

We is so furry sorry to hear that Orbit has gone to the bridge, but happy to hear that he left from your loving arms. blessings and peace to you all!

Samantha & Mom said...

So sorry to hear about Orbit. So sweet he went in your arms. Lots of hugs and purrs for your loss.
Samantha

Pattyskypants said...

We're sad to hear this and send lots of purrs and hugs to help you heal! xoxo patty and bhu

Angels Amber and Max DaWeenie and Mom said...

My deepest sympathy to you and your family. I know Orbit left you with so many good memories. Always keep these safe in your heart.

Kitties Blue said...

i was saddened to hear of your loss and wanted to leave my condolences and let you know you are in my thoughts and prayers as you mourn the loss of Orbit. Hugs, Janet and purrs from, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo

Louche Tabby said...

Mousie and I send our condolences.

Fr. Tom Fish said...

Sending comforting purrs at this sad time. x

Tinker, Anastasia, Chopin
and Bridgie with Mom Julie

Colehaus Cats said...

We are so sorry to hear that Orbit was needed at the Bridge. Thank you for loving him and holding him until the end. He knew he was loved. Sending comforting purrs....

SuziQCat said...

So very sorry for your loss. We are sending purrs of comfort to you tonight.

Oui Oui said...

We are sorry Orbit had to leave you and we are purring for all his loved left behind. It's the end of an era, and that is always so very sad. Our condolences and comforting purrs to you all.

Mariodacat said...

I was so sorry to hear about Orbit. It's so hard when our precious furbabies have to cross that bridge. You gave him a loving home for so many years. He was well fed, cared for, played with, and dearly loved. I'm sure he loved you in return. A big HUG from My M for his humans! WE totally understand what it is like.

JC said...

I am so sorry !!!

XO,
JC and The Purr and Fur Gang

Just Ducky said...

Comforting purrs to you on Orbit going to The Bridge. He will live on in your hearts.

Marty the Manx said...

Stopping by to leave comforting purrs for you all. So very sorry Orbit had to leave.
Marty

Furries said...

I'm so very sorry for your loss. Orbit was obviously a dearly loved companion and I hope it is a comfort to you that you were able to be with him until the end. I'm sure he felt your love.

Catio Tales said...

I am so very very sorry to wake up and read this. I have just lit a candle on our catio, but we are sure Orbit is safely in the next life and I will look for his tail whapping around in the auroras I am lucky enough to see here sometimes.
No words can help, but can I please thank you for all the love has shone through on this blog. Orbit, the cranky old git, brightened up the blogosphere but despite his critique of life and his humans, what came across most of all was the love that you all had for each other and will always have.
Godspeed orbit, and to Mum and Dad strength to get through this.
Karin

Angel Prancer Pie said...

We are so saddened to hear this. Orbit's blog always brought a smile to our faces. Sending you lots of comfort and purrs. Thank you for loving him til the end.
XOXOXO

Anonymous said...

We never met your sweet Orbit but have popped over to send our love..we all know the pain and feel your sadness..rest well sweet one..hugs and loves Fozziemum and gang xxx

Memories of Eric and Flynn said...

I am so sorry for your loss. We never met Orbit, but I know how heartbroken you are and the pain of emptiness you feel. Treasure the memories of good times. They will help you through the hard days and months ahead until the pain softens.

bichonpawz said...

We are so very sorry to hear about the passing of Orbit. Our hearts go out to you. May your memories comfort you during this difficult time. xo Chloe, LadyBug, and mama Jeanne

Everycat said...

We are so sorry to learn that grand senior mancat, Orbit has gone to The Bridge. He could not have been more loved and cared for in his final weeks. May happy memories of Orbit fill your hearts soon. Sending love and purrs to you all

Luff
Mungo
& Jane xx

MISS PEACH ~(^.^)~ said...

We are dreadfully sad to read that your beautiful kitty Orbit has left your arms for the heavens above. I loved the pictures of your kindness to him in his last weeks...we all know the road you are traveling this sad day...maybe memories comfort you both as you wrap them in an Orbit shaped hole in your hearts...
We care very much at the cozy cottage...Love Karla and Hope and Hunny Bunny

Anonymous said...

We just heard about your loss and wanted to stop by to say we didn't have to KNOW you to be sad for you....it sounds like Orbit had a very long and comfy life up to the end and spent his last moments in the safest, best spot on earth - in your arms. Now he's running free over the Bridge, young and healthy FOREVER. He'll be in your hearts and souls always.......

Hugs, Sammy and Mom Pam

CATachresis said...

We are so very sorry for the loss of Orbit! Though we didn't know him, we understand the heartbreak you are going through. Sending purrs and hugs to you, Caro and Austin x0x

Timmy Tomcat said...

We are all here with leaky eyes after hearing the news about dear Orbit. We loved visiting our cranky old furend. The love and care given to Orbit was so wonderful and he had a long and good life that was reflected in every post.
Fly free and watch over us dear pal until that day when we all meet again, young and fit, in the land of sunshine and warm breeze with just the right amount of shade to lie in.
Love Purrs and Prayers from us all!

Timmy, Dad Pete, Toby, Buddy, Rumpy, Buttons, Fitz and Einstein

Zoolatry said...

We made a memory photo for Orbit, but the email on your profile page is incorrect. If at some time you would like to email us, we can send the photo to you via reply mail. Thank you. We're zoolatry at gmail dot com.

Jackie, Sadie, Itty, and Little Boy said...

I am so sorry for your loss. I always loved checking in on him and will miss his crankiness.

Marilia said...

Oh noes! RIP Orbit!
To the family: receive my sincere condolences.

Just Mags said...

So sorry to hear of the passing of your sweet Orbit. Warm gentle hugs and purrs for you all. Mumsy and Pooh

Eastside Cats said...

Rest in peace, Orbit! Your humans loved you with all their might, honey! Thank you for blogging; you've been a wonderful, curmudgeonly cat and it's been a pleasure to know you. Purrs to your humans.

CatInTheFridge said...

We are so sorry for your loss. We know how you feel - we lost our 15 year old in August and were able to hold him until the very end, too. It's heartbreaking, but you did a wonderful thing giving him a home until his very last moments. Sending you lots of purrs of comfort. - Crepes and Alana.

Elvira & Sneakers said...

Just learned about the passing of Orbit and came by to share our purrs and purrayers and say how fun and interesting to read some of the recent and older posts, including from 2011.

Living over 20 years is quite the accomplishment and Orbit clearly made the decision that it was OK to give it a rest and leave this mortal coil at last.

Such a beautiful cat and so camera friendly, too!

The Boys and Karen said...

We just learned about the loss of your special little man cat, Orbit. We're glad you were able to be together at this difficult time.

We're sending lots of purrs and head butts.

da tabbies o trout towne said...

.... and St Francis said, "Come little one, there is nothing more I can do for you here, don't be afraid"

......and St Francis gently picked up Orbit and carried him into the kingdom of heaven

.....when the little cat looked around, he realized everything St Francis told him on his journey was true

....heaven was beautiful beyond what mere words could express

...... and Orbit saw there was no pain, suffering, fear, sickness, hunger, thirst or sorrow, until he looked down and saw the family and friends he had left behind

......and for a very brief moment, the little cat too, was filled with sorrow.

....then St Francis bestowed Orbit with a set of wings and said, "Use them to return to your family, when their need is the greatest, as nothing can separate your bond of love. Hold each other in your hearts and your memories, until you are reunited again at heaven's door."

..... and when the little cat tried on his wings, he knew nothing was impossible...... when there is....love

God's speed our friend, we know you're not all about "sap", but this is our prayer to your mom and dad...we hope it gives them a small measure of comfort.

You fought a good fight and gave it your all buddy, you
will be missed....we love ya dood
♥♥♥♥♥

Boomer, Dai$y, Tuna...and Dude and Sauce too

Fur Everywhere said...

We are so very sorry! It is absolutely devastating when our fur babies have to run off to the Rainbow Bridge. ::soft hugs:: and purrs <3

jaydee said...

I'm so very, very sorry and saddened by this news of the loss of your beloved Orbit. I know how you are feeling, and I know how your hearts are broken, how painful this loss is. I lost my boy, Little B, who was nearing 9 years old, this past February. Like Orbit, he died gently, peacefully, in my arms, knowing how very much he was loved by all of us.

I will light a candle for your beautiful Orbit tonight. Our collective love for him will light his way, just as it did for my Little B.

Death cannot steal from us that love and that love we share with our beloved furry companions. They will forever remain in our hearts.

Be kind and gentle with yourselves now, and know that Orbit knew how very much he was loved, and how very much he loved you, as well.

John Bellen said...

Poor Orbit. Even if you know it's coming, the loss of a loved one is very bad; sometimes it's worse for knowing. But a part of him will live forever, in your hearts and memories, and elsewhere. Godspeed, Orbit.

The Whiskeratti said...

We just read of his passing on another blog. We know what it is like to be parted with a loved one; we wanted to offer our sincerest condolences for your loss.

Ann Boyajian said...

We are so sorry for your huge loss. We have not been blogging lately or following other blogs as closely as we should. We understand your pain. We have been there. It is a truly heartbreaking time. Know that your blog friends are purring for you.

Harvey Button said...

We did not know Orbit well, but we grieve with you at his passing. You loved his heaps and heaps and we know your heart hurt now.

You do not grieve alone,

Harvey, Miranda, Silver and Marjorie

Cathy Keisha said...

I’ve come by to pay my respects to Orbit. *bows head* I’m sending comforting purrz to those he left behind.

Kjelle Bus aka Charlie Rascal said...

We are so sorry to read that Orbit have left to the bridge.
Sending lot´s of (((purrs))) and huggies