Cats are family members. There’s no way around that any longer. All of our pets fill a hole in our heart that will remain long after they have transitioned to their next life. And there’s a deep sense of loss, because many of us see our felines as another child. So when a lovely woman lost her beloved feline of 21 years, her family knew one way to help her heal from that loss. Fortunately her son is the amazing director and actor, Kevin Smith, also known to many Gen X’ers as “Silent Bob”. And he did NOT stay silent on this beautiful moment.
Kevin brings his mother to the best place for her to heal.
With his obvious genius shining through, he knew the best place to bring his grieving mother, Grace. They happily spent time at the Orlando Cat Cafe in Clermont, FL loving on all the kitties there. Because Kitty Therapy IS certainly the best medicine!
Her 21 year old kitty Princess passed away last week – so to take her mind off it, I took my Mom to the @orlandocatcafe! Look at how damned happy she is! From meow on, I’m gonna try to live life as joyfully as Amazing Grace in a room full of #cats! #KevinSmith #catsofinstagram
The love for Princess was deep.
In spring 2023, Grace was admitted to the hospital where she remained for about 10 weeks! Thankfully she was well cared for and fought off numerous life threatening days. But she missed her cat Princess severely. Knowing how much her feline companion ment to her, the family gifted her a Princess pillow to hug and kiss. Look at the joy in her face!
Sweet Grace turns 79 in December of 2024, and she’s been in and out of the hospital showing the resiliency and strength the bloodline has. The family continues to do all they can to shower her with love and support, and the online community does the same. To see Grace happy seems to make the world happy. And what easier way to do that then with sweet kitty faces?
No, they did not leave with a new family member.
While everyone’s first comment is usually “adopt another cat ASAP!”, the healing process is different for every person. When, and IF, it is time to welcome a new family member, it must be done when the time is right. With senior cat lovers, you also need to prepare for what would happen when they themselves transition. Caring for pets can be difficult when you need to focus on your own health. But that is where having a caring and understanding family helps bring that love into their lives.
All photos/screenshots from IG @thatkevinsmith
And at this time, what Mr. Smith’s mother needed was to be surrounded by love. Love in the form of furry, four legged, healing purr’ers! Which clearly the cafe has in bulk!!!!
Thank you so much to Kevin Smith, the Orlando Cat Cafe and mama Grace for sharing this heartwarming story with all of us!
