Once upon a time, a mom embarked on an adventure with her son, their two corgis, and Jasper – the cat in the backpack. They traveled by car from Upstate New York to Western Washington over the course of three weeks. They visited amazing places, slept in random motels, ate whatever they could forage along the interstates and highways, and listened to the soundtrack of Hamilton at least 300 times straight.
When you eat BBQ in St. Louis with dogs at your feet and a cat in a backpack on the bench next to you, people want to hear your stories. But your wounds are fresh and still gaping wide. You don’t tell them that you are escaping from hell and that you can’t stop looking over your shoulder. Instead, you tell them funny tales from your journey. And then you go back to your car where your son puts the cat in the backpack on his lap for another few hundred miles, his hand zipped in so he can connect with the comforting warmth of his feline friend.
After the crime, Jasper anchored my son, keeping him calm when memories of what had happened did their best to drown him. Jasper helped him keep his head above water. And this connection of theirs didn’t end after we made it all the way west. Jasper’s calm presence grounded my son and provided reassurance as he navigated the challenges he faced on any given day.
He did the same for me. The first time I saw him in a shelter stocked full of kittens, he was lying upside down in a hammock, looking up at me. As I neared the cage, he started talking and I knew he was mine. He was a tiny little thing with enormous green eyes. I was in love.
This week, after more than fifteen years together, it came time to say goodbye. Now, our house is too quiet and our laps too empty. I keep expecting Jasper to call to me, to round the corner, or come running down the stairs to greet me as I walk in the door at the end of the day.
I am so thankful for our time together. Jasper’s unwavering and patient love taught my son how to survive a terrible experience by focusing on something good. This is a lesson that will help Mr. C through whatever trials life dishes out in the years to come. But Jasper was so much more than this. He was gentle and funny, smart and curious. He was a cat who didn’t mind traveling as long as he was with us. He was a cat who never stopped talking. He made us laugh every single day. He was lovely.
Travel on, Jasper. You will always be our wonderful cat in the backpack.
Wish I had known Jasper. I remember reading your posts on your cross-country trip and wondering how you got a cat in a backpack! It’s great that you and Mr. C have those memories and so many photos! ❤️
Thank you. He was a special creature and I’m thankful for all of the memories!
Cats…always had one, always will. We speak the same language…I sleep best with a cat curled nearby. The way to honor Jasper is by making room for the next cat who talks his way into your heart.
Me too. Jasper always slept on my hip so not having him there is taking some getting used to after 15 years. But Hazel is stepping up. She’s been snuggling with us during the night. And I agree, another cat will find us or we will find them. However, it’s probably not time yet. Barnaby is having some issues and I think it makes sense to see him through before we introduce anyone new into the mix.
Karie, what a beautiful and touching tribute to such a special cat! He was so many special things to each of you, and he was definitely a talker!
Love you guys,
Dad
Thanks, Dad. Love you too!
Jasper, connection, forever heartstrings quivering and dancing throughout your lives. Never enough time with and for those we love. The love never disappears for the heartstrings continue to quiver and dance throughout eternity dear ones. Love endures.
Forever blessings,
Mom
Love you!