Memories

It doesn't look much, does it?

And it isn't really.

Just an old sofa, with a few holes nibbled by successive pet hamsters, a broken zip and a hefty dose of crumbs/hamster poo down the side recesses.

But you would be surprised.


Today this sofa left us, and I'm feeling bizarrely bereft. We bought it in 2004, so for 10 years it has been part of the family. A spare bed for someone snoring too much, large enough for all the children to snuggle up fight on to watch a film before bed, cosy enough to fall asleep on in the quiet period after everyone is at school with a handful of cats to keep you company.

It's seen life, this sofa. I've fed twins on it, cuddled poorly babies on it, watched the Olympics on it and more recently it's hosted the family Lego Marvel Heroes hackathon. Impressive.

But today, after taking delivery of our new, best-of-sale replacement sofa it has gone to a new home.
Hoovered out and cleaned up a lovely young couple who responded to my free cycle add came to collect it - totally thrilled with their acquisition. Just starting out in life, they had been sitting on cushions on the floor - until tonight.  Tonight they have their first sofa, along with a 6 pack of Stella I threw in which had been in our garage since my brother went home last year. I think the "sofa warming" will be a good night!

But it's been a week of memories. Today my beloved elderly tabby went to the vet. At almost 18 it's no shock that's he's gradually ageing, fading and struggling. He'd developed a cyst on his shoulder which has grown rather rapidly so I thought it ought to be checked. Little was I expecting the big "C" word to be bandied around, and secondary "C" at that.

He was my first baby, just the two of us before son #1 came along. Credit where credit due, apart from the occasional "Timmy temper tantrum" he has coped with a husband and four children's arrivals, taking each step on the family ladder in his stride. He's always ruled the roost, dictated terms and has my mother completely under his paw. (Who else brings raw pork fillet for the cat after each new arrival??!)

I will never forget the time, approximately the same time we purchased the sofa actually, that I had registered as a Childminder and had prospective parents visiting. I proudly showed them our garden - only to discover Timmy had massacred a pigeon on the lawn...

Several times we have tried to add to the family with furry friends to "keep him company" ?! It hasn't gone well.

Although more recently he has completely given in and actually enjoys the company of our newer, more accepted felines. (Did you know I was also a "crazycatlady" ?!)

It will be a sad day indeed when the "Elder Statesman" of my furry companions order leaves me for that heavenly garden in the sky. He's been with me half my life and shared the highs and lows, celebrations and commiserations - always there, steadfast. (Actually I think he just wanted a second  third dinner....) I just hope Cat Heaven is stocking up on pork filet....

However I didn't wallow for long in my melancholy reminiscing though. Just a few moments ago my daughter shouted for me to come quickly... Apparently the guinea pig has just done a wee on the new sofa. 

Honestly. You couldn't make it up.