Grand Champion Galidorn's Marilyn Monrex of Woodsprite
May 5, 1991 - March 5, 2008
After almost seventeen years, my favorite traveling companion and best bed buddy left me for the final journey she had to do on her own, and crossed the Rainbow Bridge. I've been through a lot of changes in 17 years. The Divine Miss Marilyn has been my only constant.
She wasn't the kitten I was supposed to get. Good friend Deborah Kane of Galidorn Devon Rex offered me a lovely calico kitten to use as a foundation for my own breeding program. (CH) Galidorn's Barbara Gordon of Woodsprite ("Babs") was cute, spunky and personable... BUT... when I laid eyes on her litter sister, The Divine Miss Marilyn, I was completely, truly, hopelessly smitten.
Yes, I took both girls home. Marilyn, however, was the only cat or kitten I ever promised would never leave my home.
Equal parts ditziness and intense concentration, one minute she'd look at you like she'd never seen you before, and the next she'd be on your chest, patting at your face trying to get your attention. No matter how many times you could set her down, she'd pop right back up and persistently push her way into your attention. Then, when she'd had enough, she'd wander off, but toss questions and comments over her shoulder as she ambled from room to room.
Like all true divas, the Divine Miss Marilyn had a full actresses range of volume, tone, and vibrato -- everything from whispered "meffs" to sweet-voiced queries to full-throated, Marlena Dietrich moans, to outboard motor purrs that could be heard across the room.
I kept my promise.
I miss her terribly already. I wish I could do this tribute better. Maybe later, when it doesn't hurt this much.
_____
If any of you are in the memorial spirit, I would request that donations go the Morris Animal Foundation.
She wasn't the kitten I was supposed to get. Good friend Deborah Kane of Galidorn Devon Rex offered me a lovely calico kitten to use as a foundation for my own breeding program. (CH) Galidorn's Barbara Gordon of Woodsprite ("Babs") was cute, spunky and personable... BUT... when I laid eyes on her litter sister, The Divine Miss Marilyn, I was completely, truly, hopelessly smitten.
Yes, I took both girls home. Marilyn, however, was the only cat or kitten I ever promised would never leave my home.
Equal parts ditziness and intense concentration, one minute she'd look at you like she'd never seen you before, and the next she'd be on your chest, patting at your face trying to get your attention. No matter how many times you could set her down, she'd pop right back up and persistently push her way into your attention. Then, when she'd had enough, she'd wander off, but toss questions and comments over her shoulder as she ambled from room to room.
Like all true divas, the Divine Miss Marilyn had a full actresses range of volume, tone, and vibrato -- everything from whispered "meffs" to sweet-voiced queries to full-throated, Marlena Dietrich moans, to outboard motor purrs that could be heard across the room.
I kept my promise.
I miss her terribly already. I wish I could do this tribute better. Maybe later, when it doesn't hurt this much.
_____
If any of you are in the memorial spirit, I would request that donations go the Morris Animal Foundation.
59 comments:
That is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful diva! I remember when she was here and I was convinced she was part dog. I so enjoyed her visit! My heart goes out to you honey. Love ya!
I'm so sorry Leslie. I wish I would have met her. I know she was an important part of your life. Give me a call if you need anything.
Leslie, I'm so sorry. I knew you had deep feelings for her.
Walrilla
Leslie,
I am so sorry to hear about Marilyn. I was thinking about you last night, more than usual, and knowing how you would have enjoyed being with all the friends who had amassed.
I will speak to you soon. God bless.
Dana
Leslie,
I'm so sorry! There's nothing that I can say to make you feel any better, so I'll just give you a virtual hug and wish for the pain to go away quickly. *hugs*
Leslie, both SWMBO and I offer our deepest condolences. We know how much you'll miss her...
I'm so terribly sorry to hear this news, Leslie. Losing our best furry friends...it's a hurt unlike any other. My condolences to you.
I'm really sorry for your loss Leslie. This is just like losing a "family member" and honey....I know it's rough.
I'm sending lots of love, hugs and MORE hugs to ya'.
Ms Sandy
Oh, Leslie...I'm so sorry.
Leslie,
I am so sorry to hear of your loss. It sucks. Wish I had some words to make it better. How about a cyber hug?
Oh, Leslie--I'm so so sorry. You've got a kitty angel now, and I know it hurts. Gentle hugs.
Oh, Leslie, I am so very sorry. Please know I'm crying with you; she was a very special lady with a very special mama. We all send our love and sympathy -- I'll talk to you soon.
Love, Judy
and Don and Fritz and Armie
Iam SO sorry for your loss! I will miss her pictures that you post. She truly was a unique and beautiful girl.
((Leslie))
Oh Les! I'm glad that you both enjoyed each other for so many years! We'll toast the Miss when I see you tomorrow.
Barrie
Her light still shines in the hearts of all who loved her so. I am heartbroken at your loss.
I came over from Livey's page. I am so sorry. I know how you feel. I lost my cat Obo after 15 years. He was the only friend I had for a long time after my parents divorced. Anyway, my heart goes out to you. Each day will get a little better.
God bless!
I'm so sorry Leslie for your loss. I'm going through a similar loss right now too as our dog Darby passed yesterday. I saw your post listed on the memorium post at the Ark and had to come over and offer my condolences and empathy.
Oh Leslie, I'm so sorry. You'll miss her for a long time, I know.
I hope you got some sleep last night. That first night is the hardest. I just caught the "Marlena Dietrich moans" in that post and remembered how I thought she was yelling at me!
My prayers are with you hun. Love ya!
I like to listen to the musical CATS frequently in my van. While I reading your tribute to The Divine Miss Marilyn I can hear one of the players in CATS singing your words. A better tribute, I think your love for her shows thru clearly and for ever. so much of what you are and will be is due to this Delightful Cat.
We can all delight in the future as you remind us why she is a Diva - be it in your lap or waiting at the Rainbow Bridge. Nancy and I can feel good knowing that our Friends "da Brain, Pinky, DC and Precious Pup have someone as special as her to play with as the await our arrival at the Bridge.
When I was told - my tail - its a draggin.
I'm so sorry Leslie. I know you will miss her terribly. But how wonderful you have 17 years of memories. May those help to ease the loneliness.
I am so very sorry for your loss. ((hugs))
We are so very sorry for your loss. We all loved Marilyn from afar!
Purrs and prayers...
oh MomLeslie, we are so sad and mommy's eyes are leaking. Miss Marilyn was so beautiful. She will be waiting for you at the Bridge! Thank you for giving her 17 wonderful love filled years. Our hearts are breaking for you.
Rest well sweet Marilyn, we will see you at The Bridge.
Sammy and Miles and Billy and MeezerMomMary
we will be purrayin fer yu. miss marilyn sounded like she wuz a fery speshul gurl.
y2k
yuki & kimiko & kintaro
and momsbusy
We are so sorry for your loss and we will purrr and purray for you during this time! Miss Marilyn was a special kitty.
Your FL furiends,
Mom Leslie, our hearts are breaking for you. Your love for Miss Marilyn shines through your memorial to her, and will let her live forever in your heart. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.
Sharolyn
& all the Artsy Catsy kitties
What a lovely tribute to Miss Marilyn. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time.
This was a fine tribute. The ones directly from the heart are always the best.
We didn't know Marilyn. We read about her on the Cat Blogosphere. But our Food Source had The One Who Came Before for thirteen years, across four states, and about ten jobs. He knows how deep a loss like this can cut.
ppuurrrrrrrrr
(forgive us if this showed up twice; our connection, or browser, or computer, or something, is getting a bit weird; we weren't sure it made it through the first time, if there was a first time)
What a beautiful tribute to a beautiful kitty! Our hearts and our purrs are with you.
All the Ballicai: MaoMao, Brainball, Dorydoo, and Marilyn MonREOW
I am so sorry, I never got to know Marilyn because I just started my blog. I wish I had, she was a beautiful kitty. Your tribute was wonderful, and I feel like I did know her. Writing from the heart is always the best. When my mommy lost her Leo the Lion last year she used to sit and write him letters all the time.
Purrs to you.
A beautiful tribute for your beautiful shining star Marilyn!
We wish you strength, and you're in our thoughts...
love,
Bubbbles & the kitty gang
(housecats, cornish rex and persians)
We're so sorry to hear about your sweet Marilyn. It is so hard to lose a friend after so long. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
--Jasper
I am so very sorry for your loss. I know that it must hurt lots and lots. You have 17 years of wonderful memories to help you through this difficult time. I wish you all the best.
I am sorry to hear about Miss Marilyn. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Pixel and karen
Oh Leslie this is a very sad time for you right now. What a stunning beautiful kitty she was. I am also a Devon rex and know how special WE can be. I purrray that your many memories will bring your broken heart some comfort over the next times. They will be empty but full of bits and pieces here and there to get you through.
Know how much I care...
Soft head bumps...Miss Peach
My heart breaks for you. I know how much this hurts, and I know it takes time to heal.
Prayers to you...
I am so sorry to hear this, and know that you are in our thoughts!
LW
Sorry for your loss. I know you loved that kitty to death. When Fluffy got killed a few months ago, I cried for two weeks. If I can help, email me, Cat
Oh MomLeslie, that was a beautiful tribute to a beautiful girl! It's clear why she was a champion, looks and character. We are so sorry for your loss, but we're sure she is waiting for you healthy and whole on the other side of the bridge.
Purrs,
Pearl, Bert & Jake
We are so sorry Leslie! The Divine Miss Marilyn was clearly well loved and she knew it. Your tribute is beautiful. She'll be watching over you forever. With time, your pain will ease but you will never forget her love.
Bonnie, Victor, and Tabbymom
We're so sorry to hear that the Devine Miss Marilyn has gone to the Bridge. We hope the happy memories of her and the love she brought brings you comfort.
Oh, how sad to lose such a devoted friend!
We will purr and light a candle tonight in her memory.
Toby, Cupcake and Mum Kate
Oh Leslie this has made us weep with you, for such a beautiful friendship. And your loss. The memories will always remain, I can still hear my Echo Baby in the shadows from our 19 year love affair. If comfort came in words, we would all know what to say, but truth is, comfort comes in purrs and nose kisses.
Truly a fitting Memorial to the beautiful Divine Miss Marilyn. May her travels always remain with you in your secret place reserved for such two meant for each other in this world. She will be missed by us as well and thank you for sharing Marilyn while she was here. Lives are enriched by such kindness.
Our tears and our heart for you Leslie, with all our love and condolences.
Sweet Peace Miss Marilyn, For Always and For Ever
megan and bad kitty cats...
Oh my...I am sorry.
I know how this feels. My oldest little lady was 16 when she left me.
I still have her photos on my dresser.
I'm so sorry for your loss. This was a beautiful tribute to her.
It's been seven years since my kitty, Moko passed away and I still can't look at her pictures or talk about her without getting teary-eyed. My heart goes out to you.
Many many purrs of consolation from the feline denizens here, and from the simians you get many virtual hugs.
When next you go outside and stand in the wind and hear in it something softly purring by, know who it is and smile sadly. The body may go away but the spirit is always there for you.
But you'll miss the touch, won't we all ?
Leslie, I'm so sorry for your loss. We lost our 16ish year old cat last summer. He came in through our kitty door, liked what he saw, and he stayed for 13 years. I know how Miss Marilyn enhanced your life and how you did the same for her. Anne
We are so sorry for the loss of your beloved family member. You wrote a beautiful tribute! Our thoughts are with you!
We are sorry dat dis beootyfull kitty left your side furevfur. We purray dat she will be by your side az an angel. We know how sad it iz to loze someone dat you love.
We are so sorry for your loss. We can tell from your tribute that Miss Marylin was a beautiful cat and a wonderful companion for so many years.
Sorry to be catching this news so late Leslie...deepest condolences from your pal up north.
So sorry to hear of Miss Marilyn's passing. I know she meant a lot to you. We've missed you at the get-togethers. See you next week. God bless and take care. Walt.
I'm so sorry to hear about your loss. Miss Marilyn sounds like an extraordinary kitty and it's sad to hear she's left us all. :(
This was a lovely tribute to Miss Marilyn and I am very sorry for you loss....
Abby, Boo, Ping, Jinx and Gracie and Mom Debra
Leslie, I'm sooo sorry! I'm not sure people who don't have pets realize how important they are to our lives. We'll see our girls some day on the other side of the "Bridge."
Nancy V.
We are so sorry to hear that The Divine Miss Marilyn has crossed to The Bridge. We know that you are feeling great grief and missing her terribly, but she'll be playing in the meadow, waiting until she meets you again one day.
I'm just catching up on reading everyone & saw this - I am so very sorry for your loss. I still slip sometimes & call Crumpet or Boo 'Sydney' and wish I could hear her talking to me with her half purr/half meow. Dangit, now I'm crying... gotta go, but I pray your heart heals quickly but the memories stay forever.
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