In Memoriam - Stefanie

–5th May 2010

Stefanie walked into our hearts and lives on September 26th 1993. I have recounted the story of her arrival many times over the years, and it is my pleasure to do so again.

Our house was filled with cats, as our organization "Cats Are People Too!" was flourishing. In need of more time in my days, I had sadly ended my career working for the actress Stefanie Powers and we remained good friends. So, I was on the phone, chatting to Stefanie one lovely Saturday afternoon when a frantic plea for help came loudly blaring from our 2nd telephone line.

The caller indicated that the scared couple had a potentially vicious or feral cat in their back yard and were panic stricken. Soft-hearted Stef immediately insisted I help the cat, and go right away, but I refused, telling her we didn't go out on these kinds of calls, but promising I would find someone to help them. Of course anyone who knows Stefanie Powers would know I was fighting a losing battle...

I finally gave in and went along with gloves, a carrier and lots of trepidation as spitting and furious wild cats were not my line!! The young couple rushed me to their back yard and promptly shut the door for safety—theirs!! I had no choice but to advance carefully towards the back fence and bushes where the vicious cat had been spotted several times...Well, long story short.....out walked a beautiful long haired, tawny cat, who meowed sweetly at me and imperiously requested I accompany her behind a small shrubbery, where I was formally introduced to her four kittens....and asked what on earth had taken me so long!

Once home the Mother cat took over, and it soon became clear she was sweet and gentle, but extremely strong-willed and determined about where and how she would raise her family, and many other matters important to her! After a few tosses of her long mane I knew she must be named for my wonderful friend—"the" Stefanie, without whom she would not have been saved! Throughout the ensuing years Stefanie has absolutely 100% lived up to her name, sharing with us her love and her passions, her fiery nature, amazing intelligence and gift of communication.

Daughter Sophia was adopted quickly and our son Justin fell in love with Frank....but then everything changed as we became BrightHaven and all residents were pledged a home with us for life. That left Stef with her two remaining children: Derek and SuzyQ. Both kittens adored their Mother with a passion, but Stef had only eyes for Derek. Del and Stef lived, played and slept together and, although Derek adored his sweet and vulnerable sister, Suzy was hissed at and batted away constantly by her Mother.

Sadly, through the ensuing years this didn't change until the last weeks of Stef's life when she was finally kept company and comforted greatly by SuzyQ.

"Peace my Heart"

Peace, my heart, let the time for the parting be sweet.
Let it not be a death, but completeness.
Let love melt into memory and pain into songs.
Let the flight through the night sky end in the folding of wings over the nest.
Let the last touch of your hands be gentle, like the flower of the night.
Stand still, O Beautiful End, for a moment, and say your last words in silence.
I bow to you and hold up my lamp to light you on your way.

-Rabindranath Tagore

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