Zero, one of the best cats I’ve ever known, left us today. Fawn asked me tonight if I thought cats had souls. I absolutely do! I also believe the Pearly Gates have a kitty door.
As best we can recall, Zero came to our family sometime around 2005, when Angela rescued him from a life on the streets in a parking lot in Huntsville, Texas. That put his age at around 15 years…a pretty long life for a cat. I’ve known a lot of cats in my life, but never have I known one so full of character and quirky, lovable traits as my buddy Zero.
All cats are nappers, but Zero was a Professional Napper. He took it to a whole ‘nother level! What’s more, he had this power (I called it “the Hexie”) to subtly entice you into joining him in this vocation. Some people believe that cats regard humans as just warm-blooded furniture, but I believe Zero looked at napping as one of life’s pleasures that simply must be shared.
How many sunny Saturday afternoons have I totally lost due to the Hexie being skillfully delivered on me by Zero. It happens like this: you sit down for just a second in your recliner to take a break from yardwork, perhaps with a sandwich in your hand…you switch on the TV, just for a second, maybe just to check the Astro’s score…you notice Zero at your feet, staring directly into your eyes without moving or blinking…then, your recliner reclines, all by itself…then, your head goes back…Zero’s eyes never break from yours as he jumps into your lap, then pushes your upper body back so he can stretch his entire body out on your chest…next, his front paws are laid out on either side of your neck, pinning you down, his nose at your chin, his eyes still locked on yours…next thing you know, two hours have passed, you wake up with drool on your chin, and you’ve just experienced the most glorious nap you’ve ever had in your life. If Zero ever came to put the Hexie on you, the best thing you could do is just surrender to the power!
I will miss Zero. I’ll miss him tomorrow morning, when I sit down in my closet to put on my shoes. He won’t be there, like he was every single morning, sitting in front of me, watching patiently to see if I will pick him up and rub his ears. I wish I had picked him up this morning.
I’ll miss him when I sit outside on the back porch in the evening . We would watch thunderstorms roll in together, enjoying the sound of the rain until a clap of thunder would run him under the chair.
I’ll miss him this Fall. Those Saturday afternoon naps, sweetly blended with a football game, just won’t be the same.
As someone once said, “when the cat you love becomes a memory, that memory becomes a treasure.” RIP, Zero!
(Click here to read an earlier post about Zero, “What the Cat Sees”)
Paul's Point of View 
Paul, don’t know how I missed this gem but glad I was able to read it this morning, even though nowI am starting my morning in tears. Please keep sharing your gift of writing about life’s ups and downs.
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Dear Paul and Fawn. I am so sorry to hear about Zero. I know that your hearts are breaking at losing such a precious fur baby I know that he was like a child Ito the both of you. Most of the time the cats would lay low while people were around, but as the party died down they would slowly saunter in and make their presence known. It was almost as if Zero would say, “ Come on dad, I know you’re tired, come and let me help you rest.” Lisa and I were privileged to see Zero perform his magic on you one time. It was exactly as you described. It’s like he had this hypnotic effect. I truly believe that he performed this magic act only so he could share those glorious naps with you all. God bless you all and Rest In Peace Zero. You were a loving and unique part of the family and you will truly be missed. Our condolences to the entire Fisher family.
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Wow this was one of your best! When you said you wish you’d picked him up this morning, my heart broke in two! Then it broke again when I saw his picture with Zelda and realized she’s also lost her snuggle buddy. RIP Zero
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