Huge cat in a small tin...

We picked up Merlin's ashes from the vet today. Tomorrow it will be one week ago we lost him.

Merlin was such a huge cat as you can see in this picture! He weighed almost 20 pounds. When we picked up his ashes, they were in a small square tin that is about 4 or 5 inches square. I was immediately struck by how such a large creature was reduced to fit into such a small box.

We are planning on planting a tree in our backyard in the spring and placing Merlin's ashes there. As the tree grows, we can think of him and how much we loved him.

This is the poem that came with Merlin's ashes and his Certificate of Cremation:

"To Those I Love and Those Who Love Me"

When I am gone, Release me, Let me go-
I have so many things to see and do,
You mustn't tie yourself to me with tears,
Be thankful for our beautiful years,

I gave to you my love, You can only guess
How much you gave to me in happiness,
I thank you for the love you each have shown,
But now it's time I travled alone.

So grieve awhile for me, if grieve you must,
Then let your grief be comforted by trust.
It's only for a time that we must part,
So bless the memories within your heart.

I won't be far away, for life goes on,
So if you need me, Call, And I will come.
Though you can't see me or touch me, I'll be near,
And if you listen with your Hearts, you'll hear
All my love around you soft and clear,
And then, when you must come this way alone
I'll greet you with a smile and say:

"Welcome Home"