People and fur people who are Disciples of The Leader Otis,
It’s Thomas.
Yesterday, I entered the living room and saw Brother Oliver sitting on a blanket in the middle of the floor. He seemed lost in thought, and he occasionally muttered to himself. I heard him say something like, “I just don’t know if I can… I mean… I still can’t believe that they’re… gone…”
Brother Oliver was sitting in the middle of the living room thinking and talking quietly to himself.
I did not want to disturb Brother Oliver, so I left him to his thoughts. In the evening, I went downstairs for bedtime treats. I entered the bedroom expecting to find Brothers Henry and Oliver already stuffing their snouts with freeze-dried chicken-y goodness. Instead, I found Brother Henry sitting on the edge of the bed. He was lost in thought and I heard him saying, “It’s too much. He was much too young, and she was here for much too short of a time… and He’s the whole reason Meowmorial Day even exists! He’s the reason The Cult exists! How could I fill those paws?” I chose to leave Brother Henry to his thoughts as well.
Brother Henry was also lost in thought, and his thoughts seemed similar to Brother Oliver’s.
I knew what was bothering The Brothers. As I mentioned in our first call for Meowmorial Day submissions, we have been trying to figure out who should be Master of Ceremonies for the big day. If Leader Otis had asked one of us to be MOC for a past Meowmorial Day, we would have been very honored and happy to do it. But this year… this year… with both Leader Otis and Mama Cat among the dearly departed… well… it’s just a lot to think about.
I too am having trouble wrapping my head around this year’s Meowmorial Day observance.
We now have less than a week to sort this all out, but I assure you, we will. Meowmorial Day will go forward. If you have not yet submitted the photos and stories of the kitties you would like to see honored, please do so right away. Email submissions to cultofotis@gmail.com by noon on May 29, and join us on Monday, June 2 as we honor those the memories of our dearly departed feline brothers and sisters… alongside Leader Otis and Mama Cat.
In Otis’s Name,
Sir Thomas
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Why don’t all three of you share the honors this year? Selleck and His Person, Emily.
Looking forward to this year’s Meowmorial Day. Though sad, it’s a wonderful celebration and time of reflection to honor all the kitties represented here. Perhaps all 3 of you can co-host? It’s a big job with big paws to fill , and I’m sure Leader Otis and Mama Cat would enjoy you all working together in their memory.
It’s a sad Meowmorial Day for all of us who loved Leader Otis and Mama Cat, and especially for you who were privileged to live with them. I know that whoever is chosen to be Master of Ceremonies, he will do a good job of leading us to honor them with our memories.
I can’t even begin to imagine how hard this is for the brothers and you Thomas. Yes, those are big paws to fill – but we stand behind you with gentle reassurances and sad hearts as we honor Leader Otis, Mama Cat, and all the felines that we have lost.
This will be a difficult Meowmorial Day. But we know Leader Otis would want the tradition to continue.
I think about Otis and Mama Cat at least once a week. Either I’ll see a stray I need to help, or my cat will make an amazing leap at The Bird (not as amazing as Mama Cat of course) and I’ll be reminded of your two awesome cats. They were truly something else. I’m glad I got to “know” them for as long as I did.
it will be extra hard this year…but we know the ceremony is in good paws
I have to agree with DJFuzzyK. I think the three of you cohosting is a splendid idea. I know that it will be a very honorable ceremony no matter who or how many MOCs there are.
A special meowmorial day for sure. Leaky eyes just remembering with you
It is indeed a sad Meowmorial Day. Z-Girl got all wrapped up in work stuff and didn’t submit anything from the Squeedunk Gang. We know the Guardians and The Cult Officers who carry on in the name of Leader Otis do this every day, but here is our submission: Please remember all the shadow kitties, who may or may not have a name, who may or may not have lived inside–and who have died living a hard life outside. We lost several of our beloved ferals during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, and so we were going to ask to remember Madea, Lucky, and a few yet to be named kittens who were unable to survive the floods in Jersey City.
We share your sorrow in addressing this day with out Leader Otis and Mama Cat. And yet, we are grateful that you will carry on the tradition in their name. Peace and purrs to all of you….The Squeedunk Cats: Coco, Valentina, Manhattan, Bessie and Lulu….
W sharez yer pain n loss Sir Thomas….me nose ya can do diz!! Yer da Knight of da Cult n ya iz strong n powerfull.
Have faith in yerself 😉
Lub Nylablue n Sherriellen Mum xx
Sorry we missed this we are so behind with blogs at the moment as we had work down on house lately xxx A year already really 😦