Member-only story
Obituary for my Cat
Is a cat a person, with an actual personality? Or is it only a bundle of instincts shaped by the forces of evolution? As a philosopher, I could debate this question dispassionately, but I cannot deny that when my cat died, I felt not just loss, but grief. I wrote this obituary to purge that grief, for myself and the many others who felt it.
On April 13, 2019, Glinda Stork/Rockwell transitioned into the Bardo surrounded, as she was in life, by harp music and Homo Sapiens who loved her. She was between 16 and 19 years old. We are grateful to the Pets Referral Center, who permitted four of us to accompany the process with harp, Himalayan bells, prayers, and various ritual objects. We wish her an auspicious and prosperous rebirth.
14 years ago, Glinda appeared fully grown on our doorstep, determined to become a member of our family. She scooted inside the door as soon as we opened it, and proceeded to sit on the lap of anyone who sat down. She was a huge hit with Diana’s harp students, one of whom named her Glinda. We loved having her around, but were concerned that her owners might be missing her. So we put up pictures on local telephone poles, and eventually…
