Phantom Felines And Other Ghostly Animals - Gerina Dunwich 2006

Jamie
Phantom Felines

(anonymous)

My story is about a cat that was a part of my life for more than nineteen years. Her name was Jamie. She was a great cat and I loved her dearly. Although she was not overly friendly, Jamie occasionally slept at the foot of my bed between my ankles. She was put to sleep in November of 1997 due to failing health.

I had one visit from her afterward. It was just after Christmas the year she died. I was feeling extremely sad that night; I’d had a huge fight with my boyfriend and generally wasn’t happy where I was in life. It was also my first Christmas without Jamie. Granted, I wasn’t thinking about her at that moment. I was in bed with the lights off, crying to myself and trying to get to sleep. My door was ajar, although I did not see it move, and I heard the soft patter of Jamie’s paws come from the door to my bed. I stopped crying and listened. Then I felt her jump up onto the bed. I felt the bedspread give way to her weight (how this is possible when she is a ghost, I don’t know) and she curled up at my feet like she used to do. I couldn’t believe it. Then I heard her purring.

I was so glad and in awe; my sadness completely melted way. I said out loud, “Hi Jamie, thank you for coming. I’ve missed you.” I was so tempted to reach out and pet her, but I didn’t. I didn’t move a muscle because, even though I could not see her, I was afraid she’d disappear. She didn’t, though, and stayed there until I fell asleep. And funny enough, she didn’t feel cold at all; she felt warm.

It was her last good-bye and I am grateful to have been so lucky to have that happen.