Mom called today and said my cat passed away

I suppose we all knew it was coming (she was 21 years old), but i've spent the whole day crying like a baby.  I think it is the realization that when i go back to the states for Thanksgiving, Hilary the cat won't be there to greet me at the door.  Dan (BF) has been really great, but he's down in London this week so I'm being a bit pathetic and plan to spend the night on the sofa with a glass of wine.  He suggested I pop round and see some of his mates's wives but i think i'd jst wind up being a party pooper.

I know that living over in England means we can't be there with loved ones when little life events happen (good and bad), but this one is hitting me quite hard.

I'm sorry to hear of your loss. It is hard to be so far away.

I'm so sorry for your loss.  What an incredibly long life for a cat.  I'm sure she will be greatly missed.  {{{{{{{{HUGS}}}}}}

Sorry for your loss, she sure had a long kitty life. 

I'm so sorry to hear; I went through the same thing just over a year ago (and still have yet to mourn! )

The more painful, the more love... I think.
I'm sure you know, but all else I can think to say, is to remember how blessed you both were to have been in each other's lives.

I'm so sorry to hear about your kitty.  Lots of hugs.

I'm really really sorry to hear about your cat. I'm sure she had a lovely, happy, long life. But I know that doesn't make it any less sad. Let yourself cry as much as you need to.  :\\\'(

Hugs. 

I'm really sorry 

I'm sorry to hear about your kitty.  She's been around for so much of your life, it must be really hard for you right now. 

I am sorry for your loss.  To me, a pet is just as much a family member as a sibling.  *hugs* to you. 

I lost my first cat when he was 21 also, he was a siamese and such a part of the family.  I'd had him my entire life when he died and it was very hard.  So sorry for your loss.

    

thank you all for your kind words.  I'm so grateful for the support from this forum. 

Today was much easier and Mom called to say that they buried Hilary under her favorite tree in the back garden which they will mark with a special stone. 

Oh alison, I'm so sorry. I don't know what to say.

Don't let anybody bully you with the "it was just a cat" bs.
She lived a long good life. I'm sure she went peacefully.

Losing a pet is really like losing a family member (I should know, having experience with both).
Think of all the good times.

xo

Hugs to you