Tribute to Griffey: An Epitaph for My Cat

It was approximately 12:15 on the afternoon of Saturday, February 12 2011 when my beloved cat - Griffin Kenneth “Griffey” Barthel - looked at me with despair.

His right eyeball almost entirely above the upper ridge of his eye frame, Griffey appeared dazed and confused as he meowed for my attention. Peering downward from my computer chair, I noticed his nearly all-white eye and my heart immediately saddened for my poor pet’s problem.

The past few weeks, my 20-year-old cat seemed in decent health - especially for his age. But the revelation of this latest impairment to my fair Griffey instantly led me to a gravely imminent decision - it’s time. It’s time for Griffey to be eternally rested.

As difficult it is for me to see this happen, I’ve already been preparing myself for several weeks and months for the death of another dear spirit - my grandma, Ceil Barthel. My precious 94-year-old grandmother’s rapidly declining health aside, Griffey still appeared in good health and spirits.

At the fragile stage of 20 years’ age, Griffey’s had the natural propensities of weaker legs, increased lethargy and general slowness. But he has also been enjoying life’s two most essential needs - food and love.

Despite spending countless hours - perhaps 21 or 22 a day - sleeping near the heat register of my bedroom, Griffey portrayed vigorous excitement when presented with a fresh bowl of food beneath his eagerly awaiting mouth. Also, he has continued to show his appreciation for affection, releasing a smooth purr when receiving soft hugs or gentle touches of my hand on daily occurrences.

Thoughts of Griffey living another six months or one-to-two years crossed my mind, until that fateful Saturday - yesterday. It’s time for him to go, time for him to ascend upward to the holy pet haven in the sky.

Besides a brief time with one other kitten, Griffey has been the sole pet and soul part of my life. The warmth, the joy, the calm, the care, Griffey has been a constant companion over my ever evolving existence.

My heart, my care, my love ... they all run deep with the joy you’ve bestowed upon me, Griffey. Yes, my dear friend, you can rest assured that you will never be forgotten.

Love always and forever,
-Jeff

**Written Sunday, Feb. 13 (in preparation of my dear cat's passing)

A pause for a quick personal post

Part of this is an overlap from the poem regarding my grandpa.

I've done broadcasting work as well (the majority involving sports, but some other human interest pieces as well). In fact, I've been told by many they'd think I'd have a good career as a sports broadcaster. Actually, a very successful, talented, highly respected colleague of mine said I appear very natural and looked good on camera.

The reason I've chosen to follow a writing career (over television); however, is because I do not to be in the spotlight. I'm still incredibly thankful for my two television internships (with WFTC Fox 29 and Fox 9 sports). Alas, here I am two years after graduation and no full-time position yet. Nevertheless, I shall continue my ever-passionate, tireless pursuit of a career in print.

On a broadcasting, and overall journalistic sense, a list of a few people I'll forever be indebted include:

Ali Lucia
Bert Blyleven
Dick Bremer
Chris Conangala
Marcus Fuller
Marney Gellner
Jeff Grayson
Chad Hartman
Hannah Loberg
Jeff Passolt
Alize Proisy
Kim Johnson
Ron Johnson
Dave Lee
Dawn Mitchell
Mark Redal
Jim Rich
Robyne Robinson
Joe Schmit
Jim Souhan
Ken Stone
Darren Sharper
Karl Spring
Nick "Scoop" Walsh
Rebecca Watson
Darren "Doogie" Wolfson

Among, I'm sure, countless others. Well, those are just people I've been fortunate enough to work with in some capacity or another.

There are definitely far more others, but I digress. I just wanted to take a moment to sincerely thank each and every one of you. I especially will always be thankful to and remember Mr. Grayson and Professor Stone -- who, all his students were always warmly welcomed to simply call "Ken."