Flashback Friday: When It All Began…
I was home visiting my parents last weekend and came across a photo that I couldn’t help but share with you all. Today, we are taking a trip down memory lane – going all the way back to 1995 when I was just 7 years old…
Yep, that’s a little 7-year-old me with my very first cat – Madeline! Her full name was Madeline Black (pronounced Mad-e-line, like the French cartoon). One of my best friend’s cats had kittens, and after some begging, my mom agreed to let me bring one home. My dad had no idea, but that’s a story for another day.
Anyway, I brought Maddie home, and the rest is history! My love of cats had begun.
Maddie was beautiful, sweet girl – a comforter. Whenever I was upset, Maddie was always there. She was also the Queen of the house. We would later add two other cats to the family, and Madeline ruled them with an iron paw! 😉
Unfortunately, Madeline became sick and passed away when she was just 11 years old. I was a freshman in college. The photo below was taken when I was home visiting from college for a weekend. It was the last time I saw her.
I will always remember my sweet Maddie – my very first cat who inspired a love that will last a lifetime.
♥ Thinking of you, missing you, loving you, Madeline.
Pipo/Minko/MrJackFreckles says
What a sweet kitty!! Sorry she had to leave you so soon. She sure basked in your love.
How cool that she was a black kitty!
Summer says
In 1995 my human was senior editor at a rock magazine! Now she feels old!
Brian Frum says
That’s really a great photo and a most wonderful memory.
Random Felines says
we bet Maddie is very aware of how much she influenced you…..so very sweet
Madi says
Miss Emily…mom always tells me I must remember and thank the pets who came before me BECAUSE they are the reason I’m here. They paved the way to my peeps heart’s with golden paw prints.
We love your flash backs and Madeline was such a beauty just like her owner.
Hugs Madi and mOm
Connie says
A girl’s first love.. 🙂
Tamago says
Awww you and your Madeline are both so adorable! What sweet memories with your first kitty 🙂
Kitties Blue says
Emily, what a super sweet post. Madeline was a gorgeous black panfur, just like my heart kitty, Thelma, who only lived to age 12. And, oh my gosh, what an adorable little girl you were, who grew into a lovely young woman! Sending you lots of love as you look back and remember. Astrid sends Sampy her forever love and a quadrillion kisses. XOCK, Lily Olivia, Mauricio, Misty May, Giulietta, Fiona, Astrid, Lisbeth and Calista Jo
Heather says
My first cat was a black kitty too. His name was Mittens (my sister named him). He was my kitty though. He slept curled up with me and was my baby. He passed when he was 15. So he had a long life, but I’ll always miss him.
The Swiss Cats says
Sweet memories of your first cat ! Lovely photos ! Purrs
Timmy says
That is such a heart warming story. Dad tells us about his first kitties Pepi a big black tomcat and Patches who was a beautiful tortoiseshell. They still visit in our dreams when they tear themselves away from the run at the bridge.
Timmy
Sam says
Oh what a beautiful cat Maddie was……….and such a dear memory – the photos are fabulous – obviously she was your bestie and I know she to this day keeps an eye on you from her soft cloud over the Bridge!
Hugs, Sammy
da tabbies o trout towne says
guys…total lee awesum flashbax with yur mom & madeline …..total lee awesum ♥♥♥♥♥
Deziz World says
AaaaaawWhat a sweet posty. You were adorable.
Luv ya’
Dezi and Raena
The Island Cats says
What great memories! Maddie was an adorable house panther.
Ellen Pilch says
Such a sweet post. Madeline was a pretty kitty and you were a cutie too 🙂 I am sorry she had such a short life.
Three Chatty Cats says
What sweet photos of you with Madeline.