Fly Free, Little Milton
Dear Milton,
I only knew you for 6 days, but in that short time, I had given you my heart. That was my promise to you, after all. I wanted you to know what it was to have a family that loved you completely and whole-heartedly. I pray that when you drifted away in my arms, you knew that.
You were so small, so sweet, so gentle. You deserved so much more than the hand you were dealt. I’m sorry that your life was cut short. I’m sorry that you didn’t get to experience all of the wonderful things I hoped you would get to experience – the love of your brothers and sisters, an adventure with Sophie and Kylo Ren, a wrestling match with Caster, group play time with everyone. I am angry you didn’t get those things; angry that I didn’t have more time with you; angry that you had to leave so soon.
I knew our time together may be short, but I didn’t think it would be this short.
I am grateful for the time we had. Thank you for letting me experience your love. I will always cherish the sweet memories of you cuddling up on my shoulder every night, reaching out for my face with your teeny-tiny little paw. You never could get close enough.
As much as I may be hurting right now, I want you to know that I would do it all again. I’m just sorry I couldn’t save you.
The one comfort I take in your loss is that you are in a much better place. You are big and strong now, you have beautiful eyes, a big bushy tail, and you are free from any pain.
You will forever be in my heart.
Fly free, Little Milton.
Love,
Mom
Milton passed away here at home in my arms early Friday morning. I don’t know what happened, other than his little body just gave up. He had taken a sudden turn for the worse on Wednesday and we rushed him to the vet for emergency services. His body temperature was 6 degrees lower than it should have been, so the vet warmed him back up and gave him fluids and sugars. We brought him home a couple hours later, where we monitored his temperature, administered fluids as needed, and syringe fed him every 1-2 hours. By Thursday evening he seemed to be doing much better, and I was hopeful he would make a full recovery. That night I went to bed with him cuddled up against my face, purring. I woke up every couple hours to check on him and make sure he was doing okay. Then at 5:30am Friday morning, I woke up and he was obviously struggling. We gave him fluids and tried to feed him, but an hour later he was gone.
I wish so badly that I could go back to last Sunday when we brought him home and try again. Maybe I would have been able to save him if I had done something differently. It’s too late now.
Summer says
I’m so sorry you and Milton had such a short time to spend together. Clearly, he was meant to find you, though, that much I can see. For just six days, you gave each other a lifetime’s worth of love. Small consolation, I know, but it’s true. Purrs to you.
Alana says
He will be in cats heaven full of joy and hapiness. Take comfort in knowing that he spent his last days with happiness, knowing what it is to be loved and taken care of. He loved you and knew you loved him!
Madi says
We are so sorry about Milton. Mom says to tell you all of these pictures are proof positive that Even in his too short life Milton knew unconditional love. Was held close to your hearts and felt the warm of human kindness. Run free little man. You gave 200% for him..without you two he would never have had this
Hugs Madi and mom
Peaches & Paprika says
O we are so sorry. Rest in Peace, sweet little Milton~ No one has a crystal ball, we can never predict anything and I’m sure you were a purrrfect kitten-mom!!! He wuz lucky to have been loved by you!
Brian Frum says
Dear friends, we hate that more than you will ever know and our hearts ache for your loss. Milton touched us all and thank you for loving him. Run free little guy, you will always live in the hearts of many.
Jeanne Foguth says
I am so very sorry that your time together was so short, Milton was very lucky to find such a loving place to spend his days.
meowmeowmans says
We are so sorry, Emily. In his six days with you, little Milton experienced a lifetime of love. Thank you for that, and blessings to you. Sending purrs and prayers of comfort to you all.
prancer pie says
So sorry, Emily! You did your best and he felt your love. Sending you comfort and condolences, XOXO
Ellen Pilch says
I am so sorry. Life is so unfair sometimes.XO
Annabelle says
There aren’t any words just bewilderment and sadness, but I am so very sorry and the only solace lives in the fact that the love you shared was enough. It was. It was what Milton needed just enough for him and now he is an Angel who have his gained his beautiful gossamer wings. I will keep you in my prayers and the kitties will purr and we will always miss dear Milton.
The Daily Pip says
You gave him exactly what he needed and he experienced the love of a family and a home. Sending lots of love and support. Run free Milton
The Canadian Cats says
We were silently rooting for you, Emily and Milton. We are devastated for you. Such a young wee life gone but not forgotten, thanks to you. Hugs,
Shoko, Kali and mom Jean
The Florida Furkids says
Oh no……this makes us very sad. We’re sorry sweet little Milton had such a short time with you but we take comfort in the fact that he knew love and had the best care he could. (((hugs)))
The Florida Furkids
Lola The Rescued Cat says
We are passing the tissues around as we read this post. We are so sorry for your loss. Please know that you gave Milton the best life he could possibly have. He knew love, and that’s the most important thing. You gave him great care, and it was just his time to go to the bridge. Milton came into your life for a reason, and you will cherish his memories forever
Sometimes Cats Herd You says
We’re so sorry for your loss. It doesn’t matter how short a time you knew him, it’s how much you loved him, and that was lots and lots. He had a real family, even if it was only for a little while. Purrs and hugs from all of us.
Connie says
Emily,
Trust me when I say this.. there was nothing more you could have done. You did everything, and the best thing was love him. Some cats are born into this world not able to survive it. Milton was one of the few that make it to a home, to know love. It hurts to love them. Every single time it hurts, but we do it willingly knowing the alternative is something we can not abide. You were blessed to have known him, to know this pain. I ache with you and for you. I’m sorry
Tamago says
Oh Emily, I’m so sorry to hear this… I’m sorry your sweet Milton had to leave after spending such a short time with you. But I’m grateful that he experienced much love and care. As I commented in your last post, he is the luckiest kitty to have the very best home and family. After losing Kit in only one day, I felt the same – I wish I could go back and try again. You are not alone. I will never be able to get over it, but still, please know you did everything you could for him. Nobody could care for him better than you did.
Kim says
We all lose those special ones, what you have to know is that you gave it your all and loved him with all you had. He knew that. Keep trying to save those babies, I’m so sorry for your loss but so happy that precious kitten had you!
Lisa says
Even though his time with you was short, he was well loved. God had other plans for him and called him home. He is playing at the feet of the creator. No pain. Just love.
Jennifer says
I am so sorry for your beautiful little Milton who went too soon, and for you who has suffered such a great loss. This made me cry. I once took a small dying kitten home just so she could know love and warmth on her last night, and I know Milton knew love and warmth in his short life too. Even humans sometimes don’t experience the love and loyalty you have to him. From Wisconsin, my love and thoughts are with you and Milton.
Laura L Cox says
Oh Emily. I am so very sorry. I know and understand only too well what you’re your feeling and what you’re going through. I am so very , very sorry for your loss. Love and Prayers. RIP Milton. Sweet Baby Boy. So Precious. Fly High With The Angels In Heaven. We Love You.
Dragonheart, Merlin, and Devi says
We are so sorry to hear that you lost Milton. He was lucky to have known such care and love, even if it was for such a short time. You did everything you could for him! Our deepest condolences.
Sam says
Oh Emily – don’t second guess your wonderful care of Milton while he was with you – really- you did so much for him but the one thing you did that only YOU could do was be his Mom for a while….show him the tenderness and warmth that he really needed so badly in his very short life. You did your BEST and he knew what it was like to be cared for and loved – that is the best gift of all in life no matter how long or short the life is………………he truly is in a better place – obviously his challenges were huge and significant. Just know that you were the BEST gift he could have had – and he was truly a gift for you while you had him. Such a sweet baby……….forever and ever.
Love and Hugs, Pam (and Sammy)
BeadedTail says
We’re so sorry Milton left for the bridge so soon. We’re grateful he knew what love was from his short time with you. Sending comforting purrs to you.
Cats of Wildcat Woods says
Because of you he knew love during his short time on Earth. Thanks you. I am so so sorry he was not strong enough to stay.
The Swiss Cats says
We’re so sorry for you, Emily. We’re glad that sweet Milton was surrounded with love during his short time with you. Purrs and hugs
A Tonk's Tale says
Sweet Milton received the very best life a kitten could have for those precious 6 days. He went to the Bridge knowing he was loved – and will be waiting for you there. Sending many hugs to you during this heartbreaking time.
Bernadette says
Sometimes they hold out until they’re rescued and get to experience love and safety, but they are too far gone to stay. You can know that you made his short life worth living just for the few days of compassion he experienced. That doesn’t make it any easier for you, but you are blessed for walking to the end with him.
The Island Cats says
We are so very sorry to hear about Milton. You did everything you could for him…’specially giving him lots and lots of love. We send you comforting purrs…we know how much it must hurt.
Spitty the Kitty says
We are very sorry little Milton didn’t make it. You did ALL you could do for him, and more. Because of you, he knew peace and warmth and safety and comfort and love, and he slipped from your arms straight across the Bridge. Your pictures say it all–he had the good life with you.
jansfunnyfarm says
So small but evidently made a big impression on your heart! We’re sorry for the loss of Milton. Warm hug, purrs and paw taps of comfort.
Erin the Cat Princess says
I am so so sorry to hear that Little Milton has passed over The Bridge. He had in you, for his short life on this earth, such care and love that none other could better. You are all in our thoughts and prayers at this time… ERin
Caren Gittleman says
Emily I am so deeply, deeply sorry. Please don’t torture yourself by second-guessing, I know too well how hard that is NOT to do, but please don’t do it. (((hugs))) and love
Random Felines says
We are SO very sorry. Please don’t bear yourselves up….there are times that all we can do is love them for the short time they have here. You gave him love and a family and a chance. Purrs and hugs….
CATachresis says
I am so sad a the loss of Milton. His life was so short. But in his last week he received such love from you that perhaps he felt he was free to go! Is that strange? We send you gentle hugs and purrs xoxox
Mary McNeil says
When you first posted about Milton, it was pretty clear the deck had already been stacked against him. How blessed that there are people like you and your husband who can see past all that to give them the comfort and love that all beings need.!
Kitties Blue says
My dearest, Emily. As I said in my text to you. You have the most warm and generous heart. The love you gave this little fellow was pure and true. He felt that warmth and generosity of spirit and with that comfort about him, he was able to let go. Most likely he would have struggled his entire life had he lived. That is not to say, I think he should not have lived but only that what you gave him in his short time with you was the best he could have ever hoped for with his severe birth defects. I know you have a heavy heart as do I. Your text telling me that he had passed made me feel as if someone punched me in the chest. The memories of this sweet baby will last forever. Please know you are in my heart and thoughts and that I love you all dearly for taking on the challenge of Milton. He left this earth warm and loved and comforted. And none of us could ask for more. XOXOXO, Janet with love and a bajillion kisses for Sampy from Astrid
The J-Cats says
This is such heartbreaking news. The only comfort is that, before he had to fly away to the Bridge, he found such love with you. Some kitties don’t even get that.
Fly free, sweet little Milton. You will never know pain again.
Bode says
The most important thing is that you had him in your lives. and he had you. A note to you from Milton – Mom, dad, I want you to know that Paradise is like every day I had with you.
RIP – REBORN IN PARADISE.
Silver from the Dash Kitten Crew says
Emily and family, it took courage to write your tribute for little Milton so thank you.
Thank you for loving Milton and for trying to hard to keep him here with u alls. I know your anger that he didn’t get a chance to play with the fur family, I had a little frail old cat for just two weeks before he passed and I wanted to keep him longer to let him know the world would be fine with him in it and we would do our best to make up for the things he didn’t have before. Bandit will be there waiting to welcome a little soul at the start of his life – just tell him an older cat with a kind face will introduce himself……
Marjorie and the Dash Kitten Cats
Joanne says
My heart goes out to you. You did your best for him, he knew he was loved
da tabbies o trout towne says
Godspeed your journey Milton, we are truly sorry. We hope you know you left a mark on us all, your mom mostly, that will never be erased. We send all our love, boomer, daisy, tuna and dude and sauce too❤️❤️❤️
Emily, I send my sincerest sympathy to you and your family,I know this isnt easy, but I hope
you know, were Milton to “speak”, he would not only say thanx mom and dad, for everything…
he would also say, I love you both, and always will♥️♥️♥️
Nina Furfamilylife says
Dear sweet girl our hearts ache for the loss of the sweet physical presence of your magical little bird ? It occurs to me me though, that maybe this angel being who could never get quite close enough while he was in form, is now closer than he could ever have been otherwise. His everlasting Spirit has burrowed his way deep into your heart and will never leave you again. He and you are one now, forever and ever, as close as two souls can become. He is with you always and has touches every one with his loving presence. Much gratitude to you, much love to you both ❤️
Melissa & Mudpie says
Milton stole my heart when I read your post on Wednesday, and I’ve been looking forward to watching him thrive with you. This is simply the most heart shattering news, and I completely understand how much you must be hurting. Take comfort knowing you did all you could for him, and that this precious little angel knew that he mattered and was deeply loved until he drew his last breath. I am so, so sorry.
Sherri-Ellen TD. says
Deer Lady Emily wee are inn tears here readin about littul Milton kitt. You did yur berry best an Milton KNEW Luv an that iss most impawtent. That foto of him on thee cheek iss so sweet….
May Milton run free inn Pure Land now…an may yur memoreess comfort you….
~~~head rubsss~~~ Siddhartha Henry~~~ an (((hugs))) LadyMum
EmilyTheChef says
Little Milton was so cute – I’m sorry that his little body could fight no more. You gave him a chance to be loved unconditionally – he wouldn’t have gotten that chance without your loving efforts. My condolences on your loss.
Heather says
I’m so sorry for your loss. I was so hoping he’d live a long life. Rest in peace, little Milton.
Teri & her blogging cats says
So sad to hear that little Milton did not have the strength to live on. We hope that you can find comfort in knowing he’ found love in your arms and will forever have a place your heart…
ATCAD - Socks, Scylla,Chimera,Yin,Yang, Fenris & Tuiren says
We are so very sorry Milton didn’t have more time with you. Purrs of comfort and paws of sympathy for your loss.
Annie says
I’m so very, very sorry. You and your husband are such dear people to take him in and to love him and I’m just so grateful you did that. I sincerely believe you did everything you could, and blessedly, he knew love!
Savannah's Paw Tracks says
Miss Emily, you tried with all your heart and Milton knew that. His 6 days with you were his heaven on earth. Trust me. Your heart is so big and yet no one has the heart to put off the call from The Bridge. And I bet you his tail is really floofy indeed
Sydnie says
Bless bless little Milton
Jessica B Gibson says
I am so sorry. I can’t imagin the pain, but know he is in no pain!! Hugs my dear friend
Betty Reynolds says
Life is hard sometimes and sad 🙁 I have had teeny babies given to me who were past the saving stage but I still tried as hard as I could and gave my heart to them for the short few days I had them …the sad part is losing them the only good is that love expands the heart ..these little souls have done their jobs here on earth as little angel kitties and their job is to open and expand hearts and bring love …they do that with abundance .. even if there were no good side or bonus I would do it and do again and again …just to know they have passed loved , warm and fed keeps me going <3
Susan and the gang from Life with Dogs and Cats says
I think what you did for Milton was awesome and pure and inspiring. He could have been put down. But instead, you brought him into your hearts and home and gave him something he would never have had: love and tenderness. You were angels to that little soul. In his short time with you, he experienced the best of life. I admire you, and grieve with you. Sending hugs and purrs.
—Purrs (and wags) from Life with Dogs and Cats
Flynn says
I am so sorry that Milton’s time with you was so short. Try to take comfort that you gave him the greatest gift of knowing love.
Carla Stevens says
I am so very sorry that you lost your kitty.You were his angel though in the short time you had him he knew he was loved .
Three Chatty Cats says
I am so, so sorry to read this. But he knew love right until the very end. Sending you big hugs.
LP says
Emily, I am thinking of you today. I am glad you put this post together even though I know it must have been difficult for you to do so. Now you can allow each loving comment to help place a bit of healing salve on your loss. I know that will help. I love the image of Milton placing his tiny paw on your face. He was exactly where he wanted and needed to be. He felt your love and kindness and was imprinting it to take with him. You gave him exactly what he needed to take with him on the next part of his journey ; the love of a family who loved him unconditionally and completely. Rest in peace Milton. You were very much loved. But you already know that.
Sending you lots of hugs and love mon amie,
Sophie and the critters in the cottage xo
Jean Dion says
Oh, I’m so sad to see this. It’s a hard post for me to read too, as it looks like little Milton had the rough start in life my Lucy had. No eyes, URI… It’s a lot for a little body to deal with. I’m glad he had you for the brief time he was here.
Jean from Welcome to the Menagerie
Clooney says
I am so, so sorry for such a heart-breaking and unexpected loss of your sweet little angel Milton. It was beautiful that he had experienced such a deep love with you before he left this world. It touches my heart that he knew that love in your care and home. Sending you the gentlest of purrs and thoughts of love and light.
Joyce says
So very sorry for your loss. Though you may not have been able to save him physically, you saved his soul. He got to know LOVE, TLC. Warmth of Mum’s skin, tender hands, caresses, kisses, the feeling of being wanted.
Thank you for all that. And remember: Love is forever, it travels to and from the Rainbowbridge. Milton is now a bright star and he loves you still
Athena and Marie says
I’m so sorry for your loss. Poor little thing. Hope he’s flying free and happy now.
Purrs xx
Athena and Marie
Cathy Keisha says
I’m here albeit late to pay my respects to Milton. We wish he could have been here longer too. Don’t beat yourself up. He obviously knew he was loved and maybe that’s what he was holding on for before you took him.
Bev Green says
Darling little Milton..we have read about you just now and the saddest news you have left for the rainbow bridge..life can be a cruel and unfair mistress..yet you found through a miracle some true love and caring in a home..my heart aches for you and for your Mum..who is clearly devastated..there are no words that can soothe a broken heart..i know only too well..but i do know that you left a memory that had you been not found would never exist..i know my Angel Forrest will greet you..i will ask him..he may be a doggie but he loved kitties..and he will lick you and love you and you will never be alone…my heart felt condolences to you all..and the gentlest of ((((hugs))) Fozziemum xx???
Pipo/Minko/MrJackFreckles says
Awww, how sad that the heavenly angels wanted him to be there. We loved how you loved him with all your heart. We adore that picture of him enjoying you as his kitty shelf (on your cheek), how contented he looked.
Sending tons of hugs and purrs too.
Vittoria says
Milton was in Heaven long before he crossed the Rainbow Bridge. He was so blessed to know love for his short time in this world. He will not be forgotten.
Thank you.