Today we remember my Brother Ivan. Actually we all remember Brother Ivan each and every day. My newest readers may not even know that I had a Brother. But I sure did, and he was the best Brother in the whole wide world.
When I was adopted, just three days before Christmas, Brother Ivan was there to greet me. We were instant friends in about two minutes time. Seriously, two minutes was about it. You see, Brother Ivan has recently lost his Brother Moses and he was so very lonely. I was adopted to be his pal and pals we were.
Brother Ivan taught me everything I know. He taught me how to be kind to others and he taught me how important it is to welcome others and to help the ones in need find their special forever homes too. We did everything together, where one of us was the other was right there. Brother Ivan was a very big Maine Coon, a gentle giant. We truly had a very special bond.
Then, in the middle of the night, just days before our Thanksgiving Holiday, Brother Ivan let out a scream. Three minutes later he was gone. He left while my Dad was holding him. It was the saddest day for all of us, but especially for me. I loved my Brother Ivan with every bit of my heart and I cherish the almost eleven months we had together.
So today I want you to know Brother Ivan that there isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t think of you. I try as hard as I know how to live up to your expectations of me. I know you are watching over me and I feel your presence in my heart each and every day. I love you Ivan, and I always, always will.
Love always, your Brother Brian.
Remember, adopt cats, we deserve it!!!!! More Forever Homes More Often! Purrrrr! Zip! Later!
That tribute is so beautiful, Brian…..we can see why you loved Ivan so much….we’re sure he saw those loving memories you have….
Your tribute to Ivan makes me cry every year. Sending hugs and kisses and the boys are sending purrs.
Blessings and Peace.
Lovely tribute to brother Ivan. Gone but not forgotten.
Have a super Saturday.
Best wishes Molly
We sure agree, that is such a nice tribute to Brother Ivan. He looked like such a very nice cat. So sad that he had to leave so suddenly. Brian, you were very lucky to have known him. Take care and get out your long johns, going to be very very cold.
I have some tears in my eyes now, Brian, but that was such a wonderful and lovely tribute to your Brother Ivan. Thanks.
That was a beautiful tribute to Brother Ivan. He looked like a great ManCat and must have been a good buddy for you. We’re leaky eyed too.
The Florida Furkids
The memory of brother Ivan lives on in you, Brian, with all his teachings and brotherly love. Sending gentle purrs to you and your family today. What a gorgeous mancat he was!
We didn’t know your brother was at Rainbow Bridge Brian – he looks as though he was a loving mancat just like you. We are sending you many purrs and whiskery kisses.
Luv Hannah and Lucy xx xx
Brian that tribute was so beautiful to Brother Ivan. We know your heart misses him but is also grateful for all the love and compassion he showed you and still shows you because I bet you visit with him when your Mom and Dad can’t see him, but I bet you do. WE kitties have special senses. I do hope this Thanksgiving Brother Ivan comes and visits awhile with you again.
Brian
Ivan was a most handsome brother and extremely loving. He paved the way for you and taught you well and we thank him
Hugs Madi your bfff
What a lovely tribute to your brofur Ivan <3
XOXO
Great tribute indeed, sounds like one special brother
Wonderful tribute to your brother Ivan. It brought tears to my eyes for I did not know of him until now. What a special friend he was to you Brian.
*wipez tearz frum eyez* Ph Brian diz iz so sad ’bout Brother Ivan..we did not nose ya had a Brofur! He shure waz a handsum mankat n he soundz like he waz bery bery speshell. Ya iz sweet n lubly n kind just like Ivan waz n me nose he iz lookin down on ya wif pride n LUB <3
Run free Ivan n nose ya iz bemembered ebery day….
Lub Nylablue n Sherriellen Mum too xoxoxo
I`m so sorry to read about Brother Ivan. What a handsome cat he was. I love the Maine Coon cat and care for a few in my cat-sitting business. They are the most charming, beautiful little souls. I`m so sorry for your loss and your tribute today was very touching. Deb
Aw Brian that is so sweet… Ivan certainly looks like a very friendly and handsome kitty. I did not know you had a brother. How lucky you got to spend time with him and call him your brofur…
Oh my. I am so sorry that happened. What a shock that must have been. I bet you are glad you where home to be there for him. I know as time goes by we do sometimes forget. I have photos on the wall and each time I walk by them, I talk to and give a kiss to Lilly Ann and Sabrina Isabella. I don’t cry now though. When I go outside with the girls, I take a walk to the path. Along there is an old rhody where my there girls are buried. I say their names and… Read more »
Purrs for this lovely tribute for dear Ivan.
Thinking of you and sending lotsa woofs & huggies. <3
~Bailey (Yep, I'm a girl!)
Brother Ivan sure was a fine handsome mancat. Purrs to you all.
he was a handsome mancat. it is good to have wonderful mentors like that 🙂
Ivan sounds like the most awesome kitty! Purrs to you this week – this must always be a bit of a hard time for your family.
Oh Brian, Thanksgiving’s hard for us over here too, for the same reason. We think it’s especially hard when they leave us so very suddenly. We’ll be purring extra hard for you and your humans.
Brian we are so sure Brother Ivan is sooo proud of you each and every day! He was definitely a very good teacher because you are great and we love you! Please let Mum & Dad and your sisters know we asked about them and to say Hello! Thanks Brian…
Purrs,
Miss Kitty
Brian that is a lovely tribute to brother Ivan. He was a very good teacher and friend to you.
That was wonderful, Brian! Brothers are very special indeed! xox
Poor Ivan, that must have been such a shock to lose him so suddenly. We know he watches over you everyday from Rainbow Bridge.
Dip Bridge and Elliot x
TW has a lump in her throat and we have leaky eyes reading your tribute to Brother Ivan. I wish I could’ve known him. Comforting purrz that you will see him again some day (but not for a long time).
Brothers are so very important. What a lovely remembrance of Ivan.
I’m so very sorry you lost such a special brother, and so suddenly like that. So tragic. I am glad that you had him there to show you the ropes, though, and you certainly do make him proud, I am sure.
Brother Ivan sure was handsome. I love how you pause to remember him each and every year! xoxo
So sorry to hear! But glad you can look back at all the wonderful memories. He sure was handsome! It’s so hard to say goodbye to those we love and let them go. My heart goes out to you.
Oh Brian, I’m so sorry your brother had to leave you. What a beautiful heartfelt tribute you have done for him. He taught you well Brian.
Brian, that is a beautiful and loving tribute to Ivan. Made mom and I feel emotional.
Xxxooo
Oh Brian, what a beautiful and touching tribute to your special brother Ivan. What a gorgeous picture of him…we adore Maine Coons. Purrs to you and your Mom and Dad today as you remember Ivan.
What a heartfelt tribute to your dear and loved brother, Ivan. I can just tell by looking at his picture what a special big brother he was. How sweet he was to teach you so many wonderful things. I know your mom and dad must miss him too, Brian. Thanks so much for sharing him with us.
Purrs to you, Brian, as you remember your brother Ivan today….and every day.
I think Brother Ivan trained you up good, Brian. We are sorry you lost him too soon XOXOXO
Brother Ivan sounds like the kind of brother every one should be so lucky to have. AND he was also quite the handsome dude. Beautiful tribute to him, wish he could have been with you longer.
Woos – Phantom, Ciara, and Lightning
I didn’t know you had a brother, sounds like he was a great buddy though.
{{Hugs}} for you Brian…
It is allus good ta remember the Cats-Who-Came-Before.
Beautiful tribute to your Brother Ivan Brian,mummy say’s she has the sniffles now,xx Speedy
Your brother Ivan was a most handsome cat indeed. It sounds like he was a generous and loving soul……I’m sure you ESPECIALLY miss him around the this time of the year although we never really forget “those who came before” EVER.
Kitty Hugs, Sammy
Oh, that is such a nice story about him. He sounds like a great cat. Mom says she thinks about her lost pets all the time, but we only write about them certain times too. Our kitty Boo did the same thing, let our a scream and then gone. So very sad, but life goes on and we all love you, Brian!
Holidays are especially difficult when thinking about those we loved who are no longer with us. a beautiful tribute.
Every year I think what a great cat Ivan must have been.
When you posted on Friday that there would be a special tribute, all I could think of was that you lost Sascha! I hope she is doing ok.
What a lovely tribute xxxx
As long as someone remembers us with love, we are not really gone. Tell your sisters to give you lots of extra cuddles!
Kat
Dear Brian, this is so sad knowing you lost a good friend and brother. This a such a great tribute to your brother, Ivan. I’ll try to see his photo. He must have been a beautiful mancat.
Goodness, sweet Brian, he was a beautiful boy. We never forget our furbabies who have gone.
Dear Brian, your brother, Ivan, was an exquisitely handsome cat. How sorry we are that we never knew him. We know you do miss him everyday after having an immediate connection and love for each other. Always keep him in your memory. Purrs and hugs, LO, M, MM, G, F, A, L and CJ p.s. Sounds as if he would have made an excellent Cat Scout.
Such a handsome kitty. What an awesome tribute. Hugs Brian.
Brian what a lovely tribute to your much missed brother Ivan…he certainly had such a gentle and wise face and i am sure he is always watching over you…we may not see them anymore but we love them everyday whether with us or not.Hugs and love Fozziemum xx
Such a beautiful tribute, Brian. I am very very sure Brother Ivan is very proud of you all.
Ivan’s got a nice orange fluff. Very nice remembrance.