Bailey Liston was one of a kind. He was and forever will be my baby boy, hero, best friend, sidekick, my ray of sunshine, my joy, my happiness. After years of struggling with physical and mental health, Bailey taught me how to love unconditionally. He taught me to enjoy the small things in life, laugh… Read more »
Bailey Liston was one of a kind. He was and forever will be my baby boy, hero, best friend, sidekick, my ray of sunshine, my joy, my happiness. After years of struggling with physical and mental health, Bailey taught me how to love unconditionally. He taught me to enjoy the small things in life, laugh at the craziest moments, but above all cherish the intimate and peaceful times in my life. He brought calm to my life and slowed things down. He helped put life into perspective for me. He made me a mummy; he gave me a purpose.
I was told to get a pet for my anxiety, and so I took that advice. Little did I know what our incredible story would be like. Little did I know that I would see and love things differently. I never expected to love anything, but looking back, he was the best little boy to ever come into my life.
On the 23rd October 2016, we visited Worthing Cat Welfare Trust and Sandra introduced us to Bailey’s mum and siblings. We knew we wanted a boy. To our surprise, we didn’t make the decision. He did. Bounding out of the comfort of his fur mumma, he instantly circled around our legs and resided by our feet. We knew he was the one for us. And that’s where our story began…
We went back (when he was old enough) on the 5th November 2016, to take him home! He was waiting at the window for us and that have us a glimpse of his unique and lovable personality. I had no idea of how much light he’d bring to everyone’s lives. At that point, he was just a little kitten, a handsome boy.
6 years down the line and I have learnt so many lessons. 6 years was too short a life, for the love he deserved, and for the light and love he was sharing with the world. I was never prepared for the loss and heartbreak I would feel. He truly was (and is) a unique and indescribably beautiful soul. I always loved the way he padded his blankets/me for comfort. How he would sleep in the crook of my legs at night, or on his climber (synchronising our sleep times). He would bum shuffle across the chairs or floors. When I’d get home from work, he’d greet me at the door, stretch his paws out, high five me, then expose his belly for me to stroke. He would bunny hop my hands and arms, as his way to play and hunt. He’d follow me everywhere in the house, we would slow blink to each other and even meow at each other; having full on conversations that no one else would understand. He was such a photogenic poser…he will always be my favourite photo buddy. He will forever be the best love of my life.
Everyday since Bailey gained his angel wings and crossed the rainbow bridge, I’ve always felt comfort in the signs he has given me. Bailey is a song, with relatable lyrics that describe the unconditional love we shared. Bailey is a robin in the tree, greeting me throughout the day. Bailey is a deep belly chuckle, and tears of laughter. Bailey is a cloud in the sky, or a beautiful calming sunset on a chaotic day. Bailey is the cat blanket I cuddle every night, to comfort me to sleep. Bailey is the overwhelming joy and bursting feeling in my heart, of love. Love that I can now go into the world with, and share with everyone.
I was never prepared for this part of our story, but I take each day as it comes and I carry him with me. I had found it so difficult to get through everyday without Bai, but then I read somewhere that “Grief is just love, that has nowhere to go”. I had never looked at it from that perspective; I had always seen grief as a terrible thing, but now I see it as a bittersweet feeling. That I have all this unconditional love for him (and forever will have), that just has nowhere to go. But instead I can share our story, his legacy, our love with the world and let his light continue to shine in everyone’s lives.
🎶 ‘Cause you are the reason…🎶
Thank you for the best 6 years of my life, bubba. You make me love being a mummy. You made the world so much brighter and I’m so thankful that you left your paw print on my heart. Our story will be my favourite to share. I love you forever and always…my baby. I cannot wait for the day we can meet again and create just as much mayhem as we used to. For now, rest peacefully my baby.
– Mummy (Kyira) 💞 x
Bailey Liston
22nd August 2016 – 2nd September 2022″
