I’m sitting here with a cup of green tea 🍵 in my hand and trying to figure out how to start this post, so I’ll start with some things that I know to be true.
- Tomorrow (Monday) will mark one week since Tabs took his final runway walk.
- I can’t say that I’m anywhere near feeling like my usual self again, but every day I hurt a little less.
- Today I put on mascara for the first time in weeks.
And blush.
And concealer. (I would like to think Tabs would be proud.)
I may even paint my nails tonight. Chanel, of course — in honor of my husky ball of love.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms out there — cat moms, dog moms, bird moms, snake moms, gerbil moms, little monster moms and moms to humans.
I debated whether I should change the title of this post and the entire series from “Sundays With Tabs” to “Sundays Without Tabs,” but for now I’m going to keep it “Sundays With Tabs,” because, in his own way, he’s still with me.
I know this day isn’t easy for everyone. Some people have lost their mom, or don’t have the best relationship with their mom, or want to be a mom but can’t, and if that’s the case for you, please know that there’s someone on the other end of the keyboard — granted, someone with a broken heart — who has love ❤️ for you.
I’ll be seeing you soon.
Your friendly neighborhood beauty addict,
Karen
Alix says
May 12th, 2019 at 5:14 pmHappy Mothers Day, Karen. What a lovely set of photos of you and Tabs! I think I like the top one the best — I can literally SEE the connection between you two! Thank you for another Sunday with Tabs, who is undoubtedly ruling the catwalk in kitty heaven right now.
Karen says
May 12th, 2019 at 9:05 pmThank you, Alix, for your love and support. He’s probably teaching a kitty modeling class as I type this… 🙂
Nicola Parker says
May 12th, 2019 at 5:39 pmHi Karen
Tabs would be so very proud of you.
What a beautiful and brave post !😥 the photos of Tabs are so special I especially love the one of him watching protectively over his baby sister,also the one with him showing off the pretty fall colours on his belly,his penetrating green eyes,actually I love them all …capturing memorable moments from different stages of his happy precious life. I hope you all are doing ok Sending you lots of love xxx RIP Tabs ” deep in our hearts you will always stay loved and remembered ever day.”
Karen says
May 12th, 2019 at 9:04 pmThank you, Nicola. He *loved* that bassinet. When Connor was too big to sleep in it, Tabs took over it, LOL! That’s one of my favorite memories of him, so thank you for reminding me.
Suzanne C says
May 12th, 2019 at 6:10 pmSundays Without Tabs? Only when you’re ready, our friend. And if you’re never ready, that’s fine, too. Sundays will always be Tabs’ day in makeup and beauty land.
I saw a picture frame on Amazon with this on it and thought of you:
“When tomorrow starts without me, we’re not so far apart. Just remember the paw prints I left within your heart.” The memories will eventually become more happy than sad. All in your own time.
Karen says
May 12th, 2019 at 9:02 pmI really hope that’s the case, Suzanne. 🙂 Thank you for your friendship and your support. It means so much!
Barbara says
May 12th, 2019 at 6:16 pmWhat a beautiful post and lovely pictures. Sending you lots of love.
Karen says
May 12th, 2019 at 9:01 pmThank you, sweet Barbara. Lots of love right back at you.
Julia says
May 12th, 2019 at 6:18 pmThank you Karen for your post. This is my first Mother’s Day without my mom. I went to our Sunday service this morning and felt sad. I also once had a cat named Foffi. I was 5 when I got her. She was my dear friend for 15 years. Years later I would still dream of her. I may get another cat, but my son would prefer a dog! We’ll see. I wish you peace and healing.
Karen says
May 12th, 2019 at 9:00 pmHi Julia,
I wonder sometimes if that sadness will every go away, do you? My friend Jen (who lost both her parents), says that it’s always with you, that hole in your heart, but over time you feel more of the joy from the time you had with your loved one, and less of the hurt. I hope this is the case.
Hugs to you.
Julia says
May 13th, 2019 at 12:38 pmI don’t think the sadness ever goes away completely, Karen. You do learn to adjust. I do believe, however, that our loved ones live on through our children. When I look at my son I am reminded about their close relationship and I know my son has learned a lot from my mom. Somehow, that keeps her memory alive and gives me some comfort. Have a good week and take a stroll outside to all of Tabs favorite places. Hugs, Julia
Mardi says
May 12th, 2019 at 7:32 pmI love the smile on his face in the second one – such a happy looking fellow. Hugs to all in your family, and happy mothers’ day. Like many people, I’m sure, this is my first without my mum. It’s a funny feeling.
xx
Karen says
May 12th, 2019 at 8:58 pmI’m sorry for your loss, Mardi. Sending a hug to you, too.
Joyce says
May 12th, 2019 at 7:48 pmThis breaks my heart, but so happy that Tabs had no doubt a wonderful kitty life with you. Sending love your way and know that Tabs is always with you ❤️
Karen says
May 12th, 2019 at 8:58 pmThank you, Joyce. Sending love right back at you.
Debbie says
May 12th, 2019 at 9:47 pmOh my, I really need to stop reading these posts at work, but with the time difference, they pretty much come through around my lunchtime on Monday, and I find myself at my desk bawling (again). And if someone was to ask me why I’m crying, how in the world do I explain…”well, there’s a lady close to San Francisco I’ve never met, who was the assistant to a famous kitty model – yes, I said a famous kitty model. He was absolutely gorgeous, with poise, and stature, and graced runways across the globe. He was sweet and loving, and like many of the “supers” could transform himself into whatever the photographer asked of him. A few weeks ago, his assistant told us all he was unwell, and would be leaving us soon. Just like Karl really, but Tabs modelled until the end. He was a real trooper. So, that’s why I’m bawling at my desk. Anyone got a problem with that???”
Sending love Karen, El Hub and Connor Claire xxx
Deedee212 says
May 13th, 2019 at 8:07 amHere I am on Monday morning sitting at my desk teary-eyed over these beautiful photos and thinking “I’d better put down my phone or my short break will become an HR incident.” Thank you for your comment making me realize others feel the same. Missing Sundays With Tabs and wishing Karen the healing that only time can give.
Linda Libra Loca says
May 13th, 2019 at 1:24 amHappy Mothers Day, Karen, to you and all the moms out there. Especially to the ones that have lost their children, no matter how and why.
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Renee says
May 13th, 2019 at 3:01 amHappy Mother’s Day to you, Karen. My heart aches for you right now. Thank you for sharing Tabs with us.
Chelsea says
May 13th, 2019 at 4:37 amThis was a beautiful post. He was such a handsome kitty, and I love him looking over Connor Claire. I know how hard it is to lose our fur babies. I think about my Mina Ballerina every day but I try to remember all of the things about her that made me so happy.
Happy Mother’s Day Karen. You’ve brought so many of us together with your blog.
Karen says
May 13th, 2019 at 6:57 amThank you, Chelsea. The pic of Tabs watching Connor Claire pretty is one of my favorites, too. He was always so sweet, gentle and patient with her. I can only hope that one day, she’ll have a bond with a special kitty once again.
Jane says
May 13th, 2019 at 4:41 amSuch warm and beautiful photos. Just remember that Tabs will always be in your heart. May his memory always be a blessing.
Karen says
May 13th, 2019 at 6:54 amThank you, Jane. I love that saying — “May his memory always be a blessing.” ❤️ Thank you for teaching it to me, and thank you for your friendship and your support.
Ruchita says
May 13th, 2019 at 5:49 amHappy Mother’s Day. Thanks for sharing these lovely pictures of Tabs. There is so much love and warmth in each one. Tabs will always be with you. Not a day goes by that I don’t think about Mingus and Ella. These sweet kitties leave such an impression on our lives. Sometimes I smile at a funny memory and sometimes I feel a pang of grief because I miss them so much. Even though it hurts, I am so thankful that I got to have them in my life and experience the unconditional love and joy they brought with them. Much love to you and Connor and El Hub. Take care.
Karen says
May 13th, 2019 at 6:53 amYou take care, too, Ruchita. Your heart is so big, and you’re one of my cat lady heroes.
Kim says
May 13th, 2019 at 7:19 amI’m glad you’ve kept the title. I think it will always be with Tabs, at least in spirit. I hope you were able to have some happy moments on Mother’s Day with your mom and Connor. I’m sure Tabs is very proud of you for putting on a brave face (particularly Chanel!) while keeping him in your heart. <3
Ericca says
May 13th, 2019 at 7:32 amRIP Tabs . I love your past photos of him.
Stephanie Marie says
May 13th, 2019 at 11:11 amHi Karen,
I haven’t commented before, though I’ve followed your blog for a long while now. I’m so sorry for your loss. I know how much Tabs meant to you and how gutted and lost you must feel right now. If there’s one thing I learned after losing my father last month and having to take a month off from filming any content (I just couldn’t do it) and from other losses I’ve experienced, take your time and grieve how you need to. There’s no wrong way to grieve a loss and there’s no set time frame whether it’s a loved one or a beloved pet. When you love someone, the hurt is real. We’ll be here. Take care of yourself. (Hugs) ~Stephanie
kellly says
May 13th, 2019 at 11:20 am*sniffle*
crying again
I have no words
Just wanted to let you know I am with you in this time of grief.
Valda Petersen says
May 13th, 2019 at 11:21 amThese are such wonderful pics of Tabs and serve as lovely reminders of the sweet sassy boy he was. I was never a cat person before Tabs but I am meow. He inspired me to connect with and feed the stray cats and I have bonded with some of them. Unfortunately my 3 houndy girls are cat averse so they cannot share my home. Tabs was and will always be a beloved furry angel.
Pamela Haddad says
May 13th, 2019 at 11:32 amI, too, am crying at my desk, perusing your beautiful photos of you and Tabs. Lots of love to you and your family!
L says
May 13th, 2019 at 11:34 amOh, Karen, good for you to keep on keepin on. I don’t get your posts until noonish on Mondays, but it’s just nice to know that your beautiful boy can still be with us through your photographic memories. Bless you . .
With my family for Mothers Day, I shared with them that I had felt the worst since my beloved brother died. This brought forth my sister’s loss of the office dog where she works . . . more tears! But that’s what tears are for . . to wash away the hurt.
If you have, or want, squirrels in your yard, try throwing out some peanuts, maybe. They’re quite entertaining, will eat from your hand, and will fill a bit of your void. Just sayin . .
Make your best day,
Love,
L
❤️
Annemarie Harrison says
May 13th, 2019 at 11:58 amKaren,
I’m crying as I type this. I feel your loss, for as you know I have been a follower for many years. I find it difficult to find the right words to try to comfort you as they can’t replace Tabs. I held my Rosie a lot closer the day Tabs went to Heaven and she and I send you love and kisses.
xoxo
Anne Marie & Rosie
Lily says
May 13th, 2019 at 12:21 pmThank you for sharing all of photos. Speaking from experience, day by day will get better. Personally, I would still like to see Sundays with Tabs, maybe the best of Sundays with Tabs. I’m going to make a donation to my local cat shelter in honor of Tabs and hope others will too. Much love to you.
Sarah Lowes says
May 13th, 2019 at 1:34 pmWhat a lovely idea, Lily! We could all do that, all round the world that this blog travels to?
Karen says
May 14th, 2019 at 8:26 pmThank you, Lily! That is the nicest thing you could do. Thank you so much.
Cheryene says
May 13th, 2019 at 12:46 pmIt was so nice to see Sundays with Tabs in my inbox. I loved looking at all of the wonderful pictures. Of course I started crying again. I’ve been crying in the shower so I won’t freak my husband out, but he’s at work today so I can stay on the couch. You and Tabs are connected by such an incredible bond of love. Happy Mother’s day and much love to you and your family.
FeyFrau says
May 13th, 2019 at 1:06 pmWITH Tabs, always. 🙂 Was thinking of you and all the amazing, beautiful Mothers, on their everyDay yesterday. Thank you for including your online ohana in your feelings and reflections.
Much love to you and yours.
Fieran says
May 13th, 2019 at 1:08 pmKaren, I’m so sorry for your loss. Tabs was such a cool Cat. *Hug* I will miss hearing about his modeling adventures and all those hilarious Halloween costumes you got him to wear. Remember the shark one? And that yellow Submarine one? They cracked me up. Thank you for sharing your wonderful Cat with all of us. Take care of yourself. It’s okay to not be okay. We are all here for you.
Kalen says
May 13th, 2019 at 1:09 pmAww what a sweet baby! I loved seeing the lovely cat pics pop up in my phone, I’m sad to hear he’s gone, I can tell you really loved him! I don’t know what I’d do without my baby, a girl tabby. I really appreciate what you said at the end. Yesterday was my first mother’s day in another city from my mom, we’ve had a bad relationship ever since I got married, she doesn’t like my husband. I kept being told to tell my mom, “happy mothers day” but its hard when people don’t realize what that means to you.
Sarah Lowes says
May 13th, 2019 at 1:33 pmI was in a friend’s garden tonight and a large tabby cat walked past and I thought “Tabs!” and felt such a pang. Goodness knows how you must be feeling.
Tabs has many fans around the world and we’re all mourning the loss of one so beautiful.
Kate & Bree says
May 13th, 2019 at 1:55 pmI’m so glad you kept it as Sundays with Tabs the Cat, even though I am now thoroughly bawling my eyes out reading this on Monday. I miss the little guy, even though I never met him. The photos you included are absolutely precious. Bree is looking at me like I’m crazy saying, “Why the heck are you crying? The TV isn’t on, it’s sunny! What be the deal?!”
Ah, she doesn’t understand internet cat friendships quite yet. He was so precious. Tabs will always be in our hearts and memories, Karen. The amount of people you see here mourning with you shows you how much love he had. It’s not Sundays without a Tabs exploit, even if we all have to cry with you for a while.
Melissa Valdez says
May 13th, 2019 at 2:00 pmHope you had a Happy Mother’s Day, Karen. I loved seeing the photos, they spoke volumes as well as the sentiments you expressed. Hope your little girl is adjusting to his loss as well.
Bailey says
May 13th, 2019 at 2:07 pmKaren, I’m so sorry about Tabs. When I read the news, I started tearing up and I can only imagine what you’re going through. Try to remember we all love you and Tabs and at least he’s not in pain. I’m going to miss that “delicious belly meat.”
Have you thought about adopting another cat that needs love and a good home just like Tabs did?
Christina says
May 13th, 2019 at 2:20 pmHope you had a nice Mother’s Day, Karen. It’ll always be Sunday WITH Tabs for me. Thanks for sharing him with us all these years. I love cats but can’t have one because of allergies, and seeing him weekly gave me a little glimpse into what having one would be like. Many thanks.
Stephanie Smith says
May 13th, 2019 at 2:22 pmIt should always be “Sunday’s with Tabs!” It’s fitting! The pics of the two of you are wonderful, I’m glad there are so many! Happy Mother’s Day! ❤️
Michele DiCola says
May 13th, 2019 at 2:37 pmKaren those are beautiful pics of
you , Tabs and Connor Claire .
I think it helps to write about him then read it over .
One of my students wrote a beautiful story about Georgie and how she came to be in our lives . It was so on point . I keep it w her memorial case and read it from time to time .
Happy Mother’s Day 🌹
Gina Bullard says
May 13th, 2019 at 2:52 pmOh, Ms. Karen,
I don’t know why I am just now getting this – (Monday) but I am crying with you- I cannot even think of any more words – my mind is totally blank it’s just my heart now to you…
Yeah, mascara, and blush! And of course, only Chanel would do!!
All healing and feeling my loss of my Gracie with you… may both our hearts mend quickly!
Gina
Rachel says
May 13th, 2019 at 4:14 pmHi Karen,
I’m so glad to see another Tabs Sunday. I think still having him as the mascot on Sunday is such a sweet way to honor him and his time here with us. Just because he’s gone doesn’t mean he’s gone from our hearts. Sending love and prayers to you and your family
Shannon says
May 13th, 2019 at 6:27 pmMy dear friend,
I can’t imagine this blog without “Sunday with Tabs the Cat.” Don’t feel pressured to change or adjust things because of what someone’s version of normal might be. The loss of your best friend is very real. Black and white. A best friend is a best friend.- With or without fur. I wish I could hug you and tell you I know there will be easier days. I would also warn you there will be days when you will see a picture or remember a moment with him, then find yourself wiping your cheeks. Grieve the way you need to grieve and feel everything you need to, to celebrate Tabs’ life. His beautiful soul lives here in this blog, until you meet again. ❤️
Jennifer says
May 14th, 2019 at 6:22 amI hope you had a decent mother’s day, even though you are in deep grief over your fur baby.
I’m so sorry.
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Erica says
May 14th, 2019 at 7:26 pmThe loss of a beloved pet is so difficult. I’ve lost a few of my furry best buddies over the years, and it never gets easier. Sending you much love! ❤️
Mel. B. says
May 14th, 2019 at 7:38 pmSo well written. I love all your photos of beautiful Tabs; especially the ones with him & Conner Claire.
Dosh says
June 4th, 2019 at 9:19 pmI haven’t been here for awhile…until I wanted to search for an old Mac eyeshadow. I knew you would have the deets. I saw tabs went to the rainbow bridge and its like end of an era…I can’t believe he’s gone. I want to thank you for sharing him with us over the years. It’s hard to lose a fur baby… i send you peace and healing vibes.
Im glad youre still blogging…one of the few from back in the day I trust.
Ann says
June 5th, 2019 at 10:52 pmHi Karen, I was so sorry to see Tabs had passed. I followed you a few years ago and then just caught up with you again. I could see the love and bond you share in those beautiful pictures. I know Tabs is watching you from that runway in the sky. Be well.