Loki occupies a highly ambivalent and, ultimately, unique position among the gods, while often demonstrating a complete lack of concern for the well-being of his fellow gods. As the lord of mischief, he pushed the boundaries of societal expectations- as would be expected from a shapeshifter. So, it was to the surprise of none of the gods when he decided to take mortal form, appearing in Canada on the Summer Solstice in 2003. I watched as his tiny body wiggled to life along side his litter mates. He had chosen a cat as his form to walk among Midgard and the realm of man. It would be six months before our paths- and our destinies- would cross again.
It was Yuletide 2003 and I drove back to see those friends in Canada. It was at this time that our paths would become one. We became inseparable. I knew that I had to bring him home with me so we made the quiet journey home together. I had never seen such affection in a cat before. From that moment on he was constantly near me. He slept cuddled up next to me at night and sat in my lap in daylight. When I returned home he would be the first to greet me and the last to see me on the way out of the door.
Throughout his life he was, for all intents and purposes, an attention whore. Whenever someone would come to visit rather than run and hide like most cats he was right by the person’s side, demanding worship to his godliness. He would- much to the surprise of all- come when you called him and knew when to play and when to set aside time for his own introspection. He was, in the words of so many who knew him, the world’s most perfect cat.
Through all of life’s trials and tribulations, through all its devastation and delight, he was my constant companion.
Fourteen years of memories would pass when cancer and kidney disease began chipping away at his mortal frame. I prayed to the gods for more time. They answered by blessing Racheal and I with thirteen more months.
Gods were not meant to be mortal for so long, we realized. And so, today, we returned his soul to the heavens.
We sat with him, shedding tears of sorrow but also of joy- for the pain we feel when someone leaves our life is in direct proportion to the joy they brought while part of our life. Thus, it was that he left this world, but when he wakes he shall be with his brothers and sisters in Asgard.
Like all gods, stories will be written, and songs will be sung. I shall worship the memories shared until such day that I take step into Valhalla. There, we will feast together once again.

I do not grieve- I remember.

Loki (June 2003-May 2018)