4.30.2011

A Death In The Family



Some of you have asked about Peter's love for cats. Actually, it's a love of all animals, but traditionally, his grandmother and mother always had an affection for cats -- he grew up with cats, and as you all know, had several as pets.

One of Pete's first beloved pets was a cat he named, Venus. Peter was very close to his cat, and Venus was always with him, just hanging out, always nearby. As you know from Peter's music, that he writes about the things that affect his life -- and the song, Death In The Family, was written for Venus after her untimely death. 

Very soon after the death of Venus, Peter met a beautiful, interesting lady. When he asked her for her name, she replied, “Venus.  My Mom named me that because you’ll probably never get to meet 2 Venuses in your life”.  (This girl's Mom must have seen "One Touch of Venus" with the brunette beauty, Ava Gardner, since this line was from that movie.) 

Peter always remarked on the irony of having two Venuses in his life.

Listen to this song. Can you tell it was written with his favorite cat in mind? 




22 comments:

  1. I love cats : ) I have two now. Only good people love animals, especially cats.
    This is my beloved cat , He died few years ago, but I still miss him.
    http://a1.l3-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/69/65f6c056b28d473d3a7cd89e1b6341dd/l.jpg

    Im sure Peter will meet also his cats at the resurrection. Peter you are in Heaven now..Im sure.

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  2. How adorable is that picure?? And I always thought it was so amazing (the love he had for cats) <3

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  3. I love that Pete loved Animal so much. I have been a Veterinary nurse ever since I left School 18 years ago. Along with his stunning music It's Petes love and respect for animals and nature that have made him such an inspiration to me. He really was. "The Green Man" xxxx

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  4. i'm also a cat lover, have been always living with them. so i can understand the love for his pets.

    A death in the family is definitely a beautiful tribute

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  6. I want to say to all of you that Peter is not dead. He is mentally and spirituality closer to us than when he was alive. He knows what happens to us, what problems we have. He is close to those who love him. And he loves us and prays for us , takes care of us from above. You can tell him everythink about your difficulties and troubles and ask him for a prayer. He can also give you the sign. For example in a dream. I've got such a sign. My husband had a sign at the mass for Peter at 14th april. He saw the open gate and Peter at the gate. It was like the gate of heaven.

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  7. Thats very sweet! I have always loved animals as well especially cats. They are like my kids and my other kids look at me like i'm crazy because i talk to them like i would anyone elts. I just posted some of my furry kids on facebook this morning. Peter has such a big heart and i admire the fact that he wrote a song about his cat. I love this story thank you for sharing :)

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  8. I loved that he was a cat lover. What a gorgeous man and beautiful kitty!

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  9. Thank you for this story. I have 4 cats, 2 of them are named Nikola and Grizzelda. My new kitten has been unnamed up to this point because I have not been able to decide between the names Nova and Venus...well her name is now Venus. Thank you so much. I cannot express in words what these stories and pictures mean to me. Thank you for sharing your memories and love for Peter with us.

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  10. Hello Ratajczyk Family
    Since Peters death I have always wondered what happened to his cats. He loved them so much. I would love to know but understand we can't expect to know everything about Peter. I am very grateful for what you have already shared.

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  11. I would love to Thank everyone who has written such wonderful stories about such a great talent. I too have cats but I do love all animals, including the 2 legged kind. My thoughts go to his family and I appreciated them sharing parts of his private life.

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  12. Excellent picture!He was looking SO handsome (as always), but seeing him interacting with his beloved kitty cat is so endearing! There is nothing more beautiful to a woman than seeing a man enjoying time with children or animals! I absolutely love this!

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  13. Such a dear soul. Thanks again for the stories. They mean so much.

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  14. I want to share with you this movie. Let it give you hope!

    http://youtu.be/gm1ARxIzHmo

    Greets from Poland!

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  15. This picture is fantastic. Pete would have SO been the guy I had a crush on if I went to school with him! I always had a "thing" for guys with long hair. And his eyes... gahhhhh! Lucky cat.

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  16. Cats are so AWESOME!! I always had at least 3 growing up..For some unknown reason, I had a sixth sense that,Death In the Family was written about a pet. I actually had it on this morning in the car. His songs were full of emotion,and i could "feel" that.
    October Rust is my Favorite album musically,but Dead Again is my favorite album emotionally.

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  17. Thank you so much for sharing this story, well all of them but especially this one! I have a cat named Nanna that I would walk around with on my shoulders like Peter did with Venus in this picture. I love it and thanks again for sharing these wonderful memories with all of us. PS.- I also love the background photo of this page with Peter's hair flowing, it reminds me of my favorite memory of Peter when i saw him at the Dead Again Tour in Ft. Lauderdale- my first concert. He was on stage and stepped in front of the fan and it blew his hair while he played his bass, it was beautiful, he his beautiful and i offer my condolences to your family on such a loss. Thank you B. Kersten!

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  18. I love this picture of Peter with his cat and love the story about Venus. Death In The Family is a beautiful tribute he wrote. I have always loved my cats and feel as though they are part of my family. Peter was such an amazing person. Thanks for sharing.---Jessica (Black Number 1)

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  19. I had read long ago that "Can't lose you" was about one of his cats dying as well. I buried my kitty Sephi 2 nights ago. She was 17 and I had her most of my adult life. The cracks on my heart aren't even done forming yet, the heartache is yet to come. I loved that little kitty so much. =(

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  20. Dear most loving Ratajczyk family,
    This song means even more to me now that I know it is about Venus the cat. My cats are like my children and losing them is like losing a child and the pain I feel is so unreal. Peter is an absolute genius and I feel closer to him each day thanks to your wonderful family. I know I will see him someday and get to thank him for what he has given us. God Bless.

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  21. Peter take care of my left 09.06.2012 cat.

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  22. Four years today. Miss him still.

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