Thank you, Shane: I missed spending more time visiting with you, but I appreciate you understanding why I had to run. No matter how fast I went it wouldn’t have mattered in the end. Willow at least had Irene with her, and Irene had me once I got there.

I knew the next five years were going to be tough. Three cats over 14 years of age- the math is stacked against us. But I really didn’t have any reason to expect Willow would die so soon. Her last vet check was three months ago, and they said she was fine. But fine has a different meaning when a living creature is getting on in years.

As much as I hate losing my furry family, when it happens it gives enough of a jolt to help put a clearer or at least different perspective on life. I wish I didn’t have to go through this, though.