Yesterday we had to put our 17 year old cat Morticia to sleep. She had kidney problems for a while now and it finally was just too much for her.

She was a really unique cat. Where other cats would run and hide when friends came over, Morticia never knew a stranger. She assumed everyone loved cats and would always rub up against them. If held, she would actually put her front paws on either side of their neck as though she was hugging them.

The vet was very sympathetic and gentle. She passed peacefully while we held her and stroked her head.

Finally got word that the tombstone we bought for our mom and dad’s plot was engraved and has been installed at the grave site.

We were all going to take dad up to see it but decided that maybe it would be better to make the 2 hour drive on a non-holiday. That way we could all enjoy the day off.

Still am amazed that a hand-carved angel tombstone that probably weighs 300+ pounds ended up in a small Kansas farm town. I wonder what the Chinese sculptor thought about releasing the angel from the stone. Did they think about the person it was for or was it just another job?

Mourning the loss of a good, good friend.

This is the last photo that I have of my best friend. It was taken the year before he died of cancer. I had flown up to see him after he had called to tell me was dying. It was a very cold April in the Chicago area. We had a really good, but all too short, visit.

Today’s post is a little long winded. My apologies - I just don’t know how to shorten my story today. I hope your patience will be rewarded.

This is my 85 year old dad. By the age of 40 in his career as an Army officer he’d been in battle in 3 wars; World War II, Korea and Viet Nam. He was never physically wounded but he saw a lot of his friends die. He’s seen the best and worst of humanity and always managed to keep things in perspective and love & take care of his family.