I haven’t written much here in a while. I’ve been on some major massive deadlines for work that have been keeping me busy virtually every waking moment for the past couple weeks. And to top it off, today is the last day I’m spending with my friend of 13 years. Tonight my wife and I take him to the vet. He’s been sick for a little over a year now with what the doctors suspect is lymphoma. Due to his age (15 years), we’ve been keeping him comfortable with cortisone shots, which seemed to make a big difference until recently. Sunday morning, he started having trouble walking, and after spending so long with him, I can’t let him suffer like this any longer. He can’t even seem to lie down comfortably anymore. The vet said we’d know it was time when it was time, and it’s time. I don’t know what it’s going to be like not having him around any more. I know this all pales in comparison to the loss of life in the south right now, but I just needed to put a little memorial on this page… We will miss you so much, Watts… Thanks for being my best buddy all these years…

If it should be that I grow frail and weak
And pain does keep me from my sleep,
Then will you do what must be done
for this – the last battle -can’t be won.

You will be sad I understand
But don’t let grief then stay your hand.
For on this day, more than the rest
Your love and friendship must stand the test.

We have had so many happy years,
You wouldn’t want me to suffer so.
When the time comes, please, let me go.

Take me to where my needs they’ll tend,
Only, stay with me till the end.
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.

I know in time you will agree
It is a kindness you do to me.
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I have been saved.

Don’t grieve that it must now be you
Who has to decide this thing to do.
We’ve been so close – we two -these years,
Don’t let your heart hold any tears.

— from On the Death of a Beloved Cat