This week I have been thinking of my first Thanksgiving living in the San Francisco Bay Area.  I cannot remember who all was there and the pictures I have only include three of us.  However, I do remember we roasted a 22 pound turkey in the oven of the wonderful Okeefe/Merritt gas range that was in my apartment.  We ate appetizers and drank the whole time the bird was in the oven.  By time dinner was served, we were all sloppily happy.  Diane made the mashed potatoes with a mixer while drunk...and I had to clean off the cupboards and counters the day after...she must of held the mixer in the air, still running and coated with potatoes.  I do remember it was a very good dinner, however.

​There so many good memories in my life such as this.  I miss my friends and wild exuberant fun we used to have.  Both Diane and Bill are no longer with us...they died within one week of each of other from cancer...each had a different kind.  Although they are missed, the memory of days such as this makes my heart smile.

It's been well over a week since CJ has died.  This time has been amongst the saddest of times that I have experienced.  I am getting used to the idea that he is no longer here, yet I see him everywhere.  The memories are real yet so elusive.  I see him in his kitty bed in the bay window, resting his head and paws on the edge as he observed the world.  In quiet moments I hear him munching on his food and purring.  Or, I hear his little feet rushing up the stairs and flying around the corner leaving rugs scattered his wake.

When I look again, it is all gone.  I was blessed with his companionship...his friendship...for a little over 13 years.  So many good memories are incorporated into that time.  And, I know, it is good that he did not suffer.  Yet the shock of his sudden passing is numbing.

​Life moves on, eh?

"That gentle purr you hear on the breeze is me. I am waiting here for you to cuddle me in your arms once more."  ~Anonymous

This past Saturday, 11/5/2022, CJ crossed the Rainbow Bridge.  He was a little over 13 years old and his transition was sudden and shocking.  Here is my recount of Saturday:

"The whole thing was so sudden that I am still in shock. It was a day that started like any other...the minute I was up CJ wanted to be fed (which I did) and there were lots of purrs along with my laughter as he "helped" me make the bed. (NOT). Then suddenly late afternoon his hind legs became paralyzed. I rushed him to emergency in Oakdale. The doctor at the emergency said he had advanced heart disease (?) Yup. A blood clot had paralyzed his spine. They were not sure if they could keep him alive through the weekend. They brought him in to see me so we could say our goodby…he started purring the minute he saw me. I petted him, I kissed his ears, and said “I love you my little friend.” Then the doctor administered the drug…and he turned his head and buried it against my neck…and he was gone.

My life is very empty right now...I miss my little friend. Goodbye CJ, I love you and I miss you so much...but please wait for me at the Rainbow Bridge and know that it won't be the long until I will be there looking for you."

My little friend and I had 13+ wonderful years together and this makes his parting so much more painful.
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