Thank you...

How amazing to find all these sweet comments. I expect it is hard to believe but in "real life", I am a very private person so I get sensitive if I've shared too much on the blog. The first year anniversary is only a couple of weeks away. On one hand, it seems only yesterday when I clicked on "Create Blog" and wondered when anyone besides me would read it. On the other, I feel like I have known so many of you for many years. You have become friends.

I have had so many people tell me over the years that I should write a book to encourage others who are going through difficult times (for we all have seasons of difficulty sooner or later). I am quite thankful to write in this virtual journal instead. I will leave the real books to my favorite writers, for whom I have great respect.

I have two very dear friends, neither of whom I have met in real life. Yet, we are as close as sisters. We've shared a lot since the 1990s when we met on a forum. One is facing what we are with her feline friend very soon, so she could understand my deep sorrow. She has the same decision ahead, probably within months. The other has been through it before and knows a great deal about cats (her nickname on the forum was Mamakat, "mother of many cats").

I called her this morning (her computer "died" last year), forgetting about our time difference and waking her up (oops). When she heard what the call was about, she was happy I had called. I needed to hear from her if we should indeed go on with the shot tomorrow. When I described the symptoms and what the doctor had related, she said it will be much kinder to take her tomorrow rather than let her slowly pass on. I am thankful for the past few days, getting to say goodbye. I know it will help our recovery a great deal. Your comments and e-mails have also helped soothe the heart. Thank you...

To take my mind off of "everything" this afternoon, I played around with the colors and fonts, even trying out a few pictures behind the title (none of them worked). It is so hot here, I decided a return to a white background will give at least a sense of coolness. :) I wish changing furniture and pictures in real life was as easy.

I will post about the give away tomorrow (Thursday) evening and then leave it up until Monday morning. One gift will be coming directly from me, the other from Victoria when it is ready. (Just a little tease, there...).

Thank you again.