My Dads,

Sigh... yet another tearful phone call from the former wife... our little cat, Annie, died tonight after several weeks of some tumor that, caused her no pain (as the vet assured) but was slowly wasting her away.

She was over 17 years old so it's no big surprise that she should pass away... but, when ya figure that my bug is only 19... well, Annie was always a part of her life... as a matter of fact, at the age of three or so, Jesse was the one who picked Annie to be adopted from the animal shelter. So she was always a mainstay and source of love in Jesse's life. I still remember the night we brought her home... so very tiny.. and she curled up in our friend Carole's sweater and we could just see her head peeking out occasionally... she was always rather skittish.

My former wife has asked me not to tell Jesse about this until tomorrow evening... Wednesday is her very busy, very stressful day at school, so, of course I'll honor that... but she does want me to be the one to tell her... which makes sense... my wife would fall apart and I can keep it together while Jesse deals with the grief of losing, basically, her life long companion.

Jesse's a young adult now and, I'm sure, will be fine... but I still wish I could be with her while she (as I know she will) cries... guess that just comes with kids growing up.

So, let's raise a modest toast to a small cat that was part of the fabric of my girl's life... I love you, little Annie, and I'm glad you're at peace.

All the best,

Smokey

Here's to Annie.

It always touches me so to hear you talk about your daughter and your love for her, bro.

Hugs and love