A Life Well Lived

This morning Skipper passed away.  He was a good companion to John for 11 years.

John got him long before we met; he picked him out at the pound.
Skipper was very special to him.  I remember thinking about getting married and knowing it wasn't just John that I was getting, but also his cat.  It's kind of like that in the Hatcher family.  The men like their cats and the women tolerate them because their men like them so.
The loss is definitely felt most by John.  I feel John's grief.  It was a long week this past week, watching him decline.  Each passing day got worse and worse.  
This house will be different without Skipper in it.  Chase will miss him, although, she hasn't really noticed yet.  One day I bet she'll wonder about him!

A Cat's Prayer
If it should be, that I grow frail and weak,
And pain should keep me from my sleep,
Then, you must do what must be done
For this, the last battle, can't be won.
Don't let your grief stay your hand,
For this day more than the rest,
Your love and friendship stand the test.
We've had so many years,
What is to come can hold no fear.
You'd not want me to suffer, so
When the time comes, please let me go.
Take me where my needs they'll tend,
Only, stay with me to the end
And hold me firm and speak to me
Until my eyes no longer see.
I know in time you'll see it is a kindness you do for me
Although my tail its last has waved,
From pain and suffering I've been saved.
Don't grieve it should be you who this thing decides to do.
We've been so close, we two, these years,
Don't let your heart hold tears.
SMILE, FOR WE WALKED TOGETHER FOR AWHILE.