Last condo: 7/14
Thank you for all of your kindness and support regarding my sister. I'm still reeling. Her death was not unexpected -- she was first diagnosed with breast cancer over 12 years ago. Until a little over a year ago, we thought the fight was well behind her. Unfortunately, this relentless disease made its presence felt in a more persistent iteration. None of the clinical trials were successful despite her being at one of the top hospitals in the country and her oncologist being one of the top people working with this particular type of cancer. If you are in the least bit curious about my kid sister, this is the webpage that her department at MIT put up. Despite the accolades, Jo would often kvetch that she didn't have any friends and her work wasn't respected. My sister could be a bit clueless at times. The turn out at her service and the comments on the webpage belie her self-observation.
Marje had mentioned that I would be bringing Jo's kitten, Tashie, home with me. I made what may be the hardest decision in my life but it was a decision that was for the welfare of Tashie. Tashie had been with Jo for about 3 - 4 mos. She was sick much of that time and was in the hospital at least half of that time. Tashie was spending most of his formative time alone. Her cat sitter, Marilyn, would come over twice a day to feed and play with Tashie -- often for hours -- even when Jo was home but too sick to do more than cuddle with her kitten. Marilyn asked if she could come and visit with Tashie one last time. When she arrived, she picked Tashie up and cradled him in her arms. Tashie relaxed completely (he's a ragdoll kitten), was purring up a storm, and was washing the tears off of Marilyn's face. It was absolutely clear to me that Tashie and Marilyn were bonded. I asked Marilyn if she'd like to take Tashie home with her. After bursting into tears, she told me that she works days, her husband works nights, her daughter is around, and she has 2 kittens that are Tashie's age. He would never be alone again. While the decision is breaking my heart just a little bit more than it's already broken, it was the right decision for Tashie. I heard from Marilyn yesterday, and Tashie is happy and it sounds like any adjustment is a non-issue. Her cats aren't amused but they are young enough that I suspect they will be playing in another day or two. [FYI - and edited to add: despite the very female sounding name, Tashie is a he.]
Gabby clearly let me know what she thought about my being gone. She's over being annoyed with me, though.
Thank you for all of your kindness and support regarding my sister. I'm still reeling. Her death was not unexpected -- she was first diagnosed with breast cancer over 12 years ago. Until a little over a year ago, we thought the fight was well behind her. Unfortunately, this relentless disease made its presence felt in a more persistent iteration. None of the clinical trials were successful despite her being at one of the top hospitals in the country and her oncologist being one of the top people working with this particular type of cancer. If you are in the least bit curious about my kid sister, this is the webpage that her department at MIT put up. Despite the accolades, Jo would often kvetch that she didn't have any friends and her work wasn't respected. My sister could be a bit clueless at times. The turn out at her service and the comments on the webpage belie her self-observation.
Marje had mentioned that I would be bringing Jo's kitten, Tashie, home with me. I made what may be the hardest decision in my life but it was a decision that was for the welfare of Tashie. Tashie had been with Jo for about 3 - 4 mos. She was sick much of that time and was in the hospital at least half of that time. Tashie was spending most of his formative time alone. Her cat sitter, Marilyn, would come over twice a day to feed and play with Tashie -- often for hours -- even when Jo was home but too sick to do more than cuddle with her kitten. Marilyn asked if she could come and visit with Tashie one last time. When she arrived, she picked Tashie up and cradled him in her arms. Tashie relaxed completely (he's a ragdoll kitten), was purring up a storm, and was washing the tears off of Marilyn's face. It was absolutely clear to me that Tashie and Marilyn were bonded. I asked Marilyn if she'd like to take Tashie home with her. After bursting into tears, she told me that she works days, her husband works nights, her daughter is around, and she has 2 kittens that are Tashie's age. He would never be alone again. While the decision is breaking my heart just a little bit more than it's already broken, it was the right decision for Tashie. I heard from Marilyn yesterday, and Tashie is happy and it sounds like any adjustment is a non-issue. Her cats aren't amused but they are young enough that I suspect they will be playing in another day or two. [FYI - and edited to add: despite the very female sounding name, Tashie is a he.]
Gabby clearly let me know what she thought about my being gone. She's over being annoyed with me, though.
