Wishing everyone a great holiday.  I won’t be blogging much the next few days, so feel free to use this as an open post for trackbacks or comments.

Thanksgiving at the LSU home will be a bit bittersweet this year, as we face the loss of an old friend.

The friend in question is one of my cats, who is 15 years old and doesn’t seem likely to survive the night.  If she does survive the night, we face the decision to try and keep her comfortable or put her down.

I don’t really tend to be the weepy pet person, but this cat came to me when I was in midst of hard times, and has been a great comfort to me throughout the years, and I admit I am very saddened by her impending loss.

She was a little scrawny kitten, the last of her litter from the pet store.  She grew into a medium sized short haired gray cat, much like a Russian Blue.

She was raised, if you will by a black lab, who was her only pet companion.  She in turned mothered my daughter, 3 more cats (the latest below) and another dog.

In all the years she never bit, scratched or even hissed at anyone.  One of the nicest tempered cats I have ever had, and never sick.

And so old age, the cruel eld, has apparently caught up with her.

My family is devastated, even though we realize she is old and lead a long life in cat years.

Pets are interesting.  They become as family in many ways.  While I will personally never mourn a pet as much as I would a person, this cat comes the closest as she is the only pet I have ever raised from young to old.

So what I am thankful for is 15 years of love and happiness that was given by a friend.

Rest easy Gizmo. 

One other thought, from Sister Toldjah:

But while we’re gathered together with our families, let’s remember also take a moment to say thanks and pray for those who can’t be home with their families this year: our men and women serving overseas. Year after year, they have made tremendous sacrifices in the war on terror - and as we know, some have made the ultimate sacrifice.

Thoughts and prayers also should go out to the families of our men and women who are serving - they live each day anxious to know what’s happening with their loved one(s), wanting to find out if they are ok, when they are returning home, and if they will see them again. Many military families will set their Thanksgiving tables one plate less this year, due to death in the line of duty, or the continued overseas service of their loved one(s). Those still serving abroad will have their Thanksgiving turkey with their fellow soldiers, no doubt thinking of their families and friends back home.

So as we get together to celebrate the holidays with our families and give thanks, please make sure to remember to give a word of thanks and pray for all those who have served, are continuing to serve, their families who wait for them back home, and also the families of those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. America stands strong and proud today thanks to the hard work, dedication, and sacrifices of great military men and women.

I could not say it better.  Bless you all.

Crosslinked to Hot Air, NW Bloggers

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