ode to charlotte.

today turned out to be a sad day. my hubby's childhood pet of 18 years had to be put to sleep this afternoon. she was his little black cat, appropriately named charlotte, of e.b.white's celebrated spider. with her birthday only yesterday, she made it one more year but she just couldn't take it any longer. cancer claimed her tiny 7 lb body, spreading too fast to control. over the past few years, she's battled quite a few medical maladies, including bouts of epilepsy; it truly is amazing she has lasted this long.

even so, reality slowly sinks in. if you've ever lost a family pet you know how deep the loss can hit. this once frisky kitty will no longer pounce onto stephen's top bunk and snuggle up for the night as in the days of old. throughout thick and thin and all the phases of life, she has been there for him. a constant companion during the rough days of adolescence and welcoming comfort to embrace upon returns home. she was one of the family, and she will be missed.

to charlotte...one very special kitty.