‘Visitor’, a black and white tuxedo cat, came to live with us about 14 years ago; he may have been 1 to 4 years old when he arrived in our household. Over the years many people who came to our house never caught a glimpse of him; it was rumored he did not exist, they we just made him up. You see, he mainly lived in various closets and came out at night to take care of bodily needs. He also came out to get affection when he chose to. Hence his name became ‘Visitor’ and then just ’The Viz’. He crossed the rainbow bridge Thursday March 20, 2008 while I was at ASU.

It was not until he was gone that we noticed how much the other 4 cats had come to have relationships with ‘The Viz’. In his last year, he had taken to sleeping curled up on my bedpillow, even at night not giving me an inch. I would reach up in my sleep and rub his ears or stroke under his chin. Since the passing in May of 2006 of DOTCOM, ‘The Viz’ had started coming out more. He quietly filled the leadership void. We never realized that he did so until he was gone.

This brings to mind how some people go quietly about living their lives, having positive impact on the world; they do not realize it, nor do those around them until they are gone. Notice the people around you. A comment from another student or their quiet example may give you the inspiration you need to stay in school or study more.

Now relationship dynamics amongst the 3 female and 1 male felines are changing as they grieve and figure out how to go on with their kitty lives. I lay my head down on my pillow at night and reach up to stroke a faithful friend who is no longer there.

And once again I am reminded that life does not get put on hold while I attend ASU.  I have grieved over and buried a Dalmatian in May 2005, a cat in May of 2006, and now a cat in March of 2008.  Also I attended services for a best human friend in December of 2006.

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