A good day

Today has gone better than yesterday.  I’ve had my ups, I’ve had my downs – but you know what, it’s ok.  I’m sure tonight will be interesting.  Trying to guide Max and Derek though their grieving should be different, but we can handle it.

Saturday – we will have a memorial service for Tiger.  It’s a small service planned for our back 40… (behind the fence).  We will bury his collar and remember him a little bit.  All are invited… we will not be providing seating or anything fancy, dress is as you are   You know – come to think of it … Tiger was always happiest IN the backyard – I’m going to do it inside the fence.  There was nothing as funny as seeing a 20 pound cat with his belly swinging side to side running through tall grass thinking his clawless self was some sort of jungle cat!  Yes – Saturday, we will remember our favorite fat cat!

I was reminded, internally, how good a “drug” working out can be.  I don’t know all the exact details – but I know that when you work out, specifically when you work out hard, you release a lot of chemicals into your brain.  Endorphins are part of that chemical cocktail.  All of the stuff releases into your mellon and makes your brain work better, which makes you feel better!  I had a good workout today.  Not my hardest, fastest, longest… just a good session on the Eliptical machine.

Tomorrow will be running – most likely.  I’m enjoying the running as long as I do it every other day.  I’m just too big to slam down on my body over and over again.  I need a break.  I’m pondering trying to re-start MaxFit on Monday.  I really like that program, I just found the doctor to be pretty much a loser.  He may be the greatest in the world, but if you wont reply to emails sent directly to you – you are a loser.

Tomorrow – I weigh in.  Things are going well on that front – I’ve got a long way to go – but I’m ahead of the past couple of years (by a good margin).  I’d like to be a lot lighter for the PeachTree… That will help me pull my extra 5 minutes off the top!

Today was the best and the worst

Sometimes, being an adult, you have to make the hard decisions.  You have to make the choice of life or death.  In this particular case, I had to determine the destiny of my very good friend, Tiger Patton.  I specifically say “Tiger Patton” so nobody gets any wrong ideas and decides to make jokes.  I know a few people have – and they didn’t understand – so I’m not mad.  I’m sad for my loss.

I have to share how it all went down and then go to sleep… or try to.

I couldn’t decide.  Thousands of dollars in bills, less money but an unsure procedure, or euthanasia.  I prayed about it and wasn’t getting that smack in the face sign I wanted.  I needed help.  I asked to see Tiger again.  They brought him in.  He was miserable.  He was meo-owning that’s a cross between meowing and moaning.  I got him to sit on my lap and we were “talking”.  I was sad and petting him.  His hair was shedding.  His bladder was the size of a softball and almost as hard.  I said “Tiger, I don’t know what to do.  I don’t know if you will stay sick? I don’t know if you are strong enough to make it.”  I blubbered on for a minute and Tiger stood up and walked away, he sat down in the corner and looked at me in a happy way.  He was a beautiful cat, he looked at me and I knew – he was giving me the sign I asked for.

I wont go into all the details, but I stayed with him until it was over.  We got a cute little paw print and will keep that.

Now – I’m sad.  I’m relieved.  I know that a cat who was plagued with painful issues is now happy, he is no longer sick.  The support from my friend and family on the phone, email, text and facebook has been awesome.

Tiger, I love you!

Tiger - a wonderful friend!