Thanks to everyone for all of your wonderful support...it really does help to have caring folks about, which is one reason I love Mudcat so much.

And for Sam, my cat...I buried him in my favorite woodland garden,nestled between the ferns, bluebells, and bleeding hearts. I bought a beautiful little stature of a cat to put on his grave. I'll call it Sam's Garden now.

As for another cat Ian...well, I have seven more, all ferals that I have taken in over the years. Sam was the oldest, taking care of them and loving them and teaching them those important feline skills. He's missed by more than me. Animals grieve too.

Thanks everyone for letting me ramble. Sam was diagnosed the same week my Dad went into the hospital. Dad made it one week, Sam made it 4 months. I think in my head, the two were linked together, and so the grief was greater. But the sun will rise tomorrow, and the memories will always be there.

Thanks again

Robin