Dear Willy, I can't believe you're gone! I still remember that first day I met you at Lollipop Farm. You had a sign on your cage saying that your owner had died and you needed a home. There was a woman considering adopting you, but she walked away for a minute and left you alone. I could tell you were the cat for me and adopted you right away! You moved in with me to that bare apartment with just the basic furniture, all hand-me-downs. It was my first experience living alone and you made that journey with me. Your presence was what kept me going sometimes, kept me from feeling lonely. You made such a huge difference in my life. We started to get to know each other and you decided that I was trustworthy. You let me snuggle up with you at night and you were always waiting at the door when I came home. You didn't leave me alone (which was sometimes not a good thing!) and you became my best and closest friend. You moved to different apartments with me while I was in grad school and celebrated with me when I could finally afford new furniture! You licked my hand to tell me you loved me when I was tired and frustrated. You curled up next to me when I cried over lost relationships. No matter what happened, you were by my side. I never felt alone. Then came our big adventure...moving to a new state. You meowed almost the entire way (ugh!) but you were a trooper and were excited about your new house. Again, in a city where I didn't know many people, I didn't feel alone because you were there. And then suddenly you were sick. All the love in the world ultimately couldn't make you better, and that broke my heart. I could see in your eyes that you didn't want to be sick, that you wanted to stay with me. And how I wish that had been possible. But I also heard the pain in your meow and saw your body deteriorate. Rather than take the chance of you dying in a cage at the vet's office all by yourself, I decided to help you die in a peaceful, loving way. So I held you in my arms and let the vet do what was necessary. I could feel you loving me and I could see in your eyes that you knew I was with you. I loved you Willy - I told you I'd be there until the end and I kept my promise. Have fun in heaven baby. Be a good boy! Life here on earth just won't be the same...