Three months ago, our Wire Fox Terrier ate a plastic ball and had to be operated ASAP. The coldness I felt when I had to pick up the phone and ask whether she was OK... These kind of things really make you think about the mortality of those you love (human or non-human). I never cried so hard than when a cat of mine died, and he was with me just about four months (he came to my family as an adult). *Good* luck to Sketch and to you all.

Posted by: Lektu at February 5, 2005 04:00 PM

I'm really glad to hear Sketch is home and feeling somewhat better! I hope you're feeling somewhat better too. And as for the pill, try wrapping it in a piece of cheese or something...works with my dog. I hope everything gets back to normal soon for you.

Posted by: Shelley at February 5, 2005 04:01 PM

Three months ago, our Wire Fox Terrier ate a plastic ball and had to be operated ASAP. The coldness I felt when I had to pick up the phone and ask whether she was OK... These kind of things really make you think about the mortality of those you love (human or non-human). I never cried so hard than when a cat of mine died, and he was with me just about four months (he came to my family as an adult). *Good* luck to Sketch and to you all.

Posted by: Lektu at February 5, 2005 04:01 PM

Rest easy Wil... it's things like this that have tought me to appreciate every day we spend with our loved ones. Just be thankful for every day and don't worry about tomorrow.

Give your wife more than one kiss and tell her you love her every chance you get.

Continued Mojo for Sketch and Mojo to you for your peace of mind.

What's the big news??!!

Posted by: Nutmegger at February 5, 2005 04:06 PM

it's a tough thing to know how short a pets life is...when i was a kid i worried about my dog dying for the last 8 years of her life (she lived to be 16)...but take comfort in the shared love between you and your pets...they may only be around for a small part of your life...but the love will last forever...my dog has been gone for many years now...and yeah...i still tear up at times when i think of her...but it's not always sad when i cry for suzy...because she was a so wonderful while she was with me...giving that unconditional love that seems so hard for humans to grasp.

and as for our own mortality...we must live the days we are given...and not pay too much mind for the time they will end...easy to say...but sometimes hard to do when there is so much love in the balance.

if there is any good that comes from the shortness of our lives it is this...the speed of time reminds us to show the ones we love how much we love them as much as we can.

when you have these dark thoughts a good thing to do is just tell ANNE how much you love her...even though she already knows...it's very hard to say i love you too much to the one you're in love with.

Posted by: d. burr at February 5, 2005 04:13 PM

I think I just scared my dog Tita with the yelp I let out when I read Sketch is finally home. I'm so glad he's finally back home. Thank you Wil for sharing this whole roller coaster of emotions and thoughts with us WWdNers.

Still sending mojo your way. :)

Posted by: Ana Marylee at February 5, 2005 04:15 PM

Great news to hear he's back at home where he belongs. I bet he's delighted with himself all the special treatment and attention hes getting. How old are all the other cats by the way?

Life is too short for worying about death but rather to cherish every moment with everyone (animals included) that we meet along the way.

All week I've wanted to ask this question but it didnt seem appropriate under the circumstance, it might not be an irish phrase or it might be me being just plain dumb, but what does "mojo" mean exactly? Im kinda guessing it means good luck or something right?

P.S. Any news about the movie you auditioned for? or is that the big announcement! Hope you got it bud! :P

Laterz
Noel

Posted by: Noel Burke at February 5, 2005 04:30 PM

as is the case with everything you write, this is amazing and has made me think about my own life.

Posted by: bagism347 at February 5, 2005 04:46 PM

Great news about Sketch! I went through similar things with both of my cats - Lokai had a bladder infection early in his life and Lwaxana had hyperthyroidism and had to go through radioactive iodine treatment - my only contact with her for a week was watching her on a webcam. She's home and doing well, though she also now has a benign melanoma in one of her eyes. She seems to not even notice it, but I watch it very carefully and I monitor her behavior. You'll get used to that part.



Enjoy all the love you get - there's something so special about love from the fuzzy ones.



Dana



PS - Yes, the cats' names are ST inspired, and Lwaxana is Lokai's mother. :)

Posted by: DanaNYC at February 5, 2005 04:53 PM

"What if...?"
A: Life goes on.

I had an introduction to this lesson in 6th grade when my father died in a plane accident. Life continues. And it continues to have its ups and downs forever.

I think the caring that causes the worrying is certainly better than apathy. Certainly don't let go of that. But there isn't much point in worrying about things that you can't change and that may not happen for a long time anyways. Besides, the only other alternative is to leave them mourning you (well, I suppose there is the whole murder/suicide pact thing, but I assume that option isn't on the table). Try to channel that worry into joy for every day you have with your loved ones. Actually, I think that would be good advice for me too.

On another bit, Adorabelle, the cat I got in 7th grade died a few years ago. I think she was around 17 years old or so (and still lived with my mother). She was on thyroid medicine for years. The last few years of her life you could tell that she was elderly (but still happy). She was light as a feather and when I picked her up she felt like I should handle her like antique crystal.

Posted by: Alan at February 5, 2005 04:53 PM

Get ready Wil, as this note has alot to digest:

I have been dealing with constant thoughts about my soon to be 93 year old Grandmother's death lately, so I can relate to trying to find that balance you mentioned in your post. She is all I have in the world and I cannot imagine me getting over her passing. And then there is my little Emily (my mini Dachund) who I affectionately call "my little bitch" because she is so spoiled and so cute. I cannot even write about what a basketcase I will be when she goes someday.

Anyway...this week has been hard for you, I know! I (and everyone here at WWdN) have had you in my thoughts EVERYNIGHT! I am not overly religious but I have prayed about you, your career, and Sketch this last week alot. What I always say to God is that although I do not know you personally, you are a very special man for letting your fans/supporters in your life. All that you share through your Blog makes us feel like we are all "friends" Wil. (At least in my book)

I am sorry if this is too long and sappy but I am TOTALLY feeling your stress right now, as I am overly stressed out myself and a tear came to my eye for you. However, when I write, and do for others, that is when I feel calm and happy. You did something for me and when you expressed the turmoil you are dealing with in your life I have to extend a helping hand to you. Anne, Nolan, and Ryan are there for you too, as you already know, and just try not to think too much about the inevitable so that you do not miss out on the good times. My ear is ALWAYS open Wheaton! I am just the type that wants to touch as many people as I can in a positive way. You know?

Now, I think not enough of us say this to you on here, but THANK YOU FOR DOING THIS AND GIVING A SHIT! You do not have to let us in your life. I (we) appreciate it! Hang in there OK!

-Best
Quincey

Posted by: Quincey at February 5, 2005 04:58 PM

Hi Wil,
(I've read your blog for a spell now and I wish I woulda sought you out while you were at MWSF.)
Not to underestimate the beauty of anything that brings you to a deeper appreciation of all that life offers, but as one who just had a cherished cat-friend pass away from cancer, I found the most difficult part of that was that I could not *talk* to him as he went through it all. With humans you usually have that comfort.
One friend pointed out that the death or sickness of a pet can be cherished because the grief you feel is so pure. There's not the complications and mixed feelings of our human relationships.

Posted by: vajrabelle at February 5, 2005 05:05 PM

Wil,
I know what you are going through, although it is my mom in the hospital, not my cat, and I live in Vegas while she lives in Virginia. I hate the feeling of knowing there is nothing I can do right now other than calling her every day. I just wanted to take a minute and tell you thanks so much for sharing all that goes on in your life w/the WWDN monkeys. Sending you and Sketch much mojo, and hoping he only gets better!

Posted by: Viki at February 5, 2005 05:34 PM

*virtual hugs* Good to hear Sketch is doing better! :)
I too have thought about the mere mortality of everything. It's scary. It's best to try not to think about it, and just love everymoment. Have as much fun as you can, you never know if you're going to lose someone soon.

Posted by: Constable_Geek at February 5, 2005 05:56 PM

Dude,

That was a funny review!

"Kool-Aid became the official drink of Jonestown"

he he...now THAT'S comedy!

Posted by: wynand at February 5, 2005 06:13 PM

I am so glad your cat is at home and is doing better. I will continue to send lots of kitty love that he will continue to get better and better.
I know this is difficult when a loved one becomes ill, whether it is your pet or a family member, it is always hard. So you just gotta cherish every moment you have. Live for today, don't stress about what might happen tommorrow.

I can't wait to hear your big news on Monday.
Take care of yourself
*virutal hugs*

Posted by: JenniferB at February 5, 2005 06:24 PM

mortality sucks. i have now outlived (in my adult life) two pets and a third is not far behind (she's 18 right now). it's tough. i have a friend who when her cat died said she'd never get a pet again 'cause she didn't ever want to be that attached again. different people deal in different ways.

for me, i just remembered that we gave a sweet little kitty a very satisfying life and she gave us lots of love and purring and cuddles in return. she was the best confidant 'cause she always promised not to tell. she always knew when i needed some comfort. all of that stuff is worth the pain of outliving them.

you're right, you need to find the balance between appreciating them, not taking their presence in your life for granted (this goes for the humans too) and letting them live their life and just enjoying your time with them and not always looking over your shoulder for the worst.

Posted by: mainja at February 5, 2005 06:32 PM

After one of my boss' cats passed away (the same one that had the fluid in the lungs due to heart problems), I had the same thoughts you did about the frailty of life and how complex and yet simple it is. I think I'm still going through that, since another two of my boss' cats now have very severe health problems. I am trying to find that same balance you mentioned...hopefully it will come soon to both of us, huh? And while i'm typing this, my own kitty just puked up a hairball on my husband. Ha ha...I think she knew I needed a laugh :-) Lots of aloha to Sketch and your family! Welcome home!

Posted by: kijimuna at February 5, 2005 07:01 PM

Wil
I'm glad things are working out for your cat...The Mojo must be working. Well Wil, you are at the start of that mid life stuff. So, its time to start thinking in those terms. A time to think about..the pain..the tear..the laughter..and most of all the LOVE and Love Ones.

Enjoy
MH

Posted by: MetalHealth at February 5, 2005 07:16 PM

Gee whiz Wil, don't make me cry.
All of this talk about living, dying and your
poor cat has me all weepy. I am not much of a cat
person but I know how hard it is to see a pet suffer
and worry whether they will make it or not. We worry
for them and ourselves because how will we get through the days without them. We nearly lost our
German Shepard Nick last summer. He became ill during the night with bloat. If we had not acted fast and recognized the signs he would be dead.
Both my husband and I are grateful for the vets
and the fabulous staff that cared for him. To give
back to the karma gods a little of our good fortune we rescued a puppy my husband found starving to death. He is now part of our family
and is loved and cared for.
Good wishes to you and yours.

Posted by: ColleenS at February 5, 2005 07:22 PM

That did not line up very well.
Sorry

Posted by: ColleenS at February 5, 2005 07:23 PM

I had a kid in the hospital before - so yea I know what you went thur hmmm how did you kids handle the hold thing?? I hope they got extra hugs this past week(& no I don't except you to comment on that just give them an extra hug now that things are fine)- I"m glad to hear Sketch is doing great

Posted by: Reddy at February 5, 2005 07:27 PM

It is wonderful that Sketch is doing well. Google 'prevenient grace.' --Alan

Posted by: OddieTaco at February 5, 2005 07:59 PM

Wil:
If there is one thing I learned from losing one of my cats, it is that you can't spend all your energy worrying about the future that is uncertain and much of it out of your control (save for what the vets tell you to do). Instead focus on the present and the time that you DO have with your pets. The time you spend now and the memories you create can never be taken away from you later when they are gone.

Scott

Go pet Sketch.

Posted by: Scott T at February 5, 2005 08:01 PM

Wil,

I am so glad Sketch got to come home! I work in a vets office, and I see so many sick dogs and cats that come in. In most cases they get better with medication, but also I think lots of love and care helps just as much, maybe sometimes more. Sketch is very lucky to have you. You care about him so much and that means more than anything. There are people who think animals do not understand affection and words, but I know they do. So, give Sketch lots of love because that is the best medication out there. I hope everything goes better for you and Sketch!! You both have earned it!! The very best to you and your family always!!

Posted by: JCade at February 5, 2005 08:20 PM

Wil - I'm so glad that Sketch is on the mend! Like everyone else here I've been hitting REFRESH on the old RSS feed app all week waiting for updates and sending all of the mojo I could dig up.

My parents bred show dogs (Samoyeds) for 15 years and had a cat before that, so I've seen my share of vet runs and I know something of what you're going through. Our furry friends look to us for wisdom and care in these situations and they trust us completely. Certainly more than we trust ourselves. They have, for lack of a better word, FAITH that we will make it better and that's a heavy burden to bear.

By the way - Shelley is right! Wrapping the pill always worked for both our dogs and our cats (although you have to watch the cats carefully to make sure they don't just walk off to a private place, lick the pill clean and dump it.) Try this with anything mushy that they like. Our dogs would down anything without bothering to examine or even chew it. With the cats it was always bratwurst. For the record there is nothing more disgusting than scooping a blop of bratwurst from the tube, rolling it in your fingers to get it warm and pliable before you stuff the pill into it. However, it DOES beat having to do the old "tackle-the-cat" method HANDS DOWN!

Sending more mojo for Sketch in 5... 4... 3... 2...

Posted by: Katie at February 5, 2005 08:33 PM

Wil,

I am so glad the Sketch is doing ok. As to your other fears of death....I am 30.,,,I lost my father at 12, my brother to suicide at 18 and my mother at 23 and I have learn one important fact. Those we have loved are never gone as long as we love them and remember them. As long as we remember that then those have have left before wil live forever. I have been praying for you and Sketch and I am soo very glad that he got all the Kitty Mojo. Since you let us know about your kitty, my cat Jack has been getting a LOT of attention and loving! remember Wil, you have so many fans that love you and that you bring joy to in your blog.

Your friend,

Mike

Posted by: Alpine at February 5, 2005 08:37 PM

*hugs*

Posted by: AT at February 5, 2005 08:56 PM

I am so glad for you and the family that the "fat guy" got home safe. Glad to hear he is doing better. My son and I will be sending mojo your way for you and your family (including the wonderful pets). Mortality does suck, but unfortunatley it is a part of life. Keep your head up, some people never understand how wonderful love for family and friends and pets can be. You seem to have that in your heart. It is great to see. Give the pets some loving from me, and watch out if you have to give him a pill. My cat hates it too. Man can those teeth bite.
Sending good energy and mojo your way. K

Posted by: cilesmom at February 5, 2005 09:30 PM

Welcome home Sketch, and continue to get well!

And Wil: Enjoy the time you're given. That's what matters most.

Posted by: Eric in PA at February 5, 2005 10:02 PM

Yep, it's to bad we *All* don't live forever.. But alas that is not the case...

Wil have you not lost a pet when you were young??..

Just curious, I lost a few...

Keith (Xgaming) Dick

Posted by: Keith Xgaming at February 5, 2005 10:26 PM

Did the vet staff teach you how to pill Sketch? You come from behind, tilt their head up, put your fingers in their mouth behind their fangs to pry the jaw open, and you drop the pill in the back of their mouth as far as possible on the tongue (just be careful not to drop it down the windpipe). Keep Sketch's head tilted up as you hold his muzzle shut. It's not the most pleasant thing for him, but if he won't do it the easy way (concealed in food) then you may have to do it - but cats are quick learners and after the first try, you have to be quick about it, and have Anne or one of the kids restrain him. Hopefully he's a gentle, non-spazzy cat.
Best of luck. Great to hear he's doing okay.

Posted by: Reena at February 5, 2005 10:33 PM

"I guess I have to find a balance between taking nothing for granted, while not spending each day thinking about the inevitable loss of the people I love. I guess life is as simple, and as complicated, as that."

This is the absolute truth. I'm 34 and I've lost both my parents - my mother in 1996 (age 69) and my father on Dec. 30, 2004 (age 81). You feel a bit like a boat without an anchor. But then all the love and all the things they taught you take over and you heal for the moment.

I'm so glad to hear Sketch is home and doing well. I hope that continues. Be grateful to him - he's teaching you such a wonderful and horrible lesson. It's one we all have to learn, but one we try to ignore.

Posted by: JenOfArk at February 5, 2005 11:34 PM

Hello Wil!
I've been perusing your posts today for the first time, and I've really enjoyed it! Your story about Sketch's condition and treatment really tugged on my heart and I shed some tears, I have to admit. My pets have always been just like family to me and I understand your devestation at the mere thought of Sketch leaving you.
I am very happy that he is home where he belongs and recovering!
I have not read any of your work other than what I've seen here, online. However, I intend to because you are a funny, talented guy!
I can't remember where I found your URL but I am thankful that I did.
Now, be sure and give extra snuggles to your 'Fat Guy'.. he's earned them.

Posted by: ThatWickedWench at February 6, 2005 12:33 AM

Oh Wil I do understand this one so well. I've been going through a traumatic loss myself and realsied just how much I should have cherished something I had. I do hope I never make that mistake again. I do suspect it's human nature to take for granted what we have. Maybe we need these shocks to remind us to take stock and give out some love.

I hope Sketch stays as well as possible for as long as possible.

Congratualtions on the good things that are happening for you too.

Best wishes from Wales

Michael

Posted by: Michael Nobbs at February 6, 2005 01:44 AM

Hey will I'm glad to see that Sketch is home. I posted the link to your site and a picture of sketch to some of the cat communities I'm in and the response was really good. Everyone who commented in the cat communities on livejournal had positive prayers and lots of mojo going to Sketch. I hope you don't mind. Livejournal has wonderful cat communities and I'm in quite a few. LOL. I bet he's happy to be home.

Morgan and Charlie_The_Cat

Posted by: morgan at February 6, 2005 04:23 AM

Wil, thanks for keeping us posted (and making us care enough to want to be kept posted!)
I guess all any of us can do in this world is try to remember from time to time to appreciate what we have, and to show that appreciation to those we love. We know from your writing that you are a thoughtful, sensitive man who enjoys the little things life has to offer as well as the big earth-moving ones. What better way to go through life? Best to you and yours and thanks for sharing.

Posted by: maycomb at February 6, 2005 07:18 AM

Hi Wil,

Thanks for keeping us uptodate with the wee fella. I think the worry is part of being a grown up - we can imagine a different future and in the dark hours we try and put ourselves there. We can't ever imagine what it's going to be like - it's almost always both better and worse than we could possibly imagine - but how lucky we are to be in a position to be OPEN to so much pain because it means we've been alive and loved.

I wish you and sketch many happy times still to come (and if that means a little spoiling from you, so what - he'll love it and it'll make you happy too).

Posted by: Claire at February 6, 2005 08:03 AM

Wil,

When on break at work, got all misty eyes reading that post. Hang in there, man. Your family, both human and otherwise, couldn't ask for a better person to look out for them.

Posted by: Mike W. at February 6, 2005 08:07 AM

mucho mojo for the Sketchster...

Joy of tech? I'll be the drunkard of the industry from this point forward.

Wonky wonky is life.

Take nothing for granted, yet take everything for granted.
OR
Take nothing for granted, yet let life take you for granted.

Posted by: Eric/Fyre at February 6, 2005 09:00 AM

I know how you feel.

We didn't grow up with pets, not really--we had birds and fish, and one rabbit. The rabbit died the week I started 6th grade and it messed me up fairly bad, but as bad as it was, I still am orders of magnitude more attached to my kitties. I've already warned my husband to have the Prozac ready when the time comes. I can't handle thinking about it in much detail.

And then I always come to the same conclusion, what in the world am I going to do when my grandparents start to go (I'm 26 and still have all four)? If something happened to my brother, or my mom or my dad? Or the one I try to almost never think about, what if something happens to my husband, while he's in the Middle East and I can't get to him?

And the answer is always the same as Anne's...I just don't know. I know in my head that my friends and family will always support me, that my faith will keep me going, that I'll have my furry babies to hold, but the reminder that life is so fragile is both a hopeful and a frightening concept too big and scary to hold onto for long.

So I do what you do...I kiss my husband, when he's home at least, as much and as long as I can, and I hold my babies and watch them sleep and bathe each other and steal my rubber bands, I make videos of them and take pictures and pour love on them as much as is inhumanly possible because after all, having kitties and husbands and wives and all the rest is an exercise in loving something more than you dreamed possible.

And then realizing that saying "I'll always love you" doesn't sound so stupid when you realize that you could, and knowing that they love you back as greatly as their little kitty bodies (or people bodies) will allow, and then some is the greatest thing ever.

Posted by: wynk at February 6, 2005 10:24 AM

There's the gem -- this is the piece that will make it into the next book. Wil, I love your ability to take the emotional content of your life and turn them into introspective universal truths. This is why we read your blog.

Posted by: Joshua Archer at February 6, 2005 10:47 AM

Wil,

One thing that helps me get through tough times is my relationship with Jesus. When our dog Ziggy died we all cried about it. We put him in a box and buried him in our yard. As part of the small ceremony our family had, we prayed to God and thanked him for letting us have Ziggy as part of our family and to help us deal with our loss.

One month after that, my father died of cancer. Again, we cried. I'm still not over it. I miss my Dad every day. He died three years ago. The sadness will probably never totally go away, but I know that my Dad lives on in heaven. And, I know that I will see him again one day. I am absolutely certain of this because of what God tells me through the Bible. What a comfort all of this is.

I hope that you can also have the comfort of knowing that you and everyone you love will live forever with God. If you have a Bible, try reading a bit of it. God knows your pain. He loves you and wants to comfort you.

Ken

Posted by: Prodigal at February 6, 2005 12:17 PM

First of all, you're a big tease. Secondly, you will face it a day a time... as it comes because that's life, baby. It's not easy and it's not always fun, but it is yours do with as you please. Sketch will adjust to daddy watching him sleep. Heaven knows, PK has learned to deal with me and how protective I am. You will get used to the changes and what comes long the road of life, but you don't have a choice. ;^) Also because hiding won't help you and I think you know that.

I've still not sure how I've gotten through the last couple of years, but I have. We are stronger than we will ever know... all of us, Wil. I think part of the trick is to carry the good with us... to keep alive within us and to make bloody sure that the ones we love know it in their bones. Life and death are the cycle of life. You will face it just fine when the times come because you are a good man and you are never alone... even when it feels like it.

Posted by: Cookie at February 6, 2005 01:23 PM

Wil,

Thank you for being you. You are the most kind, sharing, talented person I have ever had the honor of meeting. I love how honest you are with your feelings. I love that you share with the posse. Great gobs of mojo to Sketch, glad he is doing better. I know the feeling of wanting to check on them every 3 1/2 minutes when they are not feeling well...Ping was sick last year, and I even drove home from work every day at lunch to check on her. She is fine now, but it is scary when they are ill. He is a lucky little man to have such a wonderful, caring family. Keep your chin up, you have a lot on your plate, but you have a great family and friends to support you.

Tim in NorCal.

Posted by: TimCalif at February 6, 2005 01:57 PM

datas ode to spot
http://www.sherylfranklin.com/odespot.html

Posted by: rmacapobre at February 6, 2005 05:02 PM

Yay! So glad to hear that Sketch is home!

Oh my god, Wil, I read your updates about Sketch and can't believe how similar the events are between your kitty and mine. I remember bringing Milo home from the vet and feeling SO GUILTY having to pry open his mouth to give him his pills every day, knowing at the same time that these pills were basically saving his life. I always followed up a pill with a yummy treat, so after a while, he didn't mind taking his meds anymore.

I also remember staring at him, unblinking, watching him breathe while I watched the second hand of my clock and counted his breaths. I would do this about five times every half-hour. As long as his breathing was within the normal rate, I would breathe a sigh of relief myself and then let the worry build up again until I couldn't stand it anymore and had to check him again. If Milo ran upstairs or did anything remotely strenuous, I would follow him and watch him like a hawk.

After a while, I calmed down and we got into a nice routine which involved checking his breathing about three times a day and panicking only occasionally.

The point of this endless story is, I know how worrisome this first week back home can be, and Sketch is just SO lucky to have such wonderful parents to care for him and help him get well.

Congratulations on having your fatguy back home again.

Posted by: Danielle at February 6, 2005 05:47 PM

hurrah for sketch!!! i am full of brio for your little guy. (thank you, dictionary.com word-a-day emails).
this may be a little off the subject, but have you seen the book Bad Cat? its hilarious!
dude, Data's Ode to Spot rocks. (two comments earlier). be sure to check it out!

Posted by: Jessie at February 6, 2005 08:28 PM

We're still pulling for you, Wil.

Star has done a lot better since we took her in to the ER last month...she still throws up occasionally, but not like she was doing. The Pepcid is helping. (Pamela, of course, knows all about how to pill a cat, having been a student veterinary technician in the past.) Maui, of course, is just fine. Both of them are doing all they can to keep my spirits up as I recover from the dislocated kneecap I suffered last Tuesday. (I slipped on some black ice at a gas station.)

Continuing to send the kittymojo to Sketch...Sketch? Are you eating yet? Kitties must eat! Perhaps Daddy has a kitty treat for you? Maui loves his kitty treats!

Posted by: Erbo at February 6, 2005 08:56 PM

One thing which Buddhism teaches -- and this makes so much sense -- is that all we have is this moment, right now. Tomorrow is an illusion. Life is not a permanent thing. Consider what happened to this
guy and it kind of changes your perspective on things.

Every so often we adults get a jolt of those "what if" blues. My husband travels a lot on business and I sometimes catch myself asking "what if." But then I go and play my guitar, clean the fishtank, make dinner, and have a good workout. Worrying about such things never accomplishes anything. It is better to focus on the here and now, and be happy and grateful for the present moment.

That's how I see it, anyway.

Posted by: LynnZee at February 6, 2005 10:42 PM

Hi Wil,

You and Sketch are in my thoughts! I wanted to share a handy tip for giving cats pills that my husband and our kitty pharmacy came up with and our vet approved. We, too, have a Maine Coon that is on medication for life and she has to have a pill almost daily. Here's what we do:

1)Get a large eyedropper from any local pharmacy. Make sure the bulb on top that you squeeze can be removed from the main part that holds liquid. The one we got is actually for human use but works great.

2)Crush pill into fine powder with the back of a spoon in a small bowl. Remove squeeze bulb from top of eyedropper and put in pill powder (making sure to keep finger over bottom so it does not come out other end).

3)Add just enough water (whatever temp your kitty likes) to cover the powder. Essentially, you are converting the nasty, hard-to-swallow pill to a liquid which you can get down faster.

4)Put bulb back on eyedropper. Position kitty just like for pill taking and force mouth open and squirt contents to back of throat. Afterwards, kitty may try to spit out any remnants, so the farther back the better.

If done properly (and this may take a little practice), kitty will spit up virtually none and the entire process takes about 5 seconds. Our cat still hates this, but everybody involved is significantly less traumatized! She gets her squirt now and pretty much forgets it afterwards, with little to no sulking. You may want to run this by your own vet to be sure it's ok for Sketch, but ours thought it was fine, since it is more important for the medicine to get in the cat than to worry about how it got there. With much mojo--Lebachai

Posted by: Lebachai at February 7, 2005 05:49 AM

I really love animals. I have big and very kind sheep-dog :) When someone hurted it with some sharp thing and i saw him all in the blood, i felt pain in all my body. It survived, but he can't see with one eye. It is terrible when something happines to your beloved animal. Good luck for You and your cat.

Posted by: ipf poker at February 7, 2005 06:44 AM

Wil

I am so happy to hear that Sketch has improved! I could totally feel for you when you were making those phone calls to vet. I've been there, heart palpitations, cold hands and all.

I am just glad that the words of readers like myself could comfort you, sometimes in life we need a little hand holding to get through the tough stuff:)

Posted by: Sudden at February 7, 2005 07:13 AM

Dear Sketch,

We are glad to hear that our kitty mojo worked. Now you just have to eat some more (ask your mom and dad for some of that Fancy Feast stuff - it's yummy!) and get stronger. We are very busy with sleeping, lint spotting, and chasing each other, but we will think of you every chance we get and ask Bastet to take care of you.

Lots of kitty love,
Ace "Acey" Ventura and Attitude "Tudie"

Posted by: Goddyss at February 7, 2005 09:04 AM

I just wanted to say here's one more person thinking about you and your family. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with us. Every time you rub Sketch's little head, know that we are with you, too.

Posted by: watcher652 at February 7, 2005 09:28 AM

If I could reach through the computer and give you a hug, I would, Wil. Your posts make me cry, and make me hug my own cats even harder than usual.

Posted by: littlenicola at February 7, 2005 10:53 AM

Hello!

I've only started reading your blog recently, but I really enjoy it. I send many hugs and lots of mojo to your and your adorable kitty. I can't possibly agree more about finding that happy medium between appreciating life and not being consumed by 'what ifs'.

This was a nice gentle reminder to appreciate my wonderful kitties while I still can. Thank you for that.

Posted by: delenn_xi at February 7, 2005 11:49 AM

Hey Wil, I am glad for you and Sketch. Its difficult to think about death of loved ones. I have a lot of family and my parents are getting older so the idea that they will not be around one day is devastating and has been lingering in my mind. Just focus on the positive time you have before that time comes. Its our job in life to realize what we have, not what we're going to lose.

Posted by: roguegirl at February 7, 2005 11:51 AM

I was just having the conversation you had with Anne with my wife last night while watching Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.

The family in that episode was two kids (one about 11, the other 4) and a single mom, about 32. She was single only from the three months previous, after losing her young husband to a car crash.

As the tears were building, I was reminded of two things:

1) I will always be a blubbering idiot.

2) Appreciate every single moment I have left with my wife, my pups, my family, as best I can...

3) I am the reality tv show producer's wet dream.

Glad to hear Sketch is pepping up... and congrats on the good news, whatever that is. :)

Posted by: robreed at February 7, 2005 12:31 PM

People are much stronger than they think they are. I'm sure when the moment comes, you'll find courage you didn't know you had.

Saint Thomas of Aquinas reasoned that animals have no souls, which tells me that St. Thomas was an idiot. There is a spark of divinity in all life. You and your family, including the fuzzier members, are all in my thoughts and prayers.

In the meantime, to quote Warren Zevon, enjoy every sandwich.

And to quote Red Green, I'm pullin' for ya. ;o)

Posted by: FNRThomas at February 7, 2005 01:17 PM

Yo Wil, where's your Slashdot answers? http://interviews.slashdot.org/article.pl?sid=04/11/29/1342247. That was four months ago, dude!

Posted by: Gudlyf at February 7, 2005 02:07 PM

Today at around 3:00pm, the plant manager at work, Sam, collapsed with irregular heart rhythms. He required CPR (he's alive because of Martin's quick thinking), the paramedics and a trip to the hospital. My heart actually hurts with the weight of my thoughts for him. He is this sweet old italian guy with an accent who can't eat spicy food anymore because of some other problems with his health last year.

So when you said this.... "I guess I have to find a balance between taking nothing for granted, while not spending each day thinking about the inevitable loss of the people I love. I guess life is as simple, and as complicated, as that." .... I felt like you understand how I feel. Like a teeter totter in a playground, the rules of gravity and such determine how it operates, but to actually get it stay balanced in mid-air takes a lot of work. We just breathe in and breathe out and love those we love and enjoy everything they bring to our life, and don't let the possibility that they won't always be there kill us in the process. It's better that way. Thanks Wil.

Posted by: Kristin at February 7, 2005 03:13 PM

death is a part of life.
when someone dies the world does not stop.
so the best thing to do is accept it and when the time comes you'll know how to deal

Posted by: Kjarka at February 7, 2005 03:16 PM

This whole thing brings tears to my eyes, but in different terms. I don't have any pets, per se. I grew up with at least one dog in our house and currently have a guide dog. And she's quickly approaching the age that I promised myself the day I got her that I'd retire her. And the thought both makes me feel a million years old that it's so close and so desperately sad. In more ways that I can explain in a comment, she's practically an extension of me - it's a bond that only another guide dog handler could really understand.

But in short, I absolutely understand what you're going through and it never gets easier, no matter if it's a pet or a friend or a family member. It always painful and I guess that's what makes caring for and loving all of the above so much more wonderful - because at any time that person could be taken from us.

I'm rambling, but anyway, Dolly and I send many hugs, doggy kisses and warm thoughts your way.

Posted by: Cyndy at February 7, 2005 03:40 PM

I wish there was something that I could say that would make you feel better. I'm 43 and have lost many a beloved family pet due to natural causes. It never gets easier, but one thing is certain. Our pets KNOW how much we love them. I'm sure my old college psychology teacher would say that I'm projecting or ascribing human values to animals, but when I look into the eyes of either of my cats I can see that they know how devoted I am to them.

Sketch knows how much you love him, and whether you realize it or not, that love will help carry him along through all of his days.

I firmly believe that when my days are done that I will be in the presence of all of those wonderful pets I have had throughout my life, for to not have them with me would not be Heaven at all.

Posted by: Gizmo at February 7, 2005 05:29 PM

Nice one Wil! CSI too, that's a big deal man!

Don't you be going all Hollywood on us now, will ya?


;-)

Posted by: Neil at February 8, 2005 07:27 AM

Just wandered by to catch up and saw the whole cat saga. I know how tough it is when suddenly they're very sick and you don't know what's going to happen.

My baby kitty, Oh My! (well, she's five now, but was about 9 months at the time) came down with hemolytic anemia (her body was attacking her red blood cells) a couple of years ago. She'd been a little listless for a couple of days, but was eating. Then I noticed how pale her tongue was and knew something was wrong. She ended up needing a transfusion after failing to respond to medicine. It was very scary. Visiting her at the emergency hospital while she was very weak but super happy to see me in this strange place.... Well, you know.

She got better and has been healthy since. I hope the same is true for Sketch.

Posted by: Dr. Laniac at February 12, 2005 05:14 PM