Sunday, April 20, 2008

A long and sad week...


The semester is finally coming to a close, just two more weeks of classes and one week of exams. I am so ready for this summer. This week was especially exhausting. I have been really busy with classes, writing and preparing for several projects I will be working on this summer, but the week hit a really sad note on Wednesday. When I got home that afternoon I found Felisca, our 18 year-old Siamese, in a very bad way. She was not able to walk far without falling down and then had a hard time getting back up. She was diagnosed a few years ago with a thyroid tumor after she suddenly became the most voracious eater. She couldn't get enough to eat. The vet didn't think she would last 6 months, but she did. She lived another 2 1/2 years. Earlier this month we noticed that she was really losing weight and having a harder time getting around, but she seemed to be comfortable. Unfortunately, that all changed this week. She was so pitiful. My two sons and I took her to the vet so she wouldn't have to suffer anymore. It broke my heart. My husband gave Felisca to me as a birthday present before we were married. She was our first "baby". She has traveled all over the place as we moved around for college and graduate school. She was a beautiful cat. You can see that in the picture above. Many of the students I have taught over the past 10 years remember me talking about her in genetics class. She was also a topic in my anatomy and physiology classes when we discussed the endocrine system. I know that I did the right thing, but it still makes me sad. I really thought I was prepared for this event since she was so old and her health was failing, but I wasn't. I will miss her so much.


On a less somber note, Mylene brightened my week by sending me a beautiful pinkeep exchange. I love the pinkeep. She did a wonderful job stitching and finishing it. And she also included some wonderful goodies. Thanks, Mylene, I really love the exchange.




Finally, I finished most of the Misummer Night Fairy. I worked on this one piece this week and was able to finish all of the first page. The backstitching and beadwork are complete. I only have to stitch her head and the top part of her wings. So close...

12 comments:

Lisha said...

I'm so sorry about Felisca. I cried too as I read your post. She was a beautiful cat. The fairy looks fabulous.

Vonna Pfeiffer said...

My deepest sympathy Jen...it's so hard to lose a pet, especially a one that has been a part of your life and family for so long. I'm so sorry.

I also hope that your semester ends quickly without too much difficulty. I know what chasing your tail is like and I'm glad that my work week is over... :)

Your WIP IS SO CLOSE! Hurray for you...she's gorgeous!

Dawn T. said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Felisca. (((HUGS)))

Wanda said...

Oh I am so sorry to hear of your sweet kitty! What a lovely exchange you received and great progress on our fairy!

Sharon said...

Jen, I am so sorry to hear about your baby-she was a beautiful cat!

Your received exchange is lovely as is your wip. Take care!

Sandy said...

I'm so sorry to hear about Felisca. We get so close to our pets. A lot of times people don't understand this if they don't have them. I hope you feel better.

Jennifer said...

I'm so sorry about Felisca. It must have been difficult for you, but part of being a responsible and loving pet owner is making those hard decisions when the time comes. I know it doesn't make it any easier, but you know you did the right thing by her.

Sonda said...

Sorry to hear about your kitty. She was a beauty. There's just something about Siamese that says "Royalty". Your stitching is lovely.

Marie said...

My heart hurts for you Jen! I am such a pet person and have, like many others, experienced the terrible loss of a much loved pet. If I were there I would give you a much needed {{{hug}}}.
As difficult as it was, you really did do the right thing for Felisca. So many people hang on too long for their own comfort.
I do hope that you soon are able to think of beautiful Felisca and smile without tears!

Melissa G. said...

My deepest condolences on your loss. I know it's hard to take comfort, but you really did do the right thing.

Looking at your Middy (beautiful, and on a perfect fabric choice too!), it almost seems as if we were working along the same lines! You'll be surprised at how fast she finishes. :)

Felicity said...

Hugs from way down south in australia

Marie said...

I am so sorry about your cat ! she was beautiful.