Great Quote and Condolences

Thanks to the wonders of Google, I have a personalized Google web page (AKA iGoogle) which I love. One of the various gWidgets (AKA iGoogle Gadgets) on my iGoogle page is the Leadership Quote of the Day. Today I found the quote to be very inspirational. Here is the quote for Saturday, October 4, 2008:

"You may have a fresh start any moment you choose, for this thing that we call 'failure' is not the falling down, but the staying down."
—Mary Pickford

Yesterday was my stepfather's birthday. I sent him a card and an e-mail [I'm trying to be better about this sort of thing]. He responded to my e-mail by mentioning that his favorite aunt had died! :(

D and I are very sorry for your loss. Our condolences go out to you and your family during this difficult time.

Have a blessed day and enjoy this first weekend of October--including the wonderful, cool weather! We love you all and wish you well.

A Tribute to Marley

A Tragic Loss That No One Should Experience
Marley: Spring 2005-July 31, 2008

These are some classic photos of Marley. The first one was taken on the day D brought him home (10/21/05). He was my birthday present for 2005.


...Classic Marley Photos


Marley loved Riley! We already had Riley when we adopted Marley, so the two grew up together. Marley was such a cat-dog.





Not only did Marley let Riley use him as a chew toy, he also liked to be chased (sorry, no photo). The two even liked to snuggle up on the couch with me.

Although hesitant at first, Jonesy eventually joined the party. (My feet are actually under the cover in this photo. The critters loved to keep me company while studying for my MPH).

...and Lucky made four. We we got Lucky as a playmate for Riley right before our wedding.
(This may be the only photo of all four critters.)

Here Jonesy and Marley are inside pining while
Riley and Lucky play outside in the snow.
Two Cronies: Jonesy and Marley

Another classic photo of Marley

It's treat time--yummy stuff!

These two loved to play, especially after we went to bed at night.

...This cat had such a cool personality! He even played my sidekick
(Clementine from Reno! 911, Halloween 2007)

Marley also liked to crawl into baskets and suitcases.
Take me with you, please!

This cat was just amazing! He was very quirky and verbal. He became even more affectionate after I got pregnant. He used to lay on my belly and purr. It's too bad that baby M will never know our "Little Buddha" Marley.

I did not realize how important he was to our family until we lost him. I still think I hear him on occasion. Jonesy has been very lonely and has taken on some of Marley's personality traits: he is much more verbal and playful, especially after our bedtime. Jonesy really misses his little buddy and continues to wake me up at night (sometimes every two hours) to "pat down" and get some attention.

We are still mourning the loss of Marley and will continue to do so. Another cat is out of the question right now, with baby M coming soon and the fact that we know we will never replace our little black panther. Perhaps when baby M becomes mobile we will consider a kitten (perhaps to give Jonesy a break from baby hands, as he is currently six years old). ...Only time will tell.