(Gulp)…. now the tears are rolling all over again here for Cooper.  Right now Nova is licking the tears from my face and nuzzling me, and I am burying my face in her fur, just trying to get all the Nova I can while I can.  Your poem was beautiful.  It's so hard when our fur-kids leave us physically.  Please know that I am thinking of you….

Bless you, Sooper Cooper!

Sue and Queen Nova

After the loss of Trouble and Tasha, Spirit Cherry posted:

We bring them into our homes and our lives become so extremely intertwined. Their life span may be much shorter than ours, but they immediately imprint upon the very fabric of our souls characteristics, traits, and beliefs that forever change us for the positive. We are whole because of the gifts that they give us, and these gifts never end. Now, we may be unconsciously looking for them in the familiar places, but they do still live within our hearts and memories. The loneliness may be crushing, but the warmth of their love will forever fill us with a never ending fire. Seek them in the quiet corners of your heart, where they will live forever and they will continue to shape the person you have become because you did bring them into your home and open your heart.

Dad & Spirit Cherry

These 590 days have not lessened my constant search for Miss Cherry nor the extremely deep hole that her leaving has left. However, I recognize that no matter how much the pain now, I am forever better for having shared in her life. I know that you also realize this is true for you and Cooper. I have been told that what you are feeling is "normal" for the grieving process – "normal" for anyone who feels so much for a gift so great as what you shared. May you too never loose sight of just how wonderful the gift.

On June 27, 2010 Spirit Cherry posted regarding Dad's love of geysers:

One last thing before I close. Steamboat is the world’s largest geyser. It erupts to heights exceeding 300 feet and has not erupted since 2005. I have heard Dad say to many of his friends that he would gladly give up any opportunity of ever seeing Steamboat for just one more Cherry hug. I have to agree!

Spirit Cherry