Rain and Hope

We buried one of our cats today, in the rain. We've had such a wonderful summer, but the change of seasons is beginning here. Our poor kitty Jaz was sick for some time, and finally succumbed. We had a little funeral for her, which was helpful for the children to connect with what had happened. Then I went back to bed. I'm going to miss her sleeping on my legs every night. We feel a hole in our family.

School starts in our district this week. We will begin our "official" homeschooling then. We've been easing into it over the past month, trying to figure out a schedule and routines that will work for our family. I really like having my son home all day. I am excited about what we will be learning (he wants to start with chemistry!). I am nervous about the commitment, and about all the areas I need to grow in to make this work. I hope I will know how to find the help I need and get the time to myself I need. Wish us luck!

Sick Cat

Our poor cat is sick again.  She had a serious illness last year at this time, and it has returned again.  Apparently when some cats get "stressed out" they stop eating.  Jaz' body burned fat to survive, but her liver couldn't process it and got plugged up with fat cells.  Her liver stopped working right, she got sicker, and ate even less.  It is a downward spiral that is fatal if not treated aggressively.  Jaz had to have a feeding tube put in and we have to give her food, water and medicine every couple of hours.  She is starting to perk up a little bit, and her skin is not as jaundiced, but she has a ways to go yet.  It is stressful having to remember her routines and keep an eye on her.  Poor kitty.