Yesterday was the last day of school here and I was so looking forward to the summer. My students and I discussed our plans and each time they asked me what I was going to do I told them "ride my new bike." I even pulled up a picture of it on my computer to show them my exciting new purchase. Yesterday afternoon I received an email from my BF telling me my new Bachette Giro 20 frame had arrived safe and sound and to make plans to join him Wednesday at the powdercoating shop to pick out a color and have it painted. Now I must decide on a color, so many choices so little time...

At the same time I came to the realization that my beloved cat, Max, had taken a turn for the worse and the decision I had been dreading had to be made. I called my bestfriend/vet at 8 p.m. last night and asked her to meet me at the clinic to put Max to sleep - he was in so much pain, so uncomfortable. He was diagnosed with a brain tumor in April and we had been controlling it with high doses of oral steroids. Earlier this week Max scratched his corneal and a large ulcer developed. We tried several medicines but unfortunately the ulcer continued to grow as did Max's discomfort. At the same time it appears the tumor again began to grow and cause pain in his good eye. Between the tumor and the eye Max's quality of life quickly deteriorated and last night I had to fulful one of the promises I make to all my animals - "you will never suffer." So last night Max's beautiful soul flew free and I came home to cry and cry and cry. I know I should be very excited about new bike, the start of my summer vacation and yet I feel none of that at this moment, just pain. I know with time the pain will subside and life will resume with a sense of normalcy but the hole in my heart will remain for Max was a very special cat and he touched so many people.