Yeah, the poor guy's got 3 sisters, but all 3 of our pets are boys and, well, that's close enough, right?
Cats. You either like them, or you don't. They do have a reputation of being a tiny bit self-absorbed (pot calling the kettle black, I say) and, often times, are considered not very good, you know, people-type pets.
Still.
There are those times, during their seemingly endless days of captivity, when a cat can sense that something is off and their owners aren't feeling quite right, or perhaps the planets are out of alignment, the earth's rotation shifts just a tad, and they simply slip out of character.
On the other hand, there is nothing more humanizing than staying up most of the night, taking care of a sick pet.
The Old Man (a.k.a. Pumpkin) belonged to my grandmother. She moved in with my folks -- 5 years before she passed, when I was pregnant with Glen -- but, left The Old Man in my care.
"Nasty old cat!"
No, I didn't like him. My husband liked him even less. Still. It's been 10 years (I only know, because my son is 10 and 4 pregnancies make for pretty good time lines) and, well, I guess we ALL just sort of grew on The Old Man.
My grandmother called The Old Man home last week and, as hard as his passing was -- I never had a pet, or anything, for that matter, die in my arms, before -- I am VERY thankful that the kids were NOT home to see it.
"Hey, uh, yeah, it's me, so, how you feelin'?"
I called my brother, this week -- he's been going through some pretty invasive tests, lately -- but, my husband and I made a conscious effort NOT to tell him about Pumpkin's death.
"Sorry to hear about Pumpkin."
Apparently, my mother told him. You see, besides my mother, Pumpkin was the last physical connection we had to our grandmother.
"You guys took good care of him and he lived a very long life."
My brother lost one of his kidney's to cancer, 2 or maybe even 3 years ago (I'm not sure, seeing as I haven't been pregnant in a long while) and, once that bitch (cancer) touches your life, well, it's like my brother's been looking over his shoulder ever since.
Me, too.
"How did those test results go?"
Long story short (you're welcome!) THE BITCH IS BACK!
"I'm having surgery on Monday."
They found cancerous cells in his bladder. THANKFULLY, the cells have sort of velcro'd themselves to the lining, but have NOT penetrated his bladder.
"They're also gonna give my bladder a good scrub down, too."
Actually, they're "gonna" give him what's called a chemo wash and, well, there's frustratingly little information available online regarding this type of treatment -- besides, the fact that it "buys the patient some time," whatever the heck THAT means, right?
"Good, judging by your feet, it could probably use a good washing!"
Yeah, I know -- feet have very little, if nothing, to do with your bladder -- but, he laughed, anyway.
Brothers. You either like them, or you don't. They do have a reputation of being a tiny bit self-absorbed (pot calling the kettle black, AGAIN, I know) and, often times, are NOT very good at, you know, calling their sisters.
There are those times, during our seemingly endless days of countless routines, when the planets shift out of alignment, the earth's rotation changes just a tad, and we get the chance to feel comfort in each other, all over again.
On the other hand, there's nothing more dehumanizing than being the twin who does NOT have cancer.
Rest in peace, Pumpkin. We're sure gonna miss you and your catherapy sessions, too! Oh, and if you get the chance, tell Mamama to send some good juju this way, okay? Bud could sure use some, right now.
Oh, and as for you...cancer...
"GET AWAY FROM HIM, YOU BITCH!!!"
Don't worry, my bruh-thuh, I love you (and your smelly feet, too) give her hell, Bud!
© 2009 This Full House - All Rights Reserved.
Ugh, I am so sorry to hear the news. Sending good thoughts and prayers for him right now.
Posted by: Busy Mom | November 20, 2009 at 10:57 AM
This sucks! Wishing good things for BUD and you all!
xo Kim
RIP Old Man
Posted by: kim @ mommyknows | November 20, 2009 at 11:54 AM
Oh Liz. This week has been a bitch all the way around.
F cancer, Uncle Bud. Kick it's ass.
I'm adding this to my increasingly long prayer list.
Posted by: Headless Mom | November 20, 2009 at 12:57 PM
Sorry to hear the news.
Posted by: Marie | November 20, 2009 at 02:20 PM
If Bud is anything like you (which is pretty likely, since you're twins and all), I bet he'll definitely open up a can of Cancer Whoopass. Keeping him and your family in my thoughts!
And, sorry about Old Man. :(
Posted by: Melisa | November 20, 2009 at 05:45 PM
I'm sorry about this news. Big hugs and love to you... and yeah - give cancer hell, Bud!
Posted by: jennyonthespot | November 21, 2009 at 04:30 PM
Sending your brother good vibes and saying a prayer right now!!!!
Posted by: Jamie | November 22, 2009 at 10:29 PM
I hope and pray that your brother get well and gets rid of that Cancer. I know that if one is determined enough to fight it, it'll go away.
Posted by: Evan | November 30, 2009 at 10:50 AM