I hope your brother Slater and your mom Ellie met you at the bridge, and maybe grandpa too.

You started your life on the farm,,your mom Ellie's first litter. Even though many kittens have blue eyes, yours were so bright they looked like the sky---which is how I gave you your name''my 'Sky Baby'. And they stayed blue for quite a long time, then turned the most stunning shade of yellow cat eyes I had ever seen. You were always such a funny boy,,when I would come out to call everyone to dinner, I would always have to come searching for you, and usually would find you jumping up and down chasing things in the neighbor's corn field :) Then you would saunter over like the king of the world, and you really were.

You always were so lovable and friendly, even to strangers, in spite of the fact you were technically feral. At a young age, you had issues with infections and a leg injury, and were always such a trooper for your visits with the vet.

I had brought you to your new home here with the rest of the gang, and you shared your pen with Slater. Although you guys would have 'minor disagreements', it was obvious you loved each other very much. And when he passed a few years ago, it broke my heart to see how lonely you felt, crying out for him for almost two years.

One of the toughest challenges you had to face was when several of your teeth became infected. At that time in your life, you were completely freaked out about traveling, but I had no choice but to take you to the hospital to help you with your teeth. Within five minutes of the car ride, you were in bad shape--panting, clawing,,,,so stressed out. But we made the 20 minute ride and got you there. They took you in the back, and the vet came out and told me you needed several teeth extracted, but they had to put you under right away because you were too stressed. I was already scared at that point that I might not see you alive again.

But you made it, and I brought you home. Then, within several months, your right eye started to cloud over, followed by your left eye a month later. Within six months you were blind. I discussed this with the vet and they said the surgery had nothing to do with it, but we both know that is a lie. I know in my heart that somehow your optic nerves were damaged, and also that maybe being put under anesthesia in such a stressful state triggered a virus that affected your eyes. My heart broke for you, as you were so confused---up until 12 years old you could see, and now the world was completely different for you. And your brother didn't know what was going on either when you'd walk into him trying to learn how to acclimate to this new way of being.

But boy did you persevere. You fought through all of it. I had special stairs made for you so you could still go outside, and you learned how to handle them, and eventually started going back outside, lying in the sun in your pen. You just never gave up. And all through it anytime I touched you, you would purr and climb on my lap. I was so thankful you had somehow forgiven me for taking you to that hospital, but you know I couldn't have watched you in pain with your teeth--you were really suffering. But I truly never forgave myself,,,I just always prayed that you did.

Then about two years ago you developed horrible, chronic sinusitis. You would endure antibiotics, penicillin injections, etc. Such a trooper. Then came the chronic diarrhea, and me having to clean your butt which you hated immensely,,,,but you still never, ever lost your spunk, your fight, or your lovable nature. I always told myself I would do whatever you needed, as long as I felt you weren't suffering and wanted to fight.

Several weeks ago your left eye developed a pink color on the whole front of your eyeball. I discussed it with your vet and she felt it was more of a glaucoma/cataract issue and not much could be done. Then last week, when I came in to give you breakfast, your eye was a mess---it literally was bubbled up and looked like it was going to pop out of your head. You also would not eat your breakfast, dry food, or any treats, which were always your favorites. I called the vet--when she saw it she said she had never seen anything like it, and that the whole globe felt enlarged, and she felt there was a tumor either in or behind your eye. But that if the enlargement or swelling continued, your eye could actually come out---oh my God. Well, since taking you to a hospital was not an option for you, and the fact that you were 17 years old, we opted to try steroids on the eye to reduce the swelling. You fought me on this, but after the second day, you decided it was okay, and you also ate a tiny bit. So I was hopeful. But then the next two days you wouldn't eat again, and I just knew the end was coming, because regardless of anything we could do, not eating would be the end.

Last night I went in to feed you guys dinner, and you were flat on your side on the floor in an odd position. When I touched your head, you slightly lifted it, but did not do your usual 'snappy turtle' move. Then I tried wiping your eye, which you would usually swat at me when I did, and you didn't,,,,you barely lifted your paw slowly up about two inches, then put it down. I called the vet and we decided to see how you made out by morning. I lied awake til 3 am going over everything in my head---if there was no improvement by morning, would I be able to let you go? Am I prolonging your suffering? And what is the best outcome anyway? I just had to be sure that if I made the decision to let you go, that it was the right one.

But this morning was no better, and I actually saw you try to move from one spot to the other, and you were falling from side to side----I broke out in tears and ran to you. You seemed to acknowledge I was there, but something was way off---you were definitely not normal and seemed disoriented. I offered you treats in my hand--you didn't even acknowledge them. I called the vet again and she felt you might have had a small stroke, but I didn't agree because both sides were moving, although you were falling. When she came to see you, her thoughts were that maybe there was something affecting your brain---possibly a tumor, or the same tumor that was in/behind your eye. She then said that maybe the chronic sinusitis and congestion that would never fully clear regardless of drug treatment might have been indicative of nasal tumors, etc., which I guess I can't rule out. But none of that mattered---what mattered was that my boy, with all his fight and spunk, was now appearing to be suffering, and the fight was gone. I knew in my heart the right thing to do was let you go back to God and be well again---vision back, able to run, and happy once again. As many times as I've had to make this decision, it never, EVER, gets any easier. But my love for each of you knows that part of that love requires these decisions,,,so I cried a river and let you go.

The photo I posted for you on your stone is of you several months before you went for your extractions, because I wanted the world to see just how beautiful you were, and how you had the most gorgeous eyes that shined like the sun. Such a fighter,,,such a sweet, sweet boy.

I hope you felt I did the right thing and are with Slater, playing and happy. I often wonder if you guys miss me on the other side like I miss you from here, but I guess you guys always have the option of visiting :) Please come to me and let me know it's okay,,, and please know how much I love you and how thankful I am to have had you in my life for 17 years, giving me mountains of love and laughs,,,,I love you Sky baby and miss you with all my heart. Love and Light my baby boy,,,,XOX

Would you know my name, if I saw you in Heaven.
Would it be the same, if I saw you in Heaven.
I must be strong, and carry on, 'cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven.

Would you hold my hand, if I saw you in Heaven.
Would you help me stand, if I saw you in Heaven.
I'll find my way, through night and day, 'cause I know I just can't stay here in Heaven.

Time can bring you down, time can bend your knees
Time can break your heart, have you begging please,,,begging please

Beyond the door, there's peace I'm sure
And I know there'll be no more tears in Heaven

Would you know my name, if I saw you in Heaven
Would it be the same, if I saw you in Heaven
I must be strong, and carry on, 'cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven

'Cause I know I don't belong here in Heaven,,,,,,

7/17/18: Hi my sweet, sweet boy,,,,I cannot say enough how hard it has been not seeing you there when I walk in,,,, what a strong, strong, boy you were through all you had to deal with, and my heart broke every day watching you do it, but you kept wanting to fight, so I fought right along with you,,,until that last day, when your body started to give up on you,,,, and I knew I had to let help you go before you got much worse. I will never forget all the years we shared at the farm, and all the years here,,you were so tough and in charge, yet so sweet and loving, wanting all the time to be pet and rubbed. I will never believe the saying that 'time heals all wounds'----yes, it may make them less noticeable, but they will always be there. As I have with all the others before you, I force myself to remember all the good years--the love, laughs, and smiles you gave me--and not focus on the one horrible day when I lost you.
I hope you can see, run, and play, and are playing tag with Slater, and eating all the crunchy food you want. I will love and miss you always my big baby boy,,,,,please always know you're in my heart,,,,Love and Light baby boy,,,,XOX

9/29/18: Hi guys,,,,I came out just to say hello to all of you, as I feel you so much in the sunroom lately, and Precious--I feel you in Thomas' eyes every time he looks at me. I miss you all SO much,,,,every one of you had something so unique,,, and I remember everything we shared together and how you made me feel so lucky to be able to care for you. Please be with me now, as I'm sure you know I am fighting for the rest of us here and our home, and I need all the love and strength you can send. Always know how much you all mean to me, and how much I love and miss you every single day. Tears flow, but through them I try to smile by remembering all the good years of love and laughs and fun. All of you will forever be in my heart. Love and Light babies,,,,XOX

12/25/18: Hi baby,,,,it's Christmas and I'm missing you and all the others who have passed. As you know, except for my brief visit with my sister every Christmas, since my mother passed all I've had are you guys to cheer me up and get me through. I hope you know I still love you so much and always, always will. Merry Christmas Skylar,,,,Kisses, hugs,,,,Love and Light,,,XOXOXOX

1/26/19: Hi baby boy,,,,I'm sorry I didn't come out on New Years,,,I was so depressed and sad I just couldn't bear visiting everyone. I hope you heard me tell you Happy New Year and how much I love and miss you. Love and Light sweetie,,,,XOXOX

6/17/19: Hi sweetie,,,,today it's been one year since you had to go,,,,and I don't think it ever gets any easier not having you here. I think the only comfort is knowing you're not suffering anymore, and that hopefully you are back to health, and running and playing with Slater and your mom and your half brother Jettie, and that you can see again! I hope you know how much I miss you and that I will always, always love you. Love and Light my sweet baby boy,,,,XOXOXOXO

10/17/19: Hi my baby boy,,,,I wanted you to know how sorry I am that I have not visited your page lately. As you may know, I lost more babies since my last visit and I've just not been able to cope when I see all your pages out here. But please never, ever doubt that you're in my thoughts, and will always, always be in my heart. Love and miss you baby,,,,Love and Light,,,mommy,,,XOXOXOXOXOXXX

1/1/2020: Hi baby boy, and Happy New Year. I'm sorry I couldn't come out here for Christmas---I've been very, very sick the past 3 weeks---but as you know, you all had your stockings up and your Christmas lights hung. I can't tell you in words how much I miss you,,,,but my heart bleeds. I love you so much my sweet baby boy,,,,,Love and Light,,XOXOXOXOXOXOXOXOXXX

6/17/20: Oh baby boy,,,today it has been two years since you went to the bridge,,and it still seems like yesterday that you were here and healthy and happy, with no struggles or worries. I still remember after your surgery that made you blind, how confused and sad you were, but then the tough and resilient side of you came out and you learned how to navigate the steps and go outside, and how to find your brother and your food and water bowls, and were happy once again.

You were always such a happy boy! You would purr in an instant of being touched or petted, and loved to climb onto my lap. Even when I would clean the litter box you would make me sit down so you could have your lap time :) Such a snuggle boy you were. I so miss your beautiful yellow eyes and how much you loved to be cuddled. We spent so many years together, since the day you were born at the farm, and I will never forget everything we shared.

My sweet boy,,,,I hope you can feel how much I love and miss you SO, so much, and hope you are with Slater, Jettie, and Ellie, and maybe even made friends with Brinnie :) I can only hope you are no longer blind or suffering, and are happy and healthy, running and playing once again. You were such a good, good boy, and such a trooper through all your challenges. You are forever in my heart baby boy,,,,Love and light always,,,XOXOXOXOXOXOXXX

6/17/21: My sweet Sky baby,,,,today it has been 3 years since I had to let you go,,,and as I sit here singing your song, tears are flooding down my face because the first thought that came to me was the image of you on that day. But then I looked at your picture and realized there was so much of your life before that, when your eyes were fine and so, so beautiful, and you were active and healthy. I then remembered your little habit that you loved--when I would clean your box, you would come over and have to sit on my lap, but with just your front legs, cause you wanted me to massage your shoulders and get kisses on your ears and head :) Oh, how I miss that my big boy. And when your eyes were still good, you would love to come out into the pen with me, and you would sit and watch the birds for a while, but mostly just wanted me to sit with you and you would lie down and nap next to me. As your life is running through my mind, I am grateful to have had all those fun years with you, from the farm to our home here,,,and although there were a few horrible, sad times (like when the vet blinded you doing tooth extractions), and the day you had to go, you had a whole life filled with many good memories and that's what needs to be remembered, not those few horrible things, because that does not honor your life. You were such a good, good boy, and such a fighter when things were tough. And you were so funny, especially with your brother Slater. I hope you are with him and your mom Ellie, and your half brother Jettie. Your half sister Squiggy misses touching noses with you, so maybe stop in when you can and give here a little nose kiss, as she is so lonely without all you guys. Skylar, my big baby boy, oh how I miss you and wish things were easier for you at the end, but I can only have faith you are now free of any illness and pain, and can see all the beautiful sights again. I hope you felt loved and safe while you were with me. I will never, ever forget you and the bond we shared. I hope you can still feel how much I love you, and how much I miss you, and that you know you will always and forever be in my heart. Kisses, rubs, and hugs my Sky baby. Love and Light my sweet boy,,,,XOXOXOXOXOXOXXX

12/25/21: Merry Christmas baby,,,love and miss you always,,,,Love and Light my sweet boy,,,,XOXOXOXOXOXOXXX

6/17/22: Hi my sweet baby boy,,,today it has been 4 years that you've been gone. As I wrote to the others, I am no longer going to write a lot of what I'm thinking or feeling on your pages,,,instead just talk to you from home. I hope you hear me when I do, and can feel how much I still love and miss you, and always will. You were such a special boy, and I'll always be grateful to have had you in my life. Love and Light my baby,,,,XOXOXOXOXOXOXXX

6/29/22: Hi my baby,,,,today your half sister Squiggy left for the bridge. I hope you and Slater met her there, along with your mom and half brother Jettie. I love and miss you my baby, and always will,,,Love and Light sweetie,,XOXOXOXOXOXOXXX

1/1/23: Happy New Year my sweetie,,,,I'm so sorry I couldn't visit your page for Christmas,,,,it was just so painful, as all of you are gone now and it was my first Christmas alone without any of you, and I just couldn't handle it. I did put up lights and your stockings in the sunroom and house, and hope you visited and saw them. I miss you so, so much, and always will. In my heart, forever,,,,,Love and Light my boy,,,XOXOXOXOXOXOXXX

6/17/23: Hi my beautiful baby boy,,,today you have been gone 5 years,,and I truly can't believe you've been gone that long,,,it really hit me hard today, and broke my heart all over again. I'm so sorry you lost your sight in your later years, but am truly grateful for all the wonderful years we had together. You are such a handsome boy and such a lover boy. I so miss giving you your shoulder massages that you insisted on every time we cleaned the box,,,,you were so funny with that. I hope you heard me talking to you today, and hope you felt my hugs, and my kisses on the top of your head. I love and miss you so much Sky, and I always, always will. Love and Light my sweet baby boy,,,XOXOXOXOXOXOXXX

12/25/23: Merry Christmas my baby boy,,,Love and miss you,,,,XOXOXOXOXOXOXXX

Please also visit Asia, Brinnie, China, Comet, Ellie, Gremlin, Jasper, Jettie, Linky, Lucky, Onyx, Polo, Precious, Rambo, Sasha, Slater, Squiggy, Tasha and Thomas.