Okay, I know it's only a cat.  I know we have much bigger heartache to come in our lives, but it was difficult loosing my cat Kate last week.   She's a house cat and got out ...probably not knowing where she was going. Three days later, we found her dead on the side of Ridge Road.  She had been hit by a car.

Telling my two girls that Kate was gone was very difficult, but it was also a blessing.   We all (all four of us...including Daddy) cried together.  We talked about memories we had with Kate.  We talked about how it will be when she doesn't snuggle up in bed with us at night.  I think my husband may have cried the most (he's the one who found her).

After an hour or so, a strange thing happened.  We (as a family ) felt so much closer.  I think we actually bonded tighter.... and two girls who are usually arguing over clothes or make-up, talked and cried together.   My 17 year old even wrote on her Facebook to her sister...a message of love and support.  

It was a Saturday afternoon when we told them the bad news.  Now, a few years ago, every once in awhile on a Saturday, we would have a "family" night.  We would all stay home, order out, and rent a movie.   We hadnt had a "family night"  in over a year, but last Saturday, my 17 and 13 year old decided they wanted to have a "family night."   They had made plans with friends, cancelled them, and informed us that they were staying home to have a "family night."    It, of course, didn't bring Kate back, but that night brough warmth and bonding...and yes, even a little joy.