I remember how the first time I met Gypsy she immediately jumped up on my shoulder. I remember how she'd investigate anything I'd brought with me - my purse, a bag, anything. I remember how she always seemed to understand that I was feline-deprived and therefore permitted an excess of petting from me. I remember how determined and inquisitive and affectionate she was.

She was a wonderful cat.


but she was absolutely fantastic at being amusing, sympathetic, companionable. You know, just at ... being. That cat was with me from the year I moved out, through my entire graduate career, through every relationship I had. Her passing really feels like the end of ... something, and that something is better than the cliche of "era," something intangible and very feline in nature.

Yes.

I am really going to miss her. She was family.

Yes.