Rough Week

[Cigar Man Andy]

I normally don't post anything but upbeat posts, but this has been a tough week. This is not for sympathy, I am just trying to turn it positive.

On Friday the 29th, my wife and I celebrated our fourth wedding anniversay and things were going great. Being a gentleman, I won't give you the details of the evening, just to say it was great. Then on Saturday, 5-30, I got the call that a friend of mine for 21 years died. He had cancer and so it was a blessing that it was over. I was fine with it until the funeral on Thursday. I lost it when I saw his wife Laura, and his two girls. I will miss my brother from another mother.

And now, we have to take care of some unpleasant business later today. We have had our two cats for ten years. Now I am a dog person, but cats are cool too. Our website is 2catzandadog.com. Anyway, we have this cat, Sprinkles, that is the coolest cat. He loves everybody and will lay in your lap on his back to get his belly rubbed. during the last couple of months, he has developed severe diabetes and cancer. He got to the point where all he does is lay by the water dish, drink and urinate. And I mean a lot. It is so bad that it gets moldy in less than two days and the mold is not healthy for humans. Yesterday, we made the decision to put him down.

I love this cat, and the hardest part was tell our two boys that we are putting Sprinkles down. Jason, the 14 year old had a good attitude. He said it is the right thing to do. Drew, 10 years old, was the tough one and is having a hard time. Sprinkles doesn't Meow any more. He just sounds like he is saying ow. And it is constant. So later today, we are taking him in.

Now I said that I would try to turn this positive. Sometimes it is hard doing what is right. But the only real freedom a human being will ever know, is doing what you ought to do because you want to do it.

My friend Bruce will look after our cat Sprinkles above and will comfort each other as our families comfort one another here.

I hope that you all understand and did not find this post out of line, but I believe that we are a family here at Puff, share our lives with one another, and let us get to know each other more than just What cigar is to die for.

Thanks for being here guys. Much Love.

[andrew s]

Sorry to hear about your friend and your cat, being more of a dog person myself.

It is always hard to let go of those you love but the great memories you have is what will continue to bring a smile to your face.

Thanks for sharing.

[Jack Straw]

Sorry to hear that Andy, it's very hard to have to put a loved pet down, and to lose a good friend.

Originally Posted by Cigar Man Andy

Now I said that I would try to turn this positive. Sometimes it is hard doing what is right. But the only real freedom a human being will ever know, is doing what you ought to do because you want to do it.

To quote a line, "What makes a man...is it being prepared to do the right thing, whatever the cost?" "Sure, that and a pair of testicles."

[Sweet_Cigars]

We are family Andy and things could always be worse. Keep your head up and your spirit high (Nicotine buzz of course).

[itsme_timd]

Very sorry to hear that Andy - it's hard to lose close friends, both of the 2 and 4-legged variety.

Thanks for sharing with us.

[mc2712]

This a great post, sometimes you just have to share what going on in our lives and this good place for it. Way to stay positive.

[ssutton219]

Keep your head up Andy!


Have been in your shoes and it isn't easy but all happenes for a reason.



It is very comforting to have a place like this where we can share both the good and bad.





Shawn

[Cypress]

Andy, I feel you on the emotions. As you know last month was a terrible month for me. Every day since my brother in laws death I try to look on the positive side of things just like you. I went from getting a bike as soon as possible after my wreck, to never riding again after my brother in law, to knowing that there will be an Angel riding with me to keep me safe. Today marks one month since his death and after putting my pants on this morning i realized that they were the same ones I wore in my accident.

You have the right attitude and that is what keeps us sane. If we lived in the same city I would so much take off of work right now and have a smoke with you to remember the good times in life.

[Rubix^3]

Thanks for sharing your heart Andy. If life were only smoke rings...
My cat passed away this spring so I sympathize, especially for your kids. Our pets are also our friends and its hard to let them go. My thoughts and prayers to you and the family of your "brother" as well. Take care bro.

[DBCcigar]

Thanks for sharing. Sometimes it helps to get things off your chest. I am very sorry for your losses.

[dj1340]

Life can seem pretty unfair at times, keep the faith.

[bdw1984]

hey andy, ive been having a rough two weeks myself... may 29th would have been my dad's 60th bday... he passed on june 17 last year... it was hard not having him around... i also got laid off on the 29th too... talk about a day... now im starting to see all these fathers day sales and it hurts... i cant believe its been a year... i also have a friend who is struggling with cancer... when i met him 6yrs ago his docs said he had 6months to live... since then his docs dont know how hes alive and everythime he goes they keep telling him to go to hospice but he refuses... i also understand what ur going through with sprinkles... i remember losing my first dog... before my dad passed that was the hardest thing i ever went through in my life... the only way that i make it through times like this is to talk about it just like you're doing here... i guess i wrote all of this to let u know that i can relate, i feel ur pain and also to get some of it off of my chest as well... im grateful to this forum and its members for being a great sounding board and source of strength, compassion and love... if u ever need anything or just wanna talk give me a shout and ill be there for u...
ben

[Blindjimme]

Life can be bittersweet. Bitter when we suffer a loss, such as Sam and Martha. Sweet when we have triumph such as Frank and Tiffany's Simon.
Time always has a way of turning sadness to happy memories.

[AspiringGent]

That's a lot to deal with in such a short span. My thoughts are with you.

[Cigar Man Andy]

Thanks guys. We just got back. It was hard to say goodbye. Tina took it worse than any of us. Your thoughts, prayers and friendship has meant a lot. Thank you all.

Originally Posted by bdw1984

hey andy, ive been having a rough two weeks myself... may 29th would have been my dad's 60th bday... he passed on june 17 last year... it was hard not having him around... i also got laid off on the 29th too... talk about a day... now im starting to see all these fathers day sales and it hurts... i cant believe its been a year... i also have a friend who is struggling with cancer... when i met him 6yrs ago his docs said he had 6months to live... since then his docs dont know how hes alive and everythime he goes they keep telling him to go to hospice but he refuses... i also understand what ur going through with sprinkles... i remember losing my first dog... before my dad passed that was the hardest thing i ever went through in my life... the only way that i make it through times like this is to talk about it just like you're doing here... i guess i wrote all of this to let u know that i can relate, i feel ur pain and also to get some of it off of my chest as well... im grateful to this forum and its members for being a great sounding board and source of strength, compassion and love... if u ever need anything or just wanna talk give me a shout and ill be there for u...
ben

Thanks Ben. I lost my father in 1984. My oldest daughter was just born in April and it was my first Father's Day. June 14th, my Dad succumb to cancer and I was in a plane on June 15th, Father's Day. I didn't have my dad and I couldn't take my daughter. It screwed up Father's Day for quite a while. I can tell you that I think of him and miss him every Father's Day and light a candle for him. He was my best friend. So I will think of you as well on Sunday, and celebrate my dad's life with my kids. I only wish that they had known him.

Thanks again Ben, and I am glad you posted.