My old cat passed a couple days ago. I thought I was prepared but I guess that wasn't so.. Sixteen years we'd been together, thru many a storm we both did weather.. Joshua was my brown tiger brother. He was warm and cuddling and we nutured each other.. It hit me hard once back at home. I broke down sobbing once left alone.. I'm not a crier. This experience is rare. The loss was overwhelming and filled me with despair.. My grief swelled up and flooded out. I was a human water spout.. In the midst of all my woe came my mother who passed away thirty years ago. I heard her voice as transparent as glass. The sweet comfort she brought will always last.. It was only a moment that our worlds collided but with her loving presence my grief subsided..