He broke my heart tonight. My littlest boy - not so little at twelve - came out crying from his room. The cat was breathing funny and he was worried. He has known this cat his whole life - the cat has raised him. She goes to bed with the 2 youngest kids every night and stays with them until they are asleep. The youngest is so good with the cat and the dog - he obviously cares deeply for the animals in our home. It hurts me that the aged cat's breathing would pain him. She is old, 20 plus years, and has gotten quite thin. He doesn't want to see her suffer and doesn't want her to be put to sleep or die. It is good to see our kids grow and to face new challenges; but incredibly hard to see them work through this situation. I have done my best to comfort him and remind him of the joy he has brought to her life and he seems satisfied for now.

Another paradox of life. My heart is broken by his pain and filled with love for him at the same time. Pain and swelling joy of love all brought about by child's heart pouring out. Amazing.