Kim, I'm so sorry. Your baby had a good, long life, but that doesn't make it any easier. You had all the more time to bond. You shared love and that can't ever be taken from you. Love is eternal...nothing can break it...not even death. Your kitty is there for you now, just in another form, and you will be able to see her (him?) again one day.

But there's no way to get around that it hurts terribly now. Take time to cry and grieve. Have a little ceremony...light a candle, say a prayer, remember the fun days, and express your thanks for the light and love brought to you by one of God's special creatures.

Then start to keep watch for the next special one...the one who needs your love as much as you need theirs.