Neelix peacefully passed over the bridge early this morning in his sleep and now rests in a quiet spot in the Shepherd's Garden where he can snoopervise the comings and goings as he always did.

Thank you so much to everyone who stopped by and left messages, as well as emails that I have received. We are tired beyond words from not getting much sleep last night and from being at the fair with the boys since 7:00 a.m. today, but I wanted to check in with your comments as I knew they would be loving and help me sleep on this very sad night. I will be by in the next week or two to say thank you to all of you who left your kind words.

We received the following picture and poem from our friends Karla and Miss Peach - No one could have said it any better. Close your eyes now, my longtime friend,
and let this time of suffering
come to a peaceful end.
We'll walk together soon, I'm sure,
as winter turns to spring,
when snow gives way to budding leaves
and birds begin to sing.
The gentle breeze shall call your name
along the water's edge.
For what we shared and what you meant
shall never be forgot.
Your friendship spans the years behind,
your memory ahead.
You'll always be there next to me,
companion and good friend.