It's taken me over a month to sit down and write this. Our loss of Hemingway is enormous. The house is eerily quiet without his toenails tapping across the wood floors. Or his howling at the many sirens that pass by here each day. Or his reminding the cats that this is his house. We had many nicknames for Hemingway; Mr. Handsome, Big Boo, Bertie Boo, Mama's Boy and many others. He knew each and every one of them. On his final day with us, Mr. Handsome went for a walk, ate mac 'n cheese for lunch, laid in his yard sniffing the air, watching the birds and guarding against squirrels. He had his favorite snacks and then Dr. Craig helped him to cross the bridge in his favorite chair in his house. He was held by his Mom who smothered him with kisses and tears. He left us quietly and peacefully. In the days since he left us, he has left a couple of signs for us. We know he crossed that bridge safely and is no longer fighting a disease that would not let him win. Our love for him is ever lasting, as is our grief.