Mercy Blue Monkey Pants

I had to say goodbye to Mercy yesterday... 

Mercy had made it to the ripe old age of 17. She had lost her hearing and some teeth, and when I took her to the vet in May for a check up, they said her kidneys were a bit elevated. Otherwise, she seemed okay though, especially for her age (aside from her teeth). 

A few weeks later she started to vomit over and over. I thought it was time to put her down -- but, then she stopped. She started vomiting again a few days later, pretty consistently, but it was less vomit and less frequent, and somehow it seemed like she was okay -- she was still purring and cuddling, and she still had an appetite and energy... ? 

In the last couple of weeks, her appetite declined significantly, and some of her vomit was showing traces of blood. I was in denial about the blood until I woke up yesterday to a pool vomited blood... 

Mercy was a wild and fierce little fighter with a spark that made it easy to think she was okay, even though she was likely suffering for much longer than I was aware. 

I am already missing her crazy meow, the way she would demand pets, how she would purr and cuddle incessantly, her beautiful coat, her bright eyes, and her cute little black paws. She was a vibrant, tiny, demanding, loving little monkey pants who will not be forgotten. 

My sweetest Mercy Blue. 💙

2 weeks

Joliet, Traverse City/East Jordan, Chicago, Colorado Springs. 

The trip started out with 24hrs in Joliet to visit my aunt and uncle and grandparents! It was short and sweet, and so great to spend the time with them -- and, was a nice little stop on my way to Michigan. 

Michigan was a ladies retreat with my friend Mel (!) and a handful of women Mel is close to. We started in Traverse City, where Mel and her husband have a house, and then ventured out to East Jordan, where Mel and her husband have a lake house! The list includes: Boathouse Restaurant, wandering the peninsula, catamaran cruise, paddle boards, kayaks, the pontoon boat, yoga, stage combat fun, water colors, marshmallows, stars, and one epic rescue mission. :) 

After Michigan, I had a 13 hour layover in Chicago, where I got to see my friend Michael! I hung out with him and his partner for the day, and we met up with some of their friends at the Shore Club on the beach of Lake Michigan. It was beautiful and so much fun to be in the heat and in great company. 

Then, off to Colorado Springs for a week with my family! Lots of fun time with my niece and nephew, and some good quality time with my parents, my brother, and my sister-in-law. 💗 I also got to see a few friends this time around. The list includes: boating and tubing, North Pole and Joy's crazy backflip, swimming all day with the mermaids, naps, walks with Mom, Garden of the Gods club with Michelle, Indian food w/ Mark/Lani/Rex, hiking Seven Bridges with Todd and Joshua, Dad's birthday, bocci ball, brunch w/ Katie, breakfast with Todd, and a couple of nice dinners with the family all together. 

Filling your heart up by spending time with people that you love is always a good choice.