Today is a very sad day

Now that I write this, I feel so bad for all of the mean things I have said about Helton in previous installments. Today we got some very very bad news. Helton is very sick. So sick, in fact, that he will never get better. Mom sat Vinny and I down when she got home from work and she told us how sick he was, and that he is going to die. She said there is no cure for what he has, and he only has a short time left with us. He will never get to meet our new baby brother or sister that we are expecting in September.

He has something called FIP, Feline Infectious Peritonitis. It takes over his white blood cells and they become inflamed. Mom said that Vinny and I might have the virus also, but we could live forever with it if it doesn't develop into full blown FIP.

I have never seen mom so sad. She has been crying all day. Her eyes are all red and puffy. I know he is the brat of the family, but that is who he is. That's what makes him unique. I might not act like it, but I will miss him. We came home together. Mom and dad picked us out special. True, they picked me first, but of all the kitties at the shelter, we were the two that they wanted. And they have given us a wonderful home.

I hope mom can stop crying soon. I am really worried about her. I didn't know a human could cry so much. I know things will be tough around here for us kitties for a while. And, I think both Vinny and I know that it's ok if mom and dad give Helton a little extra love until his time comes to leave us. I can tell how much mom loves us, though. She wouldn't cry all these tears if she didn't. Even dad cried a little bit earlier tonight. He asked mom if she could try to be tough after today, to try to get it all out so they can be strong for him. So maybe that is why she is crying so much.

Helton is only 4 years old. He's a few months younger than me. If you could keep him and my mom and dad in your prayers to help them find peace, I know they would all appreciate it.

With love and tears,
Ellis D