Misty Born April, 1985 Died December 23, 1997 Dear Mark, Misty -- in my mind's eye -- is always sweet and gentle, often playful, and a little bit shy until she gets to know you. In her youth she would wait for Shadow to do the mewing-at-mealtimes for them both, but in her more mature years, away from Shadow, she become somewhat bolder and more vociferous. (Might that indicate in feline terms some character development?) Back when our house was her home, she generally preferred to watch the action from the sidelines. She would stretch out comfortably on the flat back of an old overstuffed chair, lift her head in the regal pose of her ancestors in the wild, and not miss a thing that was going on. By my choosing to sit in that chair sometimes and lightly stroking her soft gray fur, I worked my way into her circle of friends. There was never any question, however, that you were her Best Friend and First Loyalty. I recall how Misty's playful streak became increasingly evident in response to praise. When she heard words of encouragement such as "Very good, Misty!" she would chase her little jingle-ball across the room again and again. Clothespins were fun, too, especially to keep on pushing under a closed door for someone on the other side to push back. When you moved out and Misty went with you, we wondered how well she would make the necessary adjustment to her new surroundings. The first thing she did when we came for a visit was to lead me, between strokes, all around the apartment as much as to say, "See, this is my new territory! It's really fine, and we're fine, too." When you moved a second time, we wondered again how Misty would adapt to the change. Once again she led me on a guided tour -- in the same quietly reassuring manner. When I think of Misty, I picture her exploring yet another new territory and wanting her friends on earth and especially you to know that everything is really all right. "... underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deut. 33:27b -- R.S.V.) Love, Mom