The Hidden Side of John

Not many people know this but John was a borderline “cat person”. He actually owned a kitten for a few weeks after he graduated college. His name was Boltz because every time the cat saw someone, he bolted into a room and under a bed. Since the cat was not very sociable, John brought him back to the pound.

I tell this story because a few days ago, Maxine, my cat of 20 years, passed away from kidney failure. Maxine lived a relatively healthy and very long life, even outliving the cancer that was found over two years ago. After Maxine had a cancerous tumor removed from her posterior, she had a slight incontinence problem. I couldn’t bring her to school with me and she needed to be taken care of. Therefore, knowing John’s somewhat admiration for cats, I asked him if Maxine could stay with him when I moved to New York. While John never was able to give me a definite answer, he never said no right away, even though he knew of her “bathroom problems”. This is just another story of how great a big brother he was.

(Over the past few years, my great parents allowed Maxine to stay downstairs and take over my room. My mom also took care of her while I was away. Thanks again.)

These are pictures that Alex took of Maxine a couple months ago in John’s memorial which I thought is fitting since now Maxine and John can play together.

(Hopefully, Max now uses the kitty litter properly… )