Animals have a special sort of 'knowing'-- an awareness which we sometimes tend to minimize, probably because we can't analyze it to our satisfaction. Creatures also bond deeply with their human keepers and it stands to reason that they feel loss and abandonment.

Blue will likely adjust more quickly to Ed's absence than we humans will do.

Ed's editorial gifts were both an encouragement and a means of instruction when he began including my essays in CM.

I didn't submit every piece that I composed, nor do I ever write out the many themes which come to mind.

I find myself still pondering what Ed's reaction might be, what suggestions he might make for improvement. Like Blue the Cat I miss him!

You and Ed inspire us to notice and share the marvels and oddities of our everyday lives. I'm relieved to see that tradition continuing even though Ed is no longer at the helm of CM.

--Sharon