Yesterday I took her in for final blood tests. Last night the vet called to confirm what we both already knew. She was in complete kidney failure. Oh, there were a few options, but even as he offered them his voice indicated what we both knew was true.

Richard called to make the appointment because I did not think I would be able to say the words without bursting into tears. All morning we have been eying the clock, and every time she would let me I held her close, told her I loved her, and told her goodbye.

The vet came this morning and I held her in my arms as she slipped away. We put her in her favorite box - the one that's sat on my desk to hold bill paperwork. We'll bury her in the flowerbed, next to Rebecca.

Goodbye Allegra, my musical little cat.