"For although we may not be together in the way we used to be,
We are still connected by a cord no eye can see.
So whenever you need to find me, we're never far apart
If you look beyond the Rainbow and listen with your heart."
~ Author Unknown ~

Almost immediately after the loss of wee Skeeter, Rebel went into a slight decline. He no longer played hard and fast like a growing kitten his age did, but Craig and I figured he was a bit depressed, grieving and missing Skeeter. The two of them were always snuggled together, while sister Mallie was more investigative and curious. She closely slept next to them, but not in a tight little wad as the two boys did. So I doubled up on my interaction time spent with the two surviving kittens, Rebel and Mallie.
With the loss of Skeeter, Dr Steve strongly suspected Fading Kitten Syndrome, and of course, the many factors against him in the first place. So I'd been in the process of compiling an article on FKS for my web site. Unfortunately, I had a motherboard and hard drive failure, so the article wasn't completed before Rebel's loss since I'd been without my system most of that week. I had taken the picture of Rebel on this memorial Friday, November 5, 2004. Early Saturday morning, November 6, we suddenly and unexpectedly lost the precious little boy.
As did our little Skeeter, Rebel fought a courageous battle against many, many odds and rallied back, but in the end Fading Kitten Syndrome took him from us. Their mother was inhumanely killed when he and his litter mates, Skeeter and Mallie, were less than two weeks old. He joined his little brother at the Bridge where they are both awaiting for me there. Their sweet little sister Mallie grew into a healthy, happy little kitten and was adopted into a loving forever home.

Lend Me A Kitten
"I will lend to you for awhile a kitten," God said.
For you to love while he lives, and mourn when he's dead.
Maybe for twelve or fourteen years, or maybe two or three.
But will you, 'till I call him back, take care of him for me?
He'll bring his charms to gladden you and, should his stay be brief
You'll always have his memories as solace for your grief.
I cannot promise he will stay, since all from earth return.
But there are lessons taught below I want this kitten to learn.
I've looked the whole world over in search of teachers true.
And from the folk that crowds life's land I have chosen you.
Now will you give him all your love, nor think the labor vain?
Nor hate me when I come to take my kitten home again?"
My heart replied, "My Lord, Thy Will Be Done
For all the joys this kitten brings the risk of grief I'll run.
We'll shelter him with tenderness, we'll love him while we may.
And for the happiness we've known, forever grateful stay.
But should you call him back much sooner than we planned,
We'll brave the bitter grief that comes, and try to understand.
If, by our love we've managed your wishes to achieve,
Then in memory of him who we loved, please help us while we grieve.
When our cherished kitten departs this world of strife,
Please send yet another needing soul for us to love all his life."
~ Author Unknown ~
Adapted from 'Thy Will Be Done' by Edgar Guest