"The moment may be temporary, but the memory is forever." ~ Author Unknown ~

Skeeter was so named because one of Dr Steve's vet techs stated as she removed him from the little basket I had him and his two litter mates in, "This one is no bigger than a skeeter." He was barely four weeks old when we lost him. His mother was inhumanely killed when he and his litter mates were less than two weeks old. He never had a chance to play with his little brother Rebel and sister Mallie, never got to play with his little cat toys. He never got to experience the joys and wonders of kitten-hood.
He was a precious little boy who never weighed more than 7.3 ounces - less than half of what a healthy kitten should weigh at twenty-five days old. We never knew what color his soulful eyes were to be - they were still the baby blue color of newborns. He was left to starve to death and developed anorexia, forgetting how to suckle and swallow. Yet, with every accomplishment he made as he daily battled for life - finally, his first pull on the bottle nipple, learning to purr, pull up, crawl a few steps, eat a wee bit of wet food from a kitty spoon - we were so thankful and he looked so proud of himself.
He was terribly weak and so fragile when he came to us. He never stood a chance at a good life or a long life. We had promised him a better one and that we would find him a forever home when he became strong and old enough for adoption through our sanctuary. Craig and I provided him with medical care, love, food, and warmth, but it simply wasn't enough. What he desperately needed we couldn't provide: he needed his mother. Some evil bastard and his can of rat poison took his mother from him and in the end, took our teeny Skeeter's life and part of our soul.

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