Iron Artist 2016 31/100
(My Friend McCoy)

Hey buddy! It's been awhile, huh? I miss you! I just had a few unecessary and boring words I wanted to tell you... You were always a great listener. I hope you don't mind, I just needed to let you know that I haven't forgotten.

I catch myself thinking about you now and then, though there have been dozens of other cats I've known, loved, and taken care of at the shelter. I think a lot about what time I had to spend with you, short though it was... I wish I had known you longer, I wish I had been able to protect you and take care of you before things got to be so bad. I wish I had seen you when you were healthy, in your prime, and full of life. But even bony, sick, and dying as you were, I didn't love you any less. If anything, I wish I could have loved you more: that's what you deserved. That's what every abandoned, forgotten, and neglected creature deserves.

But, taking care of everyone and everything is beyond my capability. Knowing you, I finally was able to realize that... However much that realization hurt. It was a lesson I needed to learn, and am still learning.

It comes back to me every now and then, these guilty feelings. I am sorry I couldn't do more. I'm sorry I was weak. I'm sorry I didn't stay to the end, giving you that small comfort as you drifted off for the last time. I'm sorry I let go.

You were and are a dear friend, McCoy, I'll keep you tucked in my heart, safe and warm. I'll keep working hard to help cats like you the best I can, even when my best is not enough. At least I can remember you and remember that I tried. I think you appreciated the effort at least!