In memory of Lori Bonatakis, on the third anniversary of her Memorial Service

Today, I am in mourning for my friend Lori, on this, the third anniversary of her Memorial Service.

Here is a short photo-essay that I did at the time.

I am also mourning the presumed loss of her cat, Taffy, who has been living at my house for the past three years.

I last saw Taffy two weeks ago, doing what she loved to do; roaming my yard, stalking some invisible (and perhaps imaginary) creature through the grass.

Here is the last picture I took of her:

I know there are many instances of cats being absent for long periods of time and then reappearing, but in my heart I feel she is gone forever. I loved her dearly; she was a sweet cat. She was also a reminder to me of the days I would go to visit Lori, and Taffy would jump into my lap and purr.

My only consolation is that I know she had a wonderful three years here at Thyme Hill, exploring my large yard and the adjacent territory. I don’t know how far afield she went, but my hunch is that she never went very far from home. She will be missed.