142 thoughts on “and those bright lights”

1. So sorry, Wil.
   Time is the best healer. You take all the time you need to adjust and grieve. The site is secondary at this point. Life comes first.
   Scott

2. So sorry, Wil.
   Time is the best healer. You take all the time you need to adjust and grieve. The site is secondary at this point. Life comes first.
   Scott

3. So sorry, Wil.
   Time is the best healer. You take all the time you need to adjust and grieve. The site is secondary at this point. Life comes first.
   Scott

4. I read your blog for the first time in about a year yesterday. I have stumbled across it a few times in the past few years and always enjoy reading, just hadn’t become a loyal reader. Not for the lack of your writing skills however.
   When we are in pain, sometimes it’s nice to know we’re not alone. Judging by the comments posted here, you have truly touched the lives of many people.. and you Mr. Wil Wheaton are definitely not alone.
   I lost my “boo-boo kitty” Friskey, about ten years ago to kidney failure. Actually, it was probably due more to old age.. he was nearly 18. I’d had him since I was ten and I loved that cat as much as I loved any human; he was a part of my family.
   The night we had to let him go, was one of the most difficult things I ever had to go through. As I recounted your story of Felix to my boyfriend last night, I became overwhelmed with grief at the memory and loss of Friskey. It’s been ten years.. and I still miss the little guy. He will always be in my memories.
   Your story of Felix really touched me and I wanted you to know that there’s one more person out here thinking about you and grieving with you.

5. I only mean this as a comfort,not to “preach” to anyone, but when I lost my dog and best freind at 14, my mom took my grief seroisly. She was talking to a Jewish friend and he told her the Jews believe that pets that you love become friends and have a special place in heaven because they learn to love you and you love tham. I was blessed to have my parents around for another 20 or so years, I can tell you (in the short, to the point version), that there is a VERY REAL hole left when a loved one dies, pet or human. They say the one who passed takes a part of you with them and they keep it for you until you see them again. I hope it’s a comfort to know that The Bear has a special place because of your family and will always be there for you. All any of are probably saying is all you can say when one passes, “We’re sorry for your loss and we’re here.” God’s Blessings and comfort to all of you.

6. I’m so sorry to hear of your loss, Wil. I almost couldn’t read some of the earlier posts when Felix was ill, as I had just lost the second of two of my beautiful cats around that time (Max and Tiff were brothers I raised and they died within three months of each other, at age 13). I know how hard it is when an animal you love is really gone. I actually went to a pet loss support group last month, and you know, it helped. Too many people don’t realize the impact pets have on our lives – they are part of our families. Again, I am sorry to hear about your family’s loss – in time you will remember the good parts and not the last part. Take care – Deborah

7. Wil and Family
   As everyone who has ever lost a pet knows – it is perhaps one of the hardest things that can ever happen. As they will also know things do get easier with time. Hang in there. Thinking of you.

8. Dude, that sucks. Nothing else for it. I hope the best for you and your family. I love my cat 🙁 I know one day the saem will happen… Argh.

9. Wil and Family,
   I finally broke down and registered. I wish I had something more profound to say other than I am sorry for your loss. Anyone who has done all they can for a treasured pet and come to the end of that time together understands the hurt you are now feeling. Even though I have only relatively recently started reading your website I feel like I know Bear and all your extended four legged family. I hope through sharing with us it eases the pain in some small way.
   Best wishes to you and the whole family.

10. Don’t let your blog get to feeling like an obligation. Do what you need to do. Blog fans, like Start Trek fans, shouldn’t have sway over you in times like this. We’re big kids; we can take care of ourselves until you find yourself with the clear headspace and a hankering to write. Heh, if you’re worried about traffic numbers for your advertisers, we’re still clicking and checking.
    Having a candid, open, peek-inside-your-head, keeping-it-real blog is great, but there are sometimes when it’s all too real to share, and, y’know, that’s OK. You know we’re all behind you guys. These kinds of times are hard for a family, but real. (Sometimes I wonder what it must be like for Anne to share your life with all these readers…)
    Even more well-wishes to you guys. With her (Anne’s) open heart, and the number of needy animals yet to cross your path, I know that you guys will find another outlet for your kindness and compassion. They’ll never replace this one, but somehow they’ll add to the experience, too.
    *mojo*

11. The last few entries have been a true testament to your loving nature. Felix was very lucky to have known you.
    I’ll admit I originally came here because I was looking for comfort for my grief. My younger sister had a crush on you as you played Wesley Crusher. She passed away twelve years ago from cystic fibrosis. She spent the last few years of her live in bed constantly circled by Ernie and Bert, two black stray cats that had adopted her years before.
    I know this isn’t any great solace to you right now, but your honest style of writing has allowed my family to recall those moments, alternately laughing and crying.
    Memories we get to keep and may yours last forever.
    Thank you.

12. *hugs*
    🙁

13. Aww, I’m SO sorry that happened, Wil! That really sucks. 🙁
    But at least he went peacefully ya know? Better then a hard grueling last minute.
    He knows peace now, and where ever he is, he’s happy. Just never forget him, and he’ll live as long as you remember him…

14. Wil,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your loss. I know it’s hard losing an animal. I hate to use this analogy, but it’s like losing a beloved family member or friend. It hurts like hell. Just reading your logs makes me sad for you. I hope to God that you will find some solace in the fact that your cat is in a better place now. If you need someone to talk to over the phone, signal for me in your blog sometime, and I’ll e-mail you and give you my information. Again, I’m sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you.

15. I’m sure that Felix is off in that big ol’ catnip patch in the sky, and is very happy. You should be happy that you gave him such a good, loving home, and remember the good experiences that he provided.
    You have my condolences (still).

16. Itll get better. Even two years after having to let Mike go, Ill still break down occasionaly at some random moment cuz somethings happened and I really wouldve liked to have my best friend around. But, yes. It gets better, as I smile sadly looking through a picture album thats dedicated to my two former cats. As I remember snoozing on the very edge of my bed, cuz he’s in the middle, and Im not one to make him move just so i dont fall out of the bed.
    Itll be okay.

17. I’m thinking of a scene in the movie “What Dreams May Come” when the recently disceased father begins to realize his own heaven. His dog, whom he had to put to sleep years earlier, was there in his heaven to greet him.
    My point is that I beleve that in our exsistance anything is possible. You might be suprised. After you die, Felix may put you on his rotation again some day.
    Sorry for your loss. What a cool cat.

18. Wil
    I can’t pretend to have as strong a bond with animals as you and your family do (or the huge number of people who relate) but I do thank you for giving the rest of us a window into how deep those ties can run. You have a gift in your ability to feel deeply and to portray such feeling. My condolences.

19. I’m sorry about your kitty. I’ve been through similar things with several ferrets. There’s something especially difficult in losing a furry family member.
    You have my deepest sympathy and my condolences.
    Be well.
    Rest in Peace, Felix The Bear.
    –Mary S.

20. As many of your posters here, I have gone thru the hell of losing my best baby angel kitty. Mine died slowly over the course of two months, starting with a seizure and ending with complications due to Toxoplasmosis. It affected her brain to the point that she was barely my Casey-kitty when I had to put her to sleep. It was just last October, and she went from being the toughest little thing to the weakest; but even at the end, she put up a fight when we gave her an injection to relax her prior to the euthanasia solution. My best memory of the ordeal was that, because I work at my vet clinic, I got to spend my last few hours with her tucked on my lap, wrapped in a blanket. The worst memory was going home and thinking I would never sleep again, without her purring so hard that it felt like I,too, was purring.
    The worst part is always feeling like I had somehow failed… after all I should been able to prevent this somehow. My baby was only 8.
    In a few months, I will be going thru this again, when my 10 year old cat, Minuet, will also pass, as she has cancer, already spreading throughout her abdomen. I hope with Sketch, you have many, many years to go before you have to go thru this again.
    May your memories of Felix always be fond, and keep you going in this difficult time!

21. Hi, I’m kinda new to this comment thing so excuse me if I stuff it up, but I just read this entry and had to come say something. I am really sorry about Felix. I’ve had to go through the same thing with a cat of mine and its just awful. Just remember though, that nothing is hurting him where he is now, and yes he may be gone from in front of you, but he’ll always with be with you forever. Hope you and the family are ok!

22. All my best goes with you, your family (both two and four-legged, furred and furless) and with The Bear. I know the loss you are going through. I’ve been through it myself. Your post of 29 March tore me apart.
    I lost my dog…the joy of my life, and the best friend I have ever had…two years ago in a horribly traumatic two days of frantic emergency hospital treatment for heat stroke. It was too late for her, and despite the best efforts of the finest, kindest veterinarian I have ever known, I had to say goodbye. I am still griefstricken over the loss.
    Now, one of our kitties is suffering from kidney failure, exactly the same as Felix endured. He has wasted away to fur and bones, and he is on fluids and a special kidney diet, but his eyes are still bright and his voice is loud. He leaps from surface to surface with wild abandon, and since he’s now being spoiled to pieces, he is officially a Bad Kitty, always yelling for chickens. He can have all he wants, because some day soon, that rusty, insistent, “love me now” meow will be gone forever, and I can’t bear to think of it.
    Yes, you have all my best, and all my sympathies. I so know where you are right now. Felix was a very lucky kitty, and don’t you doubt for even a single instant that he didnt know that.
    Peace.

23. Hi Wil,
    I just stumbled across your blog and find your whole approach refreshing, honest and vulnerable. I look forward to reading more. I am sorry for your family’s loss. Mac

24. To Wil and family (especially Anne)
    I’m sure you oftened wondered what kind of life Felix had before he wandered into your garage and joined your family. How lucky he was to find such a loving “Mom and Dad” – so many domestic animals get neglected, mistreated, or end up homeless. And how lucky you all were to have your little Bear there to brighten your day. I’m sure he was relieved and grateful on that last day you had with him. A true sign of GREAT parenting – putting your baby’s needs first, even when it pains you. Hang onto eachother and you’ll get through it. Nicole.

25. So, so sorry for you and your family’s loss. I’ve never had the misfortune of losing a pet, but reading your entry has really helped me realize what it’s like.

26. Losing a pet is as difficult and painful as losing any other family member, because that’s really what they are. I think it’s great that you actually let Felix tell you what he wanted and respected his wishes, as difficult as it was for you. You did the right thing.
    Condolences to you and the family, and best wishes for Felix’s smooth passage from this world to The Great Hunting Ground In The Sky.

27. I’m sorry you’ve lost Felix. I’m sure that everyone understands what you are feeling. He sounds like a wonderful little personality and he will be missed, not just by your and your family, but everyone here. Thank you for sharing him with us. 😉

28. There are never the right words at a time like this. Just know I am thinking of you and your family.

29. Wil and Anne,
    I wanted to add my voice the many already here and say that my thoughts are with you. If I could give you a great big honking hug right now, I would.
    I know what it’s like to lose a beloved pet you’ve had so long they’re a part of the family. But please try to remember the joy that the Bear gave you during his years with you, and take some comfort in the fact that you have so many ppl thinking of you and sending you their love and best wishes.
    Take care
    Fel

30. I’ve never posted a comment on here before, but I’ve been reading your blog for the past couple years. I’ve been following Felix’s progress for awhile now and just wanted to offer my condolences to you and your family. Saying goodbye is never easy, but remembering the good times and the positive impact that Felix had on the lives of you and your family will help you through the tough times.

31. Will, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I have had the same sadness and sometimes even thought I could feel my cat around after he passed away. I hope you feel better soon. Take care and hugs to you.

32. I’m sorry about The Bear. I’m sitting here at work crying in my cube. He was so adorable from your pics. It’s never easy to lose a pet. I’ve been lucky in the sense that all my cats have lived long lives, but it’s never easy to let them go. My childhood cat, Sputty (born before I was, when Sputnik went up) lived to be 27! The next, JB, made it to 17. Mine current kitties, Frog and Harpo, now are 10 and one respectively.
    Personally, I think our pets are waiting for us in the next life. If it’s supposed to be a place where we’re happy, I can’t think of anything nicer (outside of our human families) to greet us except our pets.
    Please know that we’re all thinking of you, your family and The Bear.

33. Dear Wil, Anne, Nolan and Ryan,
    I’m so sorry that your little Bear had to go away. I know that you’re grieving right now, and that the sad memories are closer than the happy ones, but you’ve more happy memories and they’ll be the ones you keep.
    Thinking fo you all right now.
    Claire.

34. Sorry to hear about Felix. My heart goes out to you and your family. I know exactly what you are going through. I also had to say goodbye to our family dog of 17 years this past weekend. She will be dearly missed.

35. Wil,
    I’m so saddened by your loss. I know how awful and heartbreaking it is to lose a cherished family cat and loving friend to illness. Please know that my heart and thoughts are with you and your family. Felix will always be with us as long as we all remember and love him.

36. Wil, I was in your shoes this time last year; I can completely sympathize. I don’t know what else I can do but offer ((((hugs)))) and let you know that I’m sending good thoughts your way. I’ll hug my two black-and-white cats a little harder for you tonight, in memory of Felix.

37. Wil, I was in your shoes this time last year; I can completely sympathize. I don’t know what else I can do but offer ((((hugs)))) and let you know that I’m sending good thoughts your way. I’ll hug my two black-and-white cats a little harder for you tonight, in memory of Felix.

38. Condolences, Wil. Animal companions can certainly be full-fledged family members as much as humans – and they elicit the same grief and morning when we lose them. Sounds as if Bear really blessed you with his affection, and you’ll always have memories to remind you of the good times.

39. You know right now it’s really difficult seeing the full-body visitation services for Pope John Paul II on the news. When I see him now, it’s truly like a vessel that has been emptied and left behind.
    I hope they do make John Paul II a saint – He truly would deserve that for all the good work he did, even in the face of the sex scandals and all the other trouble in the world.
    He even forgave the person who tried to assassinate him. When someone wanted the Pope to die, and where the Pope showed mercy and forgiveness to his would-be killer, even going so far as to shake hands with him in prison.
    Could any of us do that? I don’t know about myself.
    I wasn’t struck by tears when I heard of the Pope’s death, but now I feel like I want to purge these tears out of me.

40. I’m so sorry, Wil. To read this and your last blog about Felix really made me cry. I didn’t knew Felix but I (and every other true cats/pets owner) know how he must have been a special part of your family like my two cats are for me.
    Remember The Bear. He will always be with you.

41. Sorry to hear about Felix. I too was hoping he’d recover.
    I’m pretty sure you wound up with him because a previous owner found out about his impending medical troubles and dumped him. He chose you, and apparently, he chose well.
    Take comfort in the fact that you did all you could for him and gave him all your love. I’m sure he knew that.
    All the best.
    Joseph

42. Hi Wil, my name is Devin.
    I just wanted to say that I’m really really sorry about Felix. I’ve been reading your blog for quite awhile, and I’ve been hoping he would pull through. I still remember when my cat Streaky had to be put to sleep some years ago, and I remember how hard it is. Streaky was, in one or two ways, very similar to The Bear, in that he wasn’t our cat, we were his humans. He took good care of us, and humored us when we wanted to spend time with him.
    I know that Felix understood that you were doing everything you could for him, and that you loved him very much.
    Devin

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