100 thoughts on “the show must go on”

1. Hey man, big feeling of condolence going out to you. Losing something precious is always a terrible thing, but you should take heart with the fact that all of us that read you blog are sending you our positive vibes. I’ve been reading since pretty much the start (one of my first memories of the site being the intial saga of spongebob vegas pants) and i’ve found your optamism and good vibes to be soething that’s kept me smiling even through some pretty bad stuff. Stay strong man, and if not, you know we’re all here for you.
   Peace

2. It’s good that you are keeping busy. I know the pain will ease with time as far as the insensitive people you spoke of, I just have a tendency to pay them no mind. But that’s just me. You have a right to feel the way you do and no one has a right to belittle you about it.
   Again I’m sorry for your loss. Your family continues to be in my thoughts. Good luck at your show tonight. I really need to get copies of both your books. From listening to you read them, I’m sure I’d like them.
   Maybe someday you’ll hit the Philly area, or at least there abouts and I’ll get to hear you read in person. I was also a Wesley fan. The show wouldn’t have been the same without you.
   Try and take it easy when you can.

3. Dude, I’m so sorry. I think that anyone who has ever lost a beloved pet knows what you’re going through. You’ve been through a lot lately and the shit just keeps piling up at your door. Just remember that there are folks who care and share your pain. It doesn’t help much, but it will help more than you think.

4. i can’t write anything that many others haven’t already written before me, but i am also very sorry to hear about sketch. =( i can’t believe i totally forgot about the reading tonight. all night, i’ve been thinking, “aren’t i supposed to be somewhere tonight?” and now i know where. dag nabbit.

5. Hey Wil,
   I’m sorry that there are those who chose to be cruel and heartless in your time of loss. But truly, they are the ones who are alone and always will be.
   As for you and I and those who share in your grief and offer words of support. We are the ones who always have each other to fall back on. Always remember that.
   Break a leg in all your performances of Dancing Barefoot. I pray that things will begin to take a turn for the better for you and yours.
   Ken

6. Wil,
   Stay in the moment. You will have a good show. You are a pro.
   FG

7. Now bear has company and together they will be fine.
   I know it’s hard to lose your freinds weather there people or pets but cry your tears and feel all you want for them it is ok.
   But know matter wht they are always inside you and waiting around for you at the end
   Good luck and take care

8. Sometimes it’s just good to have real life things to think about so you can start to heal.

9. Your feelings are real Wil, and your grief is extremely real.
   My only suggestion is this… When you cry to the point where your chest hurts, it would be good to find yourself in the arms of a loved one, be it your wife or even an understanding friend.
   It may not take the grief away, but for a time it does make it easier to carry.
   Please be well my friend…

10. Wil,
    When you are ready, I have a few spare cats & kitties around. I live north of you up in the Antelope Valley, so it wouldn’t be a long journey. Losing a pet just plain sucks, we lost one last month that was just days away from having kittens. Animal control said that someone in our neighborhood was poisoning the cats. We live in an area of a lot of new construction, so a lot of the once totally feral cats are moving into backyards. Deep breath, one foot in front of the other…day by day.

11. Two comments on one post is a bit much for me, but I feel I must contribute to the general uproar.
    Yes. Self-publish and FOR THE LOVE OF GOD do an East Coast tour! We will make our money into paper airplanes and THROW it at you if we can get you out here! (And while you’re at it, please swing by somewhere close to Asheville. We’re not as crazy as we pretend to be. *innocent look*
    Until then, I know your reading kicked ass (or is that “is kicking”? It’s super late here on the E.C.), so bask in it as much as possible for now! Here, have some more mojo. I’ve got plenty.

12. Wil, I was terribly, terribly grieved to hear about your kitties. The same thing happened to me last year, and I know *exactly* how it feels to have one of the most loved and special kitties you’ve ever had leave you. On a very random note, I read recently that you’re an INFP. I am too, which is probably why I can identify with you on some levels and have been a reader for some years now. It’s sort of funny in a way b/c we are both quite different (Democrat from Cali. and Southern Republican). I may be moving to Pasadena in about a year or so, and that’s scary yet exciting- a far cry from the South. Anywho, beyond rambling, I just wanted to say that I’m deeply, deeply sorry about your kitty, and when I first heard that you’re kitty had passed, the Queen song “The Show Must Go On” popped in my head strangely enough. But enough from me though, I’ll let you be, and your family is in my prayers. 🙂

13. Hey Wil,
    Just driving home from the show (writing this on my Treo 650… I know, bad)… it was really great seeing you again at ACME 🙂
    I know that I already made this comment to you, but really man, you could do a 3-4 hour show and leave us screaming for more! You are such an amazingly warm, open and engaging (no Trek pun intended) person. That’s just a gift that you have. So please don’t berate yourself for going over… okay? 🙂
    We were all so glad that you made it out, with everything going on. I think that this night was really good for you. *hug* Take care, and I hope to see you again soon!
    Terry
    p.s. I loved your: this next reading, Inferno, is dedicated to my lovely wife… uh, wait a sec… 🙂
    (and a quick Hi to Natalie, Jim, Chris & Lissa! Nice meeting you guys!)

14. Sorry to hear about your cat. I totally know how it feels. When my dog died, it was the worst feeling I could have. I never thought that it would affect me so deeply, but not seeing him hanging out in the yard or ready to go out and stuff really brings tears to mine eyes. It wasn’t that long ago when he passed, but he really was my best friend for 13 years.
    Good luck at ACME!
    Pets rule!

15. Hi Wil and family. I am so sorry to hear about your loss of 2 wonderful family pets. Hope you all feel better soon. It is hard to believe that at a time like this there are those out there who are so cruel and heartless. I have decided that there are 10 types of people in the world… those who respect and admire Wil Wheaton for all he has achieved in his first 30 years and those who are so jealous of him they make the hulk look pallid. As far as the latter group is concerned:
    0100010001101111011011100010011101110100
    011011000110010101110100
    011101000110100001100101
    0110001001100001011100110111010001100001011100100110010001110011
    0110011101110010011010010110111001100100
    011110010110111101110101
    01100100011011110111011101101110
    Live long and prosper!
    Kaye

16. Hi Wil again a big hug for your loss. I know when I lost my furry boy Onyx several years ago it was very difficult. I thought I would never want an other cat. WRONG! almost 1 and 1/2 months went by and I could not stand not having a cat around so I went to the animal shelter and adopted Miss Sapphaire Marie who is all black execpt for a patch of white on her chest. I know in time you will have another cat(s) adopt you. As for these neanderthals who are giving you grife I say “Saddle up , Saddle up” lets go kick some ass posse’

17. Hopefully the joy of Barefoot helps aleviate some of the pain of your loss. Much good karma to you.

18. Your dedication both to your craft and your cats is truly inspiring.
    If I was still living in CA, I would so be there. As it is, I currently live in Nashville and will instead send my warmest heartfelt good wishes to you, not only for a shiny performance tonight, but to help salve your soul over the loss of your furred family members.
    Love, Sara

19. This is my fist post on you website. I have been reading your blog, on and off, now for about one and a half years. I started reading it because I am a Star Trek fan. I then got caught up in your trials and tribulations. But lately, I realized that I really enjoy your ability to become a writer. You really have become very good at capturing the moment, even in this time of sorrow. My cat is 11 years old and so far in good health, but because of your stories, I have spent some more quality time with her. What I am trying to say is thank you for inspiring me to try and become a better writter.
    If you ever decide to write some science fiction, let us know on your blog. I am sure we all would love to read it.

20. The way you bear your grief does credit to both Sketch and Felix, Wil. Mourn them, yes, but, in the end, celebrate their lives, and count yourself privileged that they chose to spend the last parts of their lives with you. (I certainly feel privileged that Star and Maui have chosen to spend their lives with us…and I dread the day that they leave us.)
    And, to those who find it “funny” to mock the deaths of innocent kitties, let me echo your three word comment, and add as a suffix “with a rusty chainsaw, a pile driver, ten feet of wrought-iron fence, and no lubricants!” Such people are utterly beneath contempt.

21. Don’t neglect the Twin Cities on that book tour you’re planning. *wink, wink* Save me a front row seat please…

22. Wil, I’m so sorry about Sketch. Break a leg tonight, knowing that the WWDN fangeeks are all sending good mojo your way.

23. Greetings from Skappleton. I am here to cheer you up.
    You should start listening to Ska! Ska is like, this really kewl music that is like punk rock, but with horns and IT IS AWESOME! Sometimes, when I’m listening to my favorite Ska band, “Band Geeks Gone Wild,” I’m just like “Holy Sh|t! This stuff is the t1ts!” Then I start “skanking” (that’s the kind of dance that Ska people do) all around my room. One time I kicked over my deluxe R2-D2 cooler when I was “Skanking” in my room. I don’t care, though… because Ska RULEZ and Star Wars DROOLZ!
    I also wear checkerz on a lot of my stuff and I AM AWESOME!
    Also, it’s really funny to add the word SKA into stuff that is funny… like I could call it “The Green Bay SKAckers or, like “AmeriSKAn Idol” like that show on Fox with all of the hotties that sing Barry Manilobe songs. That is so funny to add the word “SKA” to it!
    Plus, I look really cool when I am doing the Skank dance. It’s like retardo aerobics. I can even do it really fast when the trumpet player is all like “Pick It Up! Pick It Up!” But he’s from New York or something and so he says it really fast, like “pickituppickitup!” It’s CRAZY!!!
    Plus, I’m like a “Rude Boy” because that’s what Ska guys call themselves. I’m not sure why, because we all dress really nice in like, suits. Why would someone in a suit be “rude”? Isn’t that CRAZY!!! I freakin’ LOVE SKA music!!!
    -This was an email my fiance sent to me today. It made me laugh so hard, I had to share.

24. The show was wonderful. Thank you.

25. Bring on the audio book – I’ve got some long drives ahead!

26. Hey Wil, you’ve gone through so much in so little time. Take it one step at a time. I’m quite sure that all the positive mojo will help.
    Best wishes

27. Man, I’m sorry to hear about Sketch, especially after losing your other kitty. I wouldn’t know what to do if I lost Bela, and I’m not sure I could go on with the show. Maybe one of the tragedies, but not comedy. My heart goes out to you.

28. For the record, you would have written a 2 page rant if you saw someone videotaping WHILE driving…
    Just saying, is all

29. I think it’s very brave of you to blog about your grief over the death of your pets. I don’t think many men would.
    Sam Kinison was brave in the same way. Before him, I don’t think I ever heard a man talk about a woman breaking his heart. (Sure, Sam ended his discussion with a primal scream, but still

30. Hey Wil. I’m glad you’re feeling better. Get out there and kick some butt at the show tonight. Sketch will be proud! *Hugs* From
    Laney Ligon

31. Gee Wil,
    I cried on my keyboard as I read your post when The Bear died, and now again with Sketch. As a long time cat owner, and friend of all animals, I understand your pain. Thank you for being able to share with us such an emotional and personal experience.
    I’ve read your blog for almost two years now, and click on it every morning to see if you’ve posted. You’ve become such an excellent writer, and I purchased both your books this Christmas and read them in one day 🙂
    If you ever get up to the Capitol (Ahhnold country), I’d love to get you to sign my books.
    Condolences and loads of healing mojo to you and your family.
    -Angie

32. Buntz-
    Two pages? Come on. It’s no different than talking on a cellphone. In fact, it’s better. I have both hands on the wheel most of the time.

33. I didn’t say I would complain!
    Wil is the type to have a bumper sticker that says:
    Is that a car or a phone booth!
    or
    Hang up and DRIVE!

34. Not good times. Break a leg tonight – and everyone here is pullin’ for you …

35. Wil, I am so sorry to hear about Sketch. However, you can feel some comfort in the fact that he passed on at home, in the warm caring arms of someone he loved. Better that than the cold, heartless room of a vet clinic. I am sure he could not have asked for a better family either. Much love.
    Tim

36. Hey, BonzoGal, I love the idea of a Kitty Valhalla… I imagine one of my cats is there, she was definately a trooper.
    Wil, it’s amazing how much support and love you have here in the comments about your two kitties. I’m sure it pales in comparison to what your kitties meant to you. I’m sure they were both the source of many a tale and much love. (Someone mentioned something about lemons and lemonade… this is my take. Life is a series of stories after all.)
    I’ll add my “screw you” to those people who use the opportunity to be nasty or think it was “just a cat”: they obviously don’t know what they’re missing!
    Good luck with the reading!

37. will i only know you from the things i read on this web page but i want you to know i have been where you are at i had a cat Dragon that i had for 18 years and when he passed i did what you did. it sucks monkey balls man but my kitty lives on in my heart. if you need a shoulder to vent to ill be there fer ya :)Im not sayin this b.c of who you are i couldnt care less. your a human being and you lost a loved one and i add my FUCK YOU to all those who are insensative enough to say ” its JUST a cat!” they will never understand whats its like to really love.
    My addy is (just take the no spam part off odviously ) [email protected](nospam)

38. I gave my cat an extra big hug just for you. You know Sketch will be watching. Give him a great show Wil!

39. Wil, I was very sorry to hear about your cat…I think when it happens unexpectedly like that it makes it even harder. Your show totally rocked, and I was glad I could be there for it.

40. I’ll also add a big **** you to all those trollers (I guess they got tired of posting garbage to the Yahoo! news article discussion threads) who have nothing better to do except be sadistic. A lot of people do care.
    May each positive comment you get here help you with your recent losses. I can’t imagine losing both my cats in such a short period of time, so I totally sympathize with you and your family. Please let us know how they are doing as well.

41. hi Wil, I’ve been reading here for a little while now & thought I’d drop a note finally. really sorry about your cats… I know the pain (lost 2 cats & a dog very close together a few years back), awful.
    on a happier note, the show sounds great. wish I could get to it but can’t do, I’m in Canada. I hope it goes well.

42. duhh.. can I please amend that to ‘hope it *went well*’? and etc. my brain has just finally caught up with the date. oops.

43. Thank god you have work to do. One of my cats died on a Friday night (I had a standard 9-5 at the time) and I had the entire weekend to be hysterical. Another died mid-week, and I had to be at work the next day. I was a zombie, but normalcy can heal.
    And your work is creative and public – you have an opportunity to use some of that passion and grief and focus it outside.
    These little beasts are so wonderful – but so delicate. “The candle that burns the brightest burns the briefest”.
    My thoughts are with you Wil.

44. Copying here part of an email sent to Wil:
    >
    Now some additional thoughts:
    DANCING BAREFOOT LIVE made extending my business trip worthwhile. What an amazing story /truth teller you are!
    Gilder, safe at home in San Antonio

45. Aw. Shoot. The quote disappeared. Here it is again.
    Thanks again for putting on a great reading Wed. night (…). You had me laughing hysterically, except for some brief tears toward the end of the second act. (Will have to buy DANCING BAREFOOT to remember exactly WHY I cried; there were so many vivid images.)
    Gilder

46. PS: By happy coincidence, my Sony studio tour guide the next day was your fellow improv performer Alison. Told her she’d missed a very good show.

47. Thanks so much for sharing with us your love for your pets.
    As humans, I believe our greatest hope is to be remembered after we’re gone. Isn’t it wonderful our pets can enrich our lives in the short time we share on this earth AND leave us with magical memories.
    Your stories of Bear and Sketch brought tears to my eyes. You have a gift and our world is a better place because of you, Bear and Sketch.
    Thank You!

48. Wil!
    I just found this with my stumbleupon for firefox! I have been reading it for about 5 days straight, I had to start at the beginning you know ;). I am soo sorry about the loss of both of your cats, and so close together. I know it is coming for mine, he has a heart condition too and since he was kidnapped and lived in the wild for 8 years ( crazy story) I am doing the same thing (doctor visits as long as i can afford it and he will be ok after), he deserves to live as long as possible in as painless a condition as he can. It is so hard to lose a friend, and to lose two in a month is just so tragic.
    You have made me cry 5 times in the last 5 days, and made my laugh countless times and you have all the “mojo” I can send to you guys right now. I can’t imagine how hard Nolan and Ryan are taking it, when it so hard for you!
    *hugs* to all of you, and I hope your hearts begin to mend quickly!

49. Hey Wil,
    My little guy, Fuzz, is in the hospital right now. The vet doesn’t know what’s wrong with him, but thinks it might be an obstruction in his GI system. I know exactly how you feel, and am devestated at the thought of losing him. We raised him from a little 2 week old kitten, fed him with a bottle and all.
    I hope you feel better, and in honor of Sketch, please send a moment of mojo toward my guy Fuzz, in hopes he gets through this ok.

50. Wil, I really hope the performance went well and your feeling ok. I guess those famous words ring true sometimes…. “The Show Must Go On”… and I bet it’s one hell of a good performance too. Wish I lived closer..
    Hugs and take care..
    Lesley

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