Worry + UPDATE

Another update note on Max:  Yesterday Boy Wonder said that it appears no food was eaten from the bowl on the deck. That concerns me greatly. I don't know that it means anything awful, but it isn't good. Even if he is OK and has found food elsewhere, it means that he isn't necessarily connected to the house at this point. The worst scenario is that he has been harmed. I pray that is not it.

BW and my neighbor and friend, Joyce, are working together, very diligently. Joyce is going today to try to get her hands on no-harm traps, in hopes of being able to lure Max inside one of them with food. Since he is not showing his face to any humans, this is probably the best chance to catch him.

Nights are cold, 24° to 27°. Not good. There is a service door leading under the house that is open, and we are hoping he has been going there for warmth and protection. BW has put a doggy bed under there in hopes.

Last night I slept terribly. I tossed and turned, thinking about Max, dreaming about him, and saying prayers for his safety. I'm 'talking" to him often, too, trying to encourage him to go home, promising I'm coming. I'm exhausted today. The worry is insurmountable and is taking a toll.

On a positive note, Today is TL's birthday. My baby is 40! She certainly doesn't look it. She could easily pass for under 30. Her sweet hub gave her a violin for a birthday present, something she has wanted for a while. He already has my mother's piano, and I know she would like to have my father's violin, but that will be going to my son's daughter since she is taking violin lessons. She hasn't grown into it yet. As such a petite young woman, she still need a 3/4 size. If she doesn't grow into it, I guess TL will have two violins! Or perhaps she and I can both brush up and play a duet. The violin was given to my dad by my mother. It was a used instrument, but it has a wonderful tone. My dad played it, then I did. It was passed on to my nephew, then to my daughter. My granddaughter will be the 4th generation to play the same one. It has made the rounds in the family!

Tonight we are going to my grandson's school (also where my daughter teaches) for their science fair. Tomorrow I will be at the school again for Grandparent's Day. Over the weekend there will be a soccer game and a traditional trip to Border's with the grandkids. And on Monday, I will begin the trek West again.

Please continue to keep my boy Max in your prayers. I'm desperately worried. I can't tell you how awful it is to be this far away at this time. I truly thought he would come home when Sam did, and thought it was OK to continue with the trip. I'm so sad.

Please keep this little funny face in your mind and heart till his safe return home.



UPDATE: I spoke with BW, and he says that it looks like part of the food was eaten. He also checked the little service door and there are what appear to be fresh footprints, so it looks like my boy is going there for shelter. Whew. I hope it is all as it seems.  I love Maxie and want him to be safe.