About The Picture of Me And TJ - This is a recent picture of me and my cat, TJ. TJ was once my mom's cat...when I would go to visit her TJ would always hide, or maybe skulk around and try to get a better view of me from afar...a real scaredy cat!

Then one day a few years ago my mom was diagnosed with cancer. She would need full-time care, so I moved in with her in Livermore, CA. This was both the hardest, and most rewarding period of my life...I got to spend the last six months of her life with her, but I also was faced with many things I had not given much real thought to.

During this time I came to find out the real TJ...he is a lot like me; sometimes too cautious, but very full of life and curiousity...and he loves to play. TJ is now my faithful companion, and a constant reminder of how we can change...he once had never been out of the house, now he travels with me in my MotorHome and even likes to ride in the car. He still has problems with anti-social behavior when he meets up with other cats outside, but at least he now goes outside...to graze in the grass and roll in the dirt...and mark his territory.

I miss my mom, but I also miss the time I spent with her and the other people who showed so much concern for her and I, especially Sue, her visiting nurse. And for the first time in my life I was more concerned with someone elses welfare than my own. That's something I really miss.