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I don't know about everyone else, but I really crave good news these days. It helps keep me going during this time of crisis in our world. So, I thought I'd share some good news we received a couple of weeks ago at the vet. As some of you already know, Carmine was diagnosed with diabetes back in January. We were pretty sure it was steroid-induced. Long-term prednisolone use in cats is linked to the development of diabetes, and Carmine had been taking prednisolone for more than five years for his chronic pancreatitis. We made the decision to take him off the prednisolone in hopes that this would resolve the issue. He has not had any pancreatitis flareups in about three years, so we felt pretty comfortable that he would be okay without it. In the meantime, though, he had to go on insulin to help control his blood sugar. Unfortunately, the first dose we tried was too much for him, and he kept going into hypoglycemia, which was incredibly scary! My vet and I worked closely and figured out that Carmine needed the very tiniest dose of insulin possible - 1/2 (about one drop) of insulin only once a day. This dose allowed him to remain stable without going into hypoglycemia. He has his glucose tested at the vet once a month right now. About a week before his last appointment, I noticed that he was much livelier. He was running around like a young cat again (he is 15 years old!). He was eating more, too. He was even chasing Tylan around the apartment, which he hardly ever did before! So, I wondered if he could be in remission. Sure enough, he tested in remission at his appointment!! His sugar was still slightly high at 178 (normal ends at 170), but he is in remission. It was a piece of news I really needed. Things have been so tough for everyone, including me, lately. It felt great that something good happened. He will continue to go in once a month for glucose tests for the time being. We are hopeful that he will stay in remission, but it is not uncommon for cats to go back into diabetes from time to time.

The last month of the year is approaching and the past months have been a whirlwind of emotions for me. I keep thinking back on this year and everything that has happened. Besides all the heartache I've gone through, the best thing I've achieved this year is I fulfilled my dream of living in Brazil for 3 months. It has completely changed my perspective on life, friendships, love and myself. What are some great things you have achieved this year?

Yes, winning a MUSE is a real honor! I had to look at the program about 10 times and still didn't believe I'd won until a fellow CWA member messaged me congratulating me. I didn't expect to win one with my first and only entry into the contest. My article was on how to care for a cat when you are visually impaired. I have learned so much over the years and wanted to help other people with vision problems care for their kitties, too. It has lots of little tips in there that most people wouldn't think about. For example, Carmine and Tylan's collar bells are of two different tones, so if they shake their bell, I can tell who is who even if they aren't right by me where I can see them.

True, everyone does have a story and, to that person and to those who care about him or her, it matters. Even strangers can learn from it, and we do well to pay attention because it might be that a stranger's story teaches us how to cope with difficult aspects of our own.

Dear Sir/Madam,I just hit my Seventh and pray that you admit me into your programme. I promise to do my best.Thanks,Robert.

How has this affected your daily life? My job training is on pause, which means I'll start officially working weeks or maybe even months later than expected. I also cancelled a cross-country trip to visit family. Please be careful and patient, everyone.

@knchatty, I can't imagine how you must feel. I get panicked just going to the store these days, and I only do that once a week! I can't imagine having to go out in public to a job daily. Please be careful and take good care of yourself.

Great news! It must have been stressful making sure Carmine lives as well as possible for as long as possible. It's cute hearing how he's regained some youth as well!

I can't argue with that. It is a good way to do it. I always took the approach of listening, understanding and showing genuine concern for what my daughter felt, thought and was going through. It is hard to not do as you're told when you are a child when your parent(s) is just so darned nice. 😉

Most of us celebrate this day to enjoy the holiday. I, for one, try to remember all who have sacrificed their lives and services in the name of freedom. From the forefathers who wrote the Declaration of Independence to the current service men and women who maintain our freedom, I salute them all by remembering them on this special day.