Handsome

Yesterday my Handsome boy passed away. I knew it was coming, he was very ill and not responding to his diabetes treatment. My vet(s) and their wonderful staff did so much to help him and make him comfortable near the end. They also knew that Handsome would lapse into a coma at any time and didn't want us (Handsome and me) to deal with that over the weekend at home. I was able to hold him through the end and afterwards until I was ready to say goodbye and leave him. I didn't know it would be this hard. He was my friend, my first "kid" with Troy! We brought him home from the Juneau Humane Society on August 30, 1995. He was just seven weeks old and could lay in the palm of my hand. Troy loved him so much! He even "snapped" his tail...a special trick I've never seen anyone else do. I know that Handsome had a great life and that I have an abundance of incredible memories with and of him. I also know that Troy and Handsome are in their special place now - together.

I'll add pictures of Handsome later. Just too much for me now.

Lori

WISH

As most of you know, Troy had written a novel titled WISH, which he completed in 2001. He worked to get it published and available to the public for many years. Iʼm thrilled to announce that Iʼve made that happen! Itʼs now available for purchase through http://www.lulu.com/ and the hardcover book is being assigned an ISBN so it can be bought through book sellers worldwide (this will happen in about a week). In the meantime, WISH can be purchased through the links below (or search at lulu) in either paperback or hardcover.

Hereʼs a synopsis Troy wrote:

Cole Caffy has dedicated his life as a talented engineer to building bridges that span rivers, which create safe passages. On the day of his retirement he wonders what kind of life heʼll lead without his days consumed by his passion for building bridges.

The answer comes in the form of a mysterious letter delivered sans postmark by a mischievous mailman. The letter informs Cole that because of his good deeds, and all that he has readily put aside so that others may discover fortune in their lives, he has been granted the ability to have his own wishes come true.

The unintended consequences of using his vibrant gift overwhelms Cole until a Dickens-like Clara Tout, another wish recipient, teaches Cole to understand the difference between wishing for what he wants and helping others obtain their own dreams.

Wish explores the chaos that underlies the power to acquire whatever we want, even when one with a generous heart is handed the reins of that very power.

Links:
Paperback http://www.lulu.com/content/2887791
Hardcover http://www.lulu.com/content/2903454

I love this story! I can't even tell you how many times I've read it and each time I become emotionally involved with the characters. For those of you close to Troy, I know you will hear his voice as you read the words. It's also nice to know many of the characters are named for people in Troy's life: Laura is the lead female, Jerry is a bartender, Brett is a friend's son, Jenny Massey is a neighbor, Sharon is a prior love-interest for Cole -- and there are others. I hope you are able to purchase a copy and read this fabulous book. Please feel free to pass along the information to anyone you think would enjoy a copy.

Love,

Lori