My husband and I lost our sweet little boy Ricky today. He passed away suddenly after a brief illness. He was wrapped in a towel, cuddled against David's chest, warm and comfy when he just stopped fighting, took his last breath and left us. Ricky was 5 1/2 years old and the younger brother of Bandit, who crossed the Bridge this past October. We adopted him and Bandit in July of 1998 and they were both two of the lovingest boys you could imagine. Ricky was a lover. He lived to be cuddled, kissed and talked to. He was my baby who would follow me around, begging for attention which I gave him gladly. Although now, it just doesn't seem like enough. He was the handsomest boy I'd ever seen, dark sable with a beautiful shape and shiney eyes. He was a regular Romeo. And the biggest coward in the bunch. Our littlest ferret girl would look at him and he'd bury his head under his towel until she went away or until mommy or daddy picked him up to cuddle and love. Ricky loved playing in plastic bags, paper bags, anything he could hide in ... a coat or a sweater left on the floor was instant fair game ... you always had to do a "Ricky-Check" before picking anything up as more often than not he'd be curled up asleep in it. And when you took him out, he'd give you this bewildered "But Moooooooooooooooooom!" look. I'm going to miss that look so much ... My little clown, my sweetheart ... he missed his big brother Bandit something awful when he crossed. The only thing that makes this any better is knowing that they're together again ... dooking and chasing each other. But my arms are empty at the moment ... they're no handsome face peeking out of the sleeve of the sweater I purposely left on the floor. My nose isn't being covered in kisses ... Ricky-bug ... our handsome boy ... we love you, we miss you. Be at peace little man. Tonia, David and the Gang of 6 (so sad ...) [Posted in FML issue 2924]