Here In Bismarck – What It’s Like To Lose Your Best Friend

For over six years, I've been on the air and writing stories for Townsquare Media here in Mandan

This will be the hardest one to write by far. First of all, I'm not a good writer; I'm a radio guy, but I do, from time to time, enjoy interviewing and finding out more about people who live in our city of Bismarck, Mandan...Lincoln. To me, I love talking to those who share their passion - no matter what it is, whether it's what they do for a living, and how they inspire others. Today I am writing about myself, and what it feels like to lose your best friend.

Man's best friend - ( yes, most people think of a dog ) 

Mine was a cat. I met her back in 2014, after having moved to Fargo, North Dakota, from San Diego. I remember having two basic goals - one was to ATTEMPT to get used to the drastic weather change ( I had never experienced temperatures below 35 degrees ), and the second one was to get a cat, and that I did.

Her name was Fe-Lon 

Yes, Fe-Lon. You see, her previous owner robbed a bank and was doing the "three hots and a cot" lifestyle. I would guess back when I got her, she was at least two years old. This wonderful soul stayed with me in a tiny room I rented, then came along to Minot with me ( living in a basement ), and finally came out here to Bismarck. Here is the bottom line, Fe-Lon was ALWAYS there for me. After a 3 or 4-day trip to San Diego, I knew my best friend was waiting for me.

About seven years ago, Fe-Lon had to share me with another female

A Facebook friend put out a post just before Thanksgiving; he literally saved this young kitten on the icy, cold highway just outside of Max. I never gave it a second thought. I had to have this little girl - yes, I was nervous about Fe-Lon getting jealous.

Months went by, and the hisses and snarls simmered down between these two

As modest as I am, I quickly named her BROMITA ( Bro - meet- a )   Fe-Lon -  Of course, the older of the two became her mom.

Life inside my two-bedroom suite ( 2nd floor ) was always full of fur and errant fur balls. Today it will be one heartbeat less - Fe-Lon began losing weight about a month ago. She was never in pain, so I probably just assumed it was old age taking a toll; I should have taken her to the vet. Was I lazy? No. Did I make a mistake by thinking she would somehow rebound back and be her old cranky self? YES

I lost my best friend - a young gal that never left my side

Bromita is waiting for me to come home tonight, and I know Fe-Lon is curled up into a ball, taking a cat-nap on a cloud high above the stairs. I hope to see her again one day.