Category: Life and Family

My wife and I love our furry children but SHHHHH, don’t let them know. They are spoiled rotten!

Kevin Neal Life Update 6/13/2017

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Life in the Neal house has certainly been different since Bella went to Pet Heaven on 4/27/17. Honestly, there is an impossible-to-fill void in our hearts for her.  We are doing our best but our lovely daughter of 15 glorious years is dearly missed.

Bella

Brandee, Jack and I miss our sweetest Bella like you can’t believe. This past month without her feels like it’s been 30 years, instead of 30 days. She was such a great part of our lives for 15 wonderful years that it will take time to adjust, but it’s difficult; to say the least.

It’s really hard to express just how much Bella meant to our family. She was the center of our universe. Bella provided our family such great love and comfort that we miss so badly. We can only hope that we provided such comfort in reciprocity.

We love you baby and are so happy that you are enjoying your time in Pet Heaven at Rainbow Bridge until we meet again.

 

BBQ

Brandee and I kicked off the Summer ’17 BBQ season with a fun-filled event at our home.  We invited some of our close friends and family over for hamburgers, hot dogs and fun.  We all had a lot of fun socializing and watching all the crazy activity going on.  It was a crazy mix of first’s because it was the first time a group of strangers were in the house with our new kitten and new puppy.

 

Jackson

While Jack seems physically healthy, I get a clear feeling that he has become more distant for some reason.  I think part of this is mourning for his beloved sissy, Bella, as maybe he’s still waiting for her to come home and doesn’t understand that she went to Pet Heaven.  Or, and I hate to say it but I’m thinking it none-the-less, the guilt of two new sisters.  Of course, these two new sissies are in no means a replacement for Jack’s beautiful sister but I can share his agony and it’s tough to adjust.

Jack is our best buddy so Brandee and I are doing extra special things to spoil our perfect son.

 

Gracie and Bleu

Our recently adopted 8-month old chiweenie puppy, Gracie, and our 7-week old kitten, Bleu, continue to live their carefree lives as naïve children, which has brought some sense of levity to our home that is badly needed right now.  They have provided a nice distraction as we all adjust together as one big family.

Gracie and Jack seem to be getting along much better as the day’s go by. They play together for hours each day which is certainly good for both of them.  However, weighing out at barely 2 ½ pounds, Bleu, has already taken control of the household.  Jack and Bleu rarely have direct contact, although he does protect Bleu when Gracie gets a bit rough in her playing.  On the other hand, Gracie (puppy) and Bleu (kitten) play with each other nearly non-stop and it’s really funny to witness.  Even though Gracie is small, Bleu is even much smaller at something like a 7:1 ratio, yet Bleu dictates the fight (i.e. play action).

 

Business

From a business perspective, we have transitioned into an exciting time of sincere sales and marketing efforts.  After careful planning, preparation and experienced hypothesis, we have officially introduced a revolutionary cloud-solution. Engaging with technology partners, integration partners and potential end-user clients is what I enjoy greatest so this is the most rewarding part of business to me. Looking forward to a fantastic future.

Bella Letter to Heaven, 06/05/2017

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Hey Baby,

Mom, Bubby and I miss you a ton!

We are trying to move-on as a family but it’s just not there without you right now. It’s very difficult.

As you know we adopted two sissies a few weeks ago and I’m glad to provide them a home. Yet, I have to be honest that no matter how much love they bring to this household, they cannot fill the emptiness you left.

I feel so sick for Bubby, in particular. He is not the same person since you left. It’s very painful to experience and Mommy and I give him extra special attention. There is no way that we can replace your loviness for him so we just try to do our best.

 

Image may contain: cat

We love you with all our heart and please send sweet dreams.

Love,

Daddy

Jack, Gracie and Bleu updates, 5/28/2017

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The last three weeks have been interesting in the Neal household; to say the least.

Jack, Brandee and I had been leading a relatively normal life just enjoying our freedom. And then we got insane! Yep, we rescued a puppy and kitten from the local animal shelter. Meet Gracie (puppy) and Bleu (kitten).

 

Jackson Update

First of all, my best boy, Jackson, deserves the most credit for being the greatest older bubby to his sissies. Jack was actually a younger bubby with Bella – and she trained him well. Now that Jack is the elder animal he has been such a caring and terrific brother to his two new sisters. Jack, Mommy and Daddy are so proud of you that you can’t believe it!

 

Gracie Update

When Brandee and I thought that we want to bring some energy into the Neal household, we got exactly what we wanted with Graciela. She is every bit of what we had hoped and then-some. Gracie loves to play with both Jack and Bleu but in distinctly different fashions which is interesting to observe.

For example, with Bleu (since she is a small 2 lb. kitten), Gracie is very gentle and cuddly when they play together. It’s amazing to watch these two play together especially since they were rescued/adopted from the same animal shelter on the same day.  It’s almost like they have some sense of a kindred-spirit of sisters. However, when Gracie plays with Jack the ruff-ness (pun intended) is intensified to match his strength. Jack and Gracie love to play tug-of-war with various dog-toys we have. It’s so much fun for us humans to watch but also very healthy for them to play nicely for their body and spirit.

Jack has ‘Gracieusly’ (pun intended again) accepted Gracie as his younger sister well. He has been such a good boy that I can’t be prouder of him.

 

Bleu Update

Our youngest family member, at only seven weeks old, is Miss Bleu Neal. Although she barely weighs 2 pounds and is just a bit larger than the palm of your hand, she is the one person that rules our house for sure.

One of the most heartwarming things to see is when Bleu and Jack play together. You might think this would be an odd-mix with a 100-lb. dog and 2-lb. kitten but they play together so nicely that it’s beautiful.

Bleu is also extremely attached to her sister, Miss Graciela Neal. This is clearly evident in their many cuddle events or the often-playful fake-fighting sessions they enjoy together. It’s very humorous and highly entertaining.

 

Fish Update

We have no update other than we are alive and ignored 😊. However, seriously, I love to pay some extra special attention to our two goldfish, two catfish and one algae-eater and they appear to be doing just fine in their large habitat.

 

Thanks for your time reading this notice from the Neal Family Animal Home,

  • The Neal’s

 

Rejoicing Bella’s terrific legacy on Memorial Day weekend 2017

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Today, May 27th, 2017 is a bittersweet reflection for Brandee, Jackson and I. This day, one month ago, our beloved sweetie, Baby Bella, went to Pet Heaven. We are so happy that she is pain-free again, has regained her youthful spirit and is among great dearly passed friends and family at Rainbow Bridge. This is not a sad time; yet it is a time to celebrate a great life and honor the terrific memory, as well as on-going legacy, of our furr-ball cuddly Baby Bella.

This Memorial Day Weekend I know Bella wants to send a special message to all the brave and lovely people that have made the ultimate sacrifice for our Country. This is a message of a simple “Thank You” for your sacrifice – you are true hero’s.

While we miss Bella-ringa tremendously we’re at-ease that she is now with fantastic veterans such as Uncle Gene, Uncle Carl, my second-father Jack and, of course my lovely father, Floyd. These men all were such great patriots and loved our country.

From the Neal Family (including Bella and Misty) we encourage everyone to have a fun and safe Memorial Day Weekend. Enjoy yourself (within reason 😊) yet pause to reflect and give respect to those that have given us this great privilege to celebrate this weekend.

Love,

The Neal’s (especially Baby Bella)

Bella Legacy

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May 22nd, 2017

To: Our best daughter and sister

From: Daddy and Jackson

Re: Bella Legacy

 

Dear Sweet Baby,

I write this letter on behalf of Jack and myself because we want to be absolutely clear in our message. While our house is full of new energy and happiness with Bleu and Gracie for sure this, by no means possible, is a replacement for you. We miss you so much.

Ever since you went to Pet Heaven I have been paying extra special attention to Jackson; and he needs it. Although your new sissies provide both Jack and I enjoyment, honestly, it’s still a tough adjustment. It’s clear to both Jack and I that there is no replacing you, and that was never the intention; as you well know. Brandee and I are happy to provide a home for needy animals and so proud to do-so. However, your legacy is strong, as it should-be.

Speaking of your legacy, there are several things that are constant reminders of you that give Jack and I such heart-warming memories.

First, every time Bleu comes flying off of your cat-activity and lands with a thump on the floor both bubby and I have an instinctive reaction to look for you.

Secondly, as often as we can, bub and I lay down on the floor and cuddle together. It’s a bit of comfort knowing that we got to cuddle with you so often. I, as well as Mommy, know for sure that the last few months with you were so very special. It was so great to see you and Mommy bond so closely in such unfortunate circumstances.

Sissy, you are the best and I want you to know that Jackson and I really care for you baby. We miss you but know you are in such a precious place at Rainbow Bridge. Until we meet again; forever.

Love you so much,

Bubby and Daddy