The Ultimate Sacrifice

I am not prone to overdramatization and often find it rather inappropriate. However, this is a topic exceedingly near and dear to my heart.

As many have discussed over the last months, the rate of speed with which people drive, especially in the vicinity of the train station, is by many people very abused.

Over the last three years, Max and I have lived at the corner of Shatzell and Grinnell and enjoyed all the wonderful people and character that this hamlet offers - all of which was freely offered. And Max, made this hamlet his home from the very beginning. He loved it here.

He couldn't get enough pets and visits from Sean, Sandy, Freddy, Sue Sie, Andrew, Tim, Ally, Pat and her boys, Bruce and Pam and all that live right here. And additionally, he LOVED China Rose.

Max and I have long watched the commuters as they race for home and we have had many talks about looking and listening for them. Sadly, he misjudged one of the drivers last night and in so doing, has paid the ultimate price for the lack of stricter enforcement of the speed limits in the hamlet.

Now, after 8 years of eating, sleeping and living with Max, and always knowing that he and I would be together no matter what job I had or where I lived, I find myself with an empty house and a broken heart. As a resident of this hamlet, I don't have to explain to anyone reading this, how the loss of Max, such a small animal, can leave such a BIG hole. He had the most amazing personality. And he will always be loved not just by me, but by all who knew him.

And I for one, will be at every town meeting about the expansion of this hamlet and expressing the facts about the current situation with regard to traffic.

With much love for this hamlet and with all my love for Max,

Stacey