RIP, Ray Bradbury

It's always difficult to hear the news of the death of someone you respected. Such was the case today when I heard the news of Ray Bradbury's death.
Surely everyone knows of him for such iconic writings as "Fahrenheit 451," "Something Wicked This Way Comes" and "The Martian Chronicles."
Of course there are so many more.
But one that I love may have gone unnoticed by many. It is "With Cat For Comforter."

It's a tiny book, beautifully illustrated by Louise Reinoehl Max, who is listed on the dust jacket as a Doylestown resident. It carries a 1997 copyright, and in the preface, Bradbury explains how the book came to be. And he notes, "How many cats have there been in my life? Not enough. But a rough figure would be 35 or 40."
The rest of that story is delightful.
But the book itself touches my soul.
"With cat for comforter,
How still the night."
Ray, you have stirred our imaginations. You have pricked our consciences.
You have moved millions with your writings.
And with this tiny book, you have comforted me.
May you be greeted by all your kitties as you cross the Rainbow Bridge.
Thanks, Ray...