BlackJack Cusack, known affectionately as “Jack”, passed away peacefully due to complications after a lifelong battle with irritable bowel syndrome on July 6th, 2009.

Jack was born January 2003 and was adopted by Greg and Lori, along with his sister, Sydney Bristow Taurel, in April of 2003.  He and Sydney were rescued as stray kittens and were adopted from The Alley Cat Orphanage in Florida.  Sydney survives him.

Jack was named for a myriad of things: the bar where Greg and Lori met (One Eyed Jack’s), a character from Greg’s favorite show (Alias, Jack Bristow), Lori’s favorite card game (Black Jack), and the man Lori would have married (Actor John Cusack) had Greg not swept her off her feet, wooing her with frozen pizza and popcorn.  And Chianti.  Lots and lots of Chianti.

Jack will be remembered as a Cat’s Cat: aloof, distant, temperamental, skittish, and picky.  While he wasn’t one to cuddle, he did love to snuggle with his Mommy on Saturday nights on the couch.  His illness and chronic pain played a large role in his personality traits, but he will be missed as member of our family nonetheless.  A special thanks goes out to Amie S., who spent hours on the phone with me during his last day, and for talking me through his last moments while Greg held him at the vet.  I could never put to words what your friendship meant to me today.  I love you.

After countless trips to the vet, medications, tests, food switches, and shots, Jack’s battle became painful and futile in his last few months of life.  While he died at a relatively young age, his family had a chance to adjust to his fate.  He died with Daddy at his side after a tearful goodbye from Mommy.  His remaining family members had somewhat mixed messages at his passing:

Avery: Bye Jack.  Have a safe trip to heaven.  I’m never moving to heaven.

Kelly: Jack gone.  I need hug (followed by fake crying to mirror Mommy’s facial expression).

Sara (looking Jack in the eye as he left for the vet): When I grow up, I’m getting a dog.

Bye Bye BlackJack, our Shatty Cat.  You were throwing up the day we brought you home.  You were throwing up the day you left us.  While I’m uncertain about pets going to heaven, I am certain that wherever you are, you are no longer throwing up.  My carpet will be cleaner, but already, I miss you nipping at my ankles, begging to brushed.  I miss your deep purr.  I miss your ornamental beauty.  Sydney will miss you the most, for too many reasons to list here. Rest well Jack.  Wherever you are, finally rest well.