17 Comments
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Michael Ruhlman's avatar

Such a lovely open honest wrenching post. Thanks for sharing both your grief and your stories and photos and art of Louis. I’m so, so sorry. Drinks on me this fall at LIB, pls.

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Brad Thomas Parsons's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, Ruhlman. I really appreciate it Looking forward to catching up, and running up your tab, at LIB this fall.

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Josephine Sherwood's avatar

That was such a gorgeous loving tribute to a beautiful cat, Brad. He was loved by so many worldwide. I'm very happy that you had each other for all those years. I can see Louis holding court in a dive bar, ordering up a can of tuna while waiting for his turn at pool. He will never be forgotten, Brad. I do hope that one day, when you're able to do so, you will write a book about Louis and the life you had together. I know it will be a bestseller. And this time I won't miss the book signing!! =^..^=

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Brad Thomas Parsons's avatar

Thank you, Josephine. Your comment means very much to me.

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Ted Blanchard's avatar

I missed this when it was first posted! Was ever a cat so memorialized, in art, prose, and beverage? Long live Louis.

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Brad Thomas Parsons's avatar

Thank you, dear friend!

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Gene Gualtieri's avatar

Thanks for sharing this. We just lost one of our pet rabbits (Bullwinkle). They don't live as long as cats usually, but we had him for a good while. I was a little surprised at how hard it was to say goodbye.

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Brad Thomas Parsons's avatar

Thank you, Gene. I always appreciate your support and I'm sorry to hear about Bullwinkle.

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Gene Gualtieri's avatar

Thanks Brad. BTW, I had Paul at FriSatSun make me a Hamilton the Hipster in honor of Louis last night. Delicious.

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Brad Thomas Parsons's avatar

That’s so cool. I’m glad you tried it. Appreciate it.

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Gene Gualtieri's avatar

If you ever get back to Philly, I'd love to buy you a drink at FSS. We can discuss the nuances of Canastota fire hydrants. :-)

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Pat Handley's avatar

Two of our cats passed this year. They take up so much space in your heart. Glad that Louis had you for his time on this earth.

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Brad Thomas Parsons's avatar

Hi Pat. I'm sorry to hear about your two cats and send my condolences. I was equally lucky to have Louis in my life, and for so long.

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Brand Newsroom's avatar

What a beautiful, loving and absolutely joyful tribute to Louis, Brad! You know all our hearts go out to you over the loss. But I hope sharing all the love the bar world has shown to Louis eases your grief, at least a bit. Here's to more celebrations of Louis's unique life and the way he touched those of us who never even met him in person.

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Brad Thomas Parsons's avatar

Thank you for your kind words, David!

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Sandra Lesch's avatar

Worth waiting for. Think of the book he has written about life with you. 🙌

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Brad Thomas Parsons's avatar

Thank you!

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