Captain Midnight

A little over twelve years ago just after I started a new phase of my life a fellow Choral Arts Society singer and veterinarian suggested that what I needed was a cat. I had never had a cat, or dog for any length of time for that matter. I didn't think about the idea until a few weeks later she called to say that she had the perfect cat for me, a neutered, declawed male cat, a year-old needing a good home. For some reason, I said yes. His name had been "Blackie" but that didn't fit. I thought for a while and came up with Captain Midnight, after a long-forgotten radio hero (sponsored by Ovaltine). For the first few months it was difficult for both of us, but then we settled into a good routine.

He was a good, loving cat, though he tended to offer his affection on his terms. He would jump on my lap but I couldn't put him there. Most mornings around 5:00 AM he would climb on my head to announce that it was breakfast time and it usually took a couple of tosses onto the floor before he got the message that he'd just have to wait.

For most of twelve years he was healthy and happy, but a few months ago he took a downturn. My friend Anne did a valiant job of managing him while I was away in Brazil but I knew what was going to happen. The vet said that his liver and kidneys were pretty much shot and there was little that could be done. This morning at 9:15 AM I said "goodbye" to my companion of twelve years who always met me at the door when I came home. He will be missed.

Yesterday, I received an e-mail message from one of the founding board members of the Choral Arts Society of Philadelphia. The last concert that I sang for that organization was on Sunday, May 19, 2002. We sang in Verizon Hall to celebrate their twentieth anniversary. At the concert I had the joy and privilege to sing a major piece of music written by my son Howard. Now, five years later, after the twenty-fifth anniversary season, the organization is in grave difficulty financially. I don't know what will happen with Choral Arts but I will have wonderful memories of the music, the people and the connection that brought me my friend Captain Midnight.