[tracilicious]

Arrrrgh! I'm so sorry you guys are going through this tough kitty time.

Chris, you've mentioned that you feel like Charlie has a message for you. Maybe it isn't so much that he has a message from you, but that he sensed something within you that he needs. It seems that what he needs could be one of two things. Perhaps he sensed that you are selfless enough to allow him to gracefully leave the world even though you love him so much. Or maybe it's that he knew he would find a safe haven with you guys until his time here is through. What a grueling task it must be to try and decipher that message.

If you go the backyard route, can you ensure that he won't come in contact with your other kitties? Do you feel like he would be happy out there? Are you prepared to face the tough end that feline HIV brings? If the answer to those is yes, then maybe that's a good route to go.

Our thoughts are with you guys, and Charlie. Give him a smooch for me.