Dear Cat,

I completely understand why you have decided not to share in a traditional Puerto Rican meal with my family and I, at Jorge and Jan's house next Sunday, May 1st. You have to be back in Somerville to walk for hunger. There is a Walk for Hunger in my city, but the mileage just doesn't suffice for you. You want to do the 20 miles (was that it?), just for your own satisfaction... which is great! My mother- (who stumbled on this "provocative" blog by the way, much to my chagrin) - told me to tell you, "Tell Cat to bring her ass to the dinner and not to get on my nerves! " alas to no avail. You have your mind set on this endeavor... and I'm with you 100%! I will think of you as the other dinner guests are ripping into whatever pork dish Jorge is slated to prepare. I would eat a portion, just to commemorate your walk but I don't eat meat... sooo... but I will think of you nevertheless as the other dinner guest masticate every tasty morsel of the pig's flesh. I will toast to you with whatever wine Jan pours into my glass. The rich red (or crisp white) liquid sloshing from side to side as I savor the bitter-sweet taste of that particular varietal, watching Jan's cat, Tango get into mischief. Cat, I'm sorry that you always miss these wonderful little dinner parties at Jan and Jorge's. Everyone always asks about you. (sigh) Cat, this is an open letter saying that I understand. I promise that I'm not trying to entice you into staying longer than Saturday. I truly want you to walk for hunger! Maybe next time... Anyway, my friend, I will see you Thursday night!

xoxo Coffey