GALing and Boundaries with XH

[AntoniaB]

I heard back from XH. It's probably the nicest email I've gotten from him since he left. In retrospect I'm glad I told him. Now I just need to handle it. Here's his response:

Sorry to hear about (name removed for anonymity). She is a sweet cat and at least the vet's prediction about her years ago didn't come true. She got to live for several happy years as an indoor kitty and I'm sure she loved that Thank you for letting me know, I appreciate it and I will keep you two in my thoughts.

I miss my kitties. I was over at a friend's house on Thursday and he just got a new kitten that looked liked (name removed--our first cat together) when she was little. She was a very sweet kitty and curled right upon my lap. I've considered getting a cat but as soon as I do it eliminates the possibility of several people visiting me due to allergies. I'm sure I will get one eventually.

I hope everything is well and maybe we can communicate under happier circumstances sometime.

Take care,

XH

I had wondered why he never got a cat when he moved. Initially he asked about taking one of ours and I said no way. If he and I were going to be in contact and I could visit, I might have said ok, but I knew that if I gave one up I'd never see her again. So he said he was renting a place that allowed cats because he intended to get one. Makes me wonder if OW is allergic ;-) Had was an avid cat person his whole life. To go from 6 to none seems rough.

Anyway do you all think I should respond to this or just let it stand? I'm not sure what I'd say if I did respond. He was actually very nice and completely normal. Not your typical MLCer, is he?