Bobby, the beta fish, died yesterday. Well, it may have been while we were out of town. He didn't leave a note. But he checked out of the SpongeBob Squarepants hotel and is now swimming happily under the 'Rainbow Bridge'. My nine year old grieved like someone at the wailing wall. I was understanding at first, sympathetic, loving. I gave lots of hugs. But by the end of the day, I wanted to scream, "It's a fish!" It was a long day for all of us.

So please lift your mug of milk or chai tea to Bobby the Beta fish.