This always strikes a big nerve with me, as I have been blessed with and lost three such family members. Gratefully living out my days with the fourth. Each teaches me something new about myself and exhibits ideals for me to strive for. They are teachers and they are children, they are all gifts of love from the Creator.
As I firmly believe in a loving God, I am sure that our intertwined spirits were brought together for a reason, that steps in His plan were carried out and lessons learned on both sides, and that reunion, in some way that I cannot comprehend at this stage, will occur in His good time.
I am sorry that yours is not with you now, and that you did not have the opportunity to be with Cy in his last hours. May your pain be eased by pleasant memories, and may another needy soul find shelter in your loving family.
Killdeer