Thunderbob, The One and Only: October 13, 2003 - August 2, 2021
“What do you want for Christmas?” my ex and I asked my then 4-year-old stepdaughter. “A baby sister.” “How about a baby kitten instead?” “OK!” with big smiling eyes. And so, that is how Thunderbob came into my life some 17 and a half years ago. I’m fairly certain he is, and will always remain, the one and only Thunderbob – and that fits his personality just perfectly. His name, of course, came from the 4-year-old. She first wanted to name him Snow White, and a slightly less aware that “gender is a social construct” version of myself informed her that if she wanted to name him Snow White, that would be fine, but he was a boy and technically Snow White is a “girl’s name.” So she thought some more, and then suggested Thunderbob. I couldn’t help but laugh at that suggestion, which unintentionally hurt her feelings. “You don’t like Thunderbob?” she said with a sad look on her face. “No, sweetie. I love Thunderbob.” “Ok then. Thunderbob. Orrrrrr…Elvis.” (Again, laught...