I have always been a cat person. I grew up with one sleeping on my chest at night. Sam was brought home from an Italian deli as a kitten when I was just a baby myself. He went on to be my best buddy. I have countless (embarrassing) photos of us together as a youngsters. Evidently, he played cards with me and wore all sorts of odd accessories including straw hats and Hawaiian leis. He also served as the "other player" in many board games. He came to my window before bed when he wanted to come in to snuggle for the night. He came when I called him. He was my friend. One day he didn't come when I called. Wasn't on the window that night. Didn't return the next day. The next few days were spent investigating in the neighborhood. My cat of a dozen years...my best chum...my protector from nightmares...was gone. Local neighbors were shown photos and asked if they had seen anything which seemed like a waste because he never left our yard. A few days later a little boy approached me with the hope that he was the hero. He was carrying a different black and white cat. My heart jumped and then dropped but I thanked him for trying. We fed the starving little girl and sent her on her way. The next day the neighbor mentioned that he had removed a body from the road. I walked across the street slowly and full of dread. He opened the lid of his garbage can and immediately I recognized my beloved friend. He was kind enough to remove it from the road. Caring enough to give me the closure I needed. But that image of a cat that had obviously been struck in the head by a vehicle will never leave my poor little brain. His collar had been in the road and he gave me that as well. I am sharing this story because I have just recently learned that if you go back to the place in which you were hurt and sometimes might get stuck you can heal in a whole new way. The stray cat that was fed ended up finding her way back to me over the next few days. She would follow me home from school and bump my leg to say hello. I asked if I could keep feeding her and of course it was allowed. This family is nothing if we aren't bleeding hearts. I was then told if I could get her to come to me I could bring her home. Samantha was given a name in honor of the Sampson that was killed and a new friendship began. While at the vet and after telling our tragic tale the vet offered us a gorgeous Siamese kitten from his very own litter at no cost. He wanted someone who loved animals to have her. Oraphina (named in honor of a lovely veterinarian) went on to be called Bean. They both lived for over twenty years...as indoor cats. I don't like to think that I am keeping an animal from living its full life but when shelter, warmth, food, comfort and companionship keep an animal going for WAY over their usual life expectancy I think it's ok after all. I moved away as an adult only to find yet another stray that seemed to show up every night. He stayed on as our white terror...a 20lb beast that loved you and hated you all in the same moment. I watched as he lost his life a few years ago. We spent several nights together on the bathroom floor crying before he was put to rest after battling a rare cancer that he pushed beyond the limited time he was given. Cats are special. They are independent and cozy, funny and cruel...all rolled up into one. They can also be so unique that it feels like a human spirit has to spend a life as a cat to learn some big lesson. They also prepare you for things you will have to do later in life...sometimes you don't even realize the practice they will give to you. It has been wonderful having my pooch and other various pets but there was something missing these last few years.
I have small children so of course there are constant requests to take in new animals. It isn't always easy but we have a lot to take care of as it is and it just didn't feel "right". I listen to my gut harder than ever these days and it is getting quite skilled at hearing what the universe is saying. This time there was no doubt. My coworker and buddy, MJ, has a daughter that needed a home for her two kitties. Not kittens mind you...but cats that are somewhere around four years of age or so. Something yelled to me that it was perfect. With borrowed carriers we headed to the farm to meet our new pals. Instantly, they were purring and happy. Ethan who had spent days jumping up and down over his new buddies was beyond excited. Emily even more so and for different reasons. We listened to the details of their personalities and care...and watched as Kate's eyes filled with tears. This kitty mama new it would be hard to let go of the babies she had fed with bottles...but also new it was time to let them go. My little ones would make their lives very special. If you know cats you know they are tricky so I assumed it would be some rough road before we all settled in. I have never met cats like this. In mere hours they were eating, snuggling on chests, purring like motorboats and finding Barbie mansions to play Godzilla in. They play with my pooch, talk to you as you walk by and never are at a loss for affection. And it's only the beginning...
To Kate I say good luck in your big move. I know with a baby and puppies and dogs and new adventures that await you this was a bittersweet moment in mommyhood. We will take care of your buddies! As I typed this Tye found my lap for a few purrs...so he says thank you as well... not only for the years you were a good mama but for your love that gave him a new life.
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