When I'm writing, each day is an adventure of finding out what my characters are going to say and do next. My life, on the other hand, I like to keep on an even keel. The unexpected happens but still in an "ordinary" way.
As we get older, our lives become filled with anniversary dates. In previous blogs about Mother's Day and Father's Day, I wrote about positive ways to deal with those anniversary dates and holidays when we miss someone we love. June has one of those anniversary dates for me--my parents' anniversary.
When I was growing up, I always had a cat. My mom cuddled them. My dad tolerated them. But he knew how much I loved each one we befriended over the years. So when I got married, it was natural to have a cat or two. We have two now who are eleven years old. We hadn't expected to bring any more into our lifestyle. After all, don't we all know our place? Aren't our lives settled the way they are?
As my parents' anniversary date approached, I was busy with a book deadline and thinking maybe this year, I would take a walk and get on with my day. But... My husband was gardening. When he came in for lunch, he told me he'd heard a baby kitten in a small gnarled weeping redbud tree by our patio. When I went outside, he found her and it was love at first sight. She was tiny, scared, dehydrated and hungry. After we fed her mashed-up cat food with water, she cuddled right up with me and fell asleep in my arms. I held her most of the day, feeding her little bits often. After my husband drove to the store to buy kitten food, I asked, "Do you know what today is?" And he did. We were keeping her.
We named her Zoie Joy. Zoie after a character in one of my books who runs away to find bliss...and Joy because that's what this kitten has brought us.
And yes, I believe my parents sent us this little gift because we needed to remember that life isn't just about routine and busyness--but about those unexpected joys.
©2012 Karen Rose Smith
Karen, I'm so glad you found Zoie Joy! Looking at her little bed and toys, I could tell how much she is already loved. Nothing like a "baby" to bring unexpected happiness!
ReplyDeleteYes, she's definitely loved. Giving all three cats the patience, space and time to form their own relationships is the challenge. I feel like a new mom again.
ReplyDeleteSo cute! I always find strays when our apartment is at it's maximum catfulness. I hate having to take them to the shelter, where I don't know whether they'll end up in a family. Even one little meal is long enough to bond.
ReplyDeleteJoan--I wish there were more shelters that rescued animals and took care of them. I didn't even make it to the bowl of food until I fell in love with Zoie Joy.
ReplyDeleteFirst thing I was thinking was that your Mom sent the kitten to you, and your Dad, well, he accepted it.
ReplyDeletelol Men are that way, it seems, with cats.
Thank you for this story, it warmed my heart.
So many times I have heard stories of someone passing and sending something to a loved one. My hubby says that of me, that his Dad sent me to him...When I say that nope, it was my Grandpa that sent him to ME...we agreed finally, that his Dad and my Grandpa conspired together, to send us each other.
Your kitten is so cute, and you can see the love, almost hear the purring in that pic where she is outstretched with toys all around. You know, when a cat lays on the back (dogs too) that is showing total trust!
Enjoy!
On a side note, do you send books out for reviews?
sweepingnews(at)gmail(dot)com
First thing I was thinking was that your Mom sent the kitten to you, and your Dad, well, he accepted it.
ReplyDeletelol Men are that way, it seems, with cats.
Thank you for this story, it warmed my heart.
So many times I have heard stories of someone passing and sending something to a loved one. My hubby says that of me, that his Dad sent me to him...When I say that nope, it was my Grandpa that sent him to ME...we agreed finally, that his Dad and my Grandpa conspired together, to send us each other.
Your kitten is so cute, and you can see the love, almost hear the purring in that pic where she is outstretched with toys all around. You know, when a cat lays on the back (dogs too) that is showing total trust!
Enjoy!
On a side note, do you send books out for reviews?
sweepingnews(at)gmail(dot)com
Mon_Cherie--Thanks for stopping by. Right now Zoie is stretched out on the bed sleeping. Ebbie, our eleven year old is at the other end. So cute to watch.
ReplyDeleteYes, I send out books for review. Do you have a blog?