Sometimes an animal
comes into your life who means as much to you as a family member or beloved
friend. Ebbie was that cat who I had an instant connection with and a bond that
I still feel even though she left us unexpectedly on September 23, 2014.
I rescued Ebbie from a
friend's farm, but really she rescued me. I have fibromyalgia and pain
every day. I was on an errand when I first saw Ebbie on a snowy day
before Christmas in 2000. She was about six weeks old and sick. We were
caring for our own inside cat who had a thyroid deficiency and wasn't doing
well. My husband reminded me how impractical it would be to bring home a
kitten. But I couldn't stop thinking about little Ebbie, sick in the
snow.
I went and picked her up a few days later. I told hubby if
she had to live in the bedroom so be it, but I wanted to adopt her. The
first few nights, I stayed up with her, massaging her sinuses so she could
breathe. She had a cough that was better when I held and petted her. We
took her to the vet before we brought her home and she went through 2 courses
of antibiotics. She and I were inseparable from the moment I brought her
home.
A month later our
other cat died, and we gave Ebbie the run of the house. That spring, we
adopted her half sister, London.
Ebbie was my
soul sister and I felt my mom sent her to me at a particularly rough time in my
life. Ebbie knew
when I was hurting and would lay on the spot that hurt most. She was
constantly by my side no matter where I was in the house. She gave me
head butts and kitty kisses and unconditional love. I hope I did the same
for her.
Last September 23 was an ordinary day when my cousin came for lunch.
Suddenly Ebbie was panting, couldn't get her breath and we rushed her to
her vet. She was only 14 but had congestive heart failure. I lost a
sister, a soulmate, and a best friend that day. I couldn't let this day
pass without posting about her beautiful, loving spirit. I hope her
amazing energy still surrounds us. I hope she's watching over the fur
babies in our care now.
I miss you, Ebbie, each and
every day. I love London, Zoie, Halo, Paddy and Sunnybud. But no
one will ever take your place in my heart.
USA TODAY Bestselling Author Karen Rose Smith is an only child who delved into books at an early age. She learned about kindred spirits from Anne of Green Gables, solved mysteries with Nancy Drew and wished she could have been the rider on The Black Stallion. Yet even though she escaped often into story worlds, she had many aunts, uncles and cousins around her on weekends. Her sense of family and relationships began there. Maybe that's why families are a strong theme in her novels, whether mysteries or romances. Her 87th novel will be released in 2015.
Readers often ask her about her pastimes. She has herb, flowers and vegetable gardens that help her relax. In the winter, she cooks rather than gardens. And year round she spends most of her time with her husband, as well as her four rescued cats who are her constant companions. They chase rainbows from sun catchers, reminding her life isn't all about work, awards and bestseller lists. Everyone needs that rainbow to chase.
Karen looks forward to interacting with readers. They can find her at the links below.
