Life Happened

Life Happened This Week

So, if you haven’t guessed already…life happened this week. Sorry to anyone who has been following my blog. I have a small calico cat, Lily, that I have had for 10 years now. I found her when she was 2 weeks old and the vet told me to not expect her to live. She was so small she fit in the palm of my hand. I nursed her along even when she wouldn’t drink formula and I had to start her on solid food (soft) at 2 weeks old. But she did survive, and is now the queen of the household in all her 5 lb. glory.I love her, and I’m pretty sure she loves me. ( and no, I’m not anthropromorphizing her) I know she gets upset when I leave on trips, and she is provided for during those times. So I know there is a bond beyond basic needs. She is small and I come from a city where it is more common for cats to be only indoor pets. So she is. Though I think she’d love to go out.

The Great Adventure

The Sunday before last Vermont had an early taste of Spring in a couple of rather warm days. Everyone seemed to be feeling a little spring feverish including, apparently, Lily. I had a birthday party to go to and I was bringing the cake and a painting and a few other things. I needed to load the car and it was warm, so I left the door open. I can usually hear if she sneaks out, or tries to, as is the usual case. So I loaded the car and went on my way, locking my little gal out. (And don’t think I wasn’t suffering from some serious guilt over that.) When I came home she was no where to be seen. The next day it snowed. No Lily. The day after that we had freezing rain. No Lily. By this time I had contacted every vet and animal service in the area and spread fliers all over town. The next day we had a very strong wind storm. No Lily. She had spent all winter in front of the pellet stove. She’s always been a heat hog. She didn’t have much of a coat. When was the last time I clipped her claws; could she defend herself if she needed to. All of these thoughts went through my head. Thankfully the next days following were warm and sunny, but a week went by and no Lily. I began to attempt resigning myself to never seeing her again. Every bird call sounded like her. Everything I do around the house reminds me of her. She is part of the fabric of my daily life. Needless to say I was a complete and utter wreck. And then 9 days later, at the end of the day, I went to the back door to let Jenny, my Alaskan Husky, out to go potty. It was dark. I hooked her to her cable and began to turn back to the door. I heard a bird call mocking me. It sounded like my Lily. Then another call and another tear in my eye. And the next thing I knew was Lily streaking past me through the door into the light, warm, safe, house and straight to Jenny’s food. I could hardly believe it. There she was! Back from the dead. My Lazarus kitty. My very skinny and VERY hungry queen of the household.

So that’s what happened. Life…and death?…and life. Thank you God. Life. Prayers work. God is good. I love my little kitty. I love all of my animals. Each and everyone of them is a part of my family. And so, the colors came back and I dragged my self out of grief and guilt, and have started painting again, and blogging again. The prodigal kitty is home. Let’s celebrate!!