Hug your Kitty!

Sometimes I take the good things in my life for granted. We all do. It's just human nature. Not a particularly appealing aspect of human nature - but a very real one, nonetheless.

I live alone with two cats. They are interesting individuals - totally different from one another. And yet, both are devoted to me, in their own unique ways. Every day when I leave for work, they walk me to the door. Every day when I come home, they greet me in the entryway with welcoming meows and long, approving stretches. When I'm working at the computer, Max takes up his post at or on my feet. Nicky finds a place near the monitor and waits patiently for me to finish. Whatever room I'm in...they're with me. When I'm watching TV, they both have a special place on the sofa where they join me. At night, Nicky lies quietly next to me, while Max curls up between my legs or at my feet. Even though cats are supposed to be nocturnal, they stick right by my side during each and every night. During the day, we have frequent conversations and sometimes it actually feels as if they are understanding me - and that I'm understanding them. I would be a lonely old broad indeed without my kitties.

I don't miss a day without reading Wil Wheaton's blog. Over the course of the last few weeks, he has lost both of his much-loved kitties. It's the pain every pet owner knows they must face eventually. As much as we rationalize and know the day will come...nothing can quite prepare us for the reality of the separation and grief.

My little Nicky came to me as a stray adult. I have no idea how old she is, but I've had her 11 years. I used to think she was just coming into adulthood when I adopted her, but now I know she is merely a tiny cat, and could have been several years old at the time. We have been through so much together. Surgeries (for both of us), vandalism (targeted at both of us), accidents and moving halfway across the country (it took her months to forgive me for THAT!). She is by far the sweetest creature God ever gave breath to. She is just one big, loving purr-ball. I hate to think about life without her. But, I know the day will come.

Wil's separation from his beloved cats has made me stop and feel the love even more from my two. I know they have no concept of "life" or death or anything other than their immediate needs. The best I can do for them - and for me - is to make their "now" as happy as I possibly can. In exchange, they bring immeasurable happiness to me. Just by being themselves. What more could we ask?

So, go hug your kitties. And your kids. And your Grumpy Old Significant Other. And anybody/anything else that makes your life rich and worthwhile. It'll make you less grumpy. I guarantee it.