I Am A Cat Lady

Missy lives a few houses down from me.

Missy loves cats.

In fact, she owns four of them and feeds two strays that have been abandoned by their families. 

A couple of weeks ago, my sister Tami told Missy (as they are friends from way back) about my cat/kitten dilemma as I am still caring for the abandoned cat across the street and her five very adorable kittens. Against Missy's better judgment, she came to visit one day and that was that.

She was sunk.

Since that day, I have often found Missy petting them, caring for them, cooing at them -- when I go over for one of my daily visits. It's a beautiful thing.

I really like Missy. Cat people? They are my people.

Since these kittens were a few days old, they have had some eye issues. Tami and I have struggled to stay on top of it. About the time we think we have conquered it, another kitten is stricken and we begin the struggle again. I have containers filled with remedies, cotton balls, and fresh water available on the porch for anybody who cares to visit and help out. But last night Missy dropped by with a prescription tube of antibiotic ointment for their eyes. 

Ah...maybe we will conquer this at last.

She also went to work finding them homes and I believe she has been successful. Next week all of the kittens will be doled out to their new "parents" -- all of which are quite fabulous, I might add. These are some lucky kitties. They will only be five weeks old which is quite young, but...we are all fearing a bit for their safety. A coyote meanders the streets at night. Large birds with peering eyes and deadly claws are often spied in the trees in the yard. And an owl lives in a tree just beyond that house. And so, for their safety, we're going to let them go a bit early. 

I will miss them.

I have gotten to know each of them and I can now relate to these people who sell kittens and create detailed descriptions of their personalities on the website that advertises them.

I could do the same:

This one is so independent! He is the smallest of the litter but he was the first one to open his eyes and crawl out of the box. He is my adventurer, my independent one...

Oh, this one? He is terribly lazy. He just likes to eat which is evident by the fact that he is the largest and the roundest.

This one is a squawker. She cries pitifully when anything seems a tad bit wrong with her world. 

And so on...

I almost named them all...but then caught myself for fear I wouldn't be able to let go when the time came. I'm not sure how supportive my family would be of a box of kittens that I proclaim are here to stay.

We already have two...and that's enough.

But these kittens have provided a lot of joy each day. In the evenings, Tami and I faithfully visit, making ourselves comfortable on the concrete porch while kittens pounce and crawl and explore. They are all over us, peering up with bright blue eyes. And mama cat patiently nurses them, cleans them, and hauls them back to the box at any sign of danger (like a lawn mower).

It has been a fabulous four weeks and I will always be grateful for this time I had to enjoy a litter of kittens. What began as a tragedy as the family abandoned the mama kitty, has turned into a great blessing in my life.

Yesterday I ran across this statement:

Life is always in your favor. Even the dark times lead to new revelations, new beginnings, greater wisdom, greater joy.

I like that. 

And I believe it.

The Crush

Jace is in love.

A couple of days ago, we were standing in the kitchen when he walked in, whipped out his phone, and showed me a photo of a beautiful little girl posing for a selfie: Hey, Mom,” he said. “This girl here? She has a crush on me. But I don’t think I like her. I think I like someone else.”

I took the phone from him, raising my eyebrows at this beautiful little face looking back at me with pierced lips and flowing black hair.

“Wow, Jace. She’s beautiful,” I said. “Are you sure you don’t like her? This other girl that you say you like must be remarkable.”

“Yeah, she is,” he said, taking back his phone and walking out of the room.

Yesterday morning, Jace claimed it was time to shop for summer clothes. “I don’t have anything to wear, Mom,” he moaned. “I need a whole new wardrobe. And some cologne.”

As Roy worked until the wee hours of the morning that same night, I told him we would visit Target that evening after school. And so as soon as I got out of work, I dropped by the house, picked up Jace, and headed to Burleson. He chatted the whole way about school and friends and girls. He checked his phone quite a lot as texting has become his new mojo these days. It’s difficult to get him to look up.

“I’m right here, Jace,” is a very common saying that I throw out quite often as of late, taking my hand and circling around my face.

Once we arrived at Target, he headed straight for the clothes. He perused the shorts, throwing a couple of pair in the basket that he liked; then he headed for the t-shirts. Once he was satisfied with his selections (and tried them on after quite a lot of persuading from me), we headed to the self-care section: I need some cologne, Mom, he said.

We checked out all of the different scents that had available there on the shelf and finally Jace settled for Dark Temptation.

That made me take a deep breath.

My 14 year old is wearing Dark Temptation? What??!!

Last night Jace came into the living while I was hanging out by myself, waiting for 9:00 to arrive so that I could head to bed. This isn’t the norm in our lives. Typically Jace stays in his room and chats it up with friends or plays a game…you know, the usual teen boy scene. But I could tell by his contemplative mood that he wanted to talk.

“What’s up, Jace?” I asked as he sat down in a chair and studied the wall rather than his phone.

“Mom, I really like Giselle,” he said with a sigh.

“Aw, Jace,” I said. “Your first crush!”

“Oh no, Mom,” he quickly countered. “This is much more than a crush. I really like her. She’s the kindest person I know.”

“Do you have a picture?” I asked.

He quickly pulled his phone from his pocket and brought it over to show me a photo of a young girl dressed modestly and smiling for a photo that actually wasn’t a selfie.. Her entire demeanor oozed kindness and warmth. I knew I would like her.

“She looks precious,” I said.

“Yeah,” Jace nodded. “I know my friends don’t think she’s gorgeous, but she’s gorgeous to me,” he said. “She’s way too good for me.”

Jace and I talked then about what it means to have a crush and the differences in having a crush and being in love. And, of course, I couldn't help but throw in how she isn't too good for him: do what it takes to be good enough for her, I reasoned. (Gotta sneak in those sermons when I can...) He listened intently and then, just before he went to bed, he said, “I can’t imagine what being in love feels like. The way I feel right now? It makes my heart hurt.”

Jace got up at 6:00 this morning and took a long shower, dressed in a brand new outfit, and did his hair just so.

He looked quite dapper, I must say.

And he’s only 14…

It’s going to be a long 4 years.

Week Spectacular

I just lived Week Spectacular.

My mom came to visit a couple of weeks ago in order to ride with my sister to her son Jared's college graduation. They returned a week ago today (Monday) and my mom stayed until early Friday morning.

When my mom is around? It is something wonderful. "Let me make you a salad," she says, and then she goes through my refrigerator, finds as many salad ingredients as she can find, and chops them up into minuscule pieces so that I can easily handle more veggies than lettuce. Her salads are the bomb.

She'll cook for me, help me organize, help me clean...whatever I want. And so during my lunch time at work, I headed over to Tami's and spent the hour hanging with my mom. We'd sit on the couch...well, Mom would sit on the couch. I would lay on the couch and prop my feet on Mom's lap, and we would chat away.

On Tuesday evening, we celebrated Mom's birthday (which actually happened the previous day but that's the way we roll sometimes). Mom cooked potato mountains -- baked potatoes piled high with black beans, cheese sauce, and avocado. Delicious. And yes. Mom cooked her birthday dinner. When it comes to moms, we know how to pick 'em.

Poor Mum.

But she never complains. That's just how she rolls.

Before she left on Friday morning, she called me to say goodbye. She was finishing up her packing and some last minute things before heading off. It made my heart a little sad as there is just nothing like having your mom around. Moms have your back. They think you're funny and they just love you like none other. And my mom? She's 82. You'd never know it. She's a keeper.

On Saturday, my dad and Jo arrived. Now let me just say that a visit from Dad and Jo is a rare treat. My sister Lori came down as well and so we all gathered at my house for the 24 hours we had them. One of Dad's infamous statements is, Fish and company stink after three days. He's always sure to leave us wanting more.

We spent quite a bit of time hanging on our back porch and chatting it up about anything and everything. Jo told Dad, Don't talk about religion or politics! And so of course Dad went there immediately.

Because that's the way Dad rolls.

Jo brought me a housewarming gift: this beautiful center piece for a table and hand towels -- all of which she herself crafted. Jo's talent for creating is unsurpassed. Everything she touches turns to gold.

And we ate too -- so much food. Burgers on the grill and roast and strawberry shortcake and cookies and jello. More food than we could eat -- enough for farm hands, Dad said.

As Sunday was Mother's Day, my girls called in the midst of it all: Savana from Florida and Darian from Bolivia as she went down to see her kids one more time.

My heart was full to bursting from life's greatest bounty: family.

Right after lunch, Dad and Jo loaded up their van and hugged us all goodbye. And of course, tears welled up for me as they always do.

My dad is 82 as well. He's amazing -- one would never guess his age. He's still this same man whose very presence demands respect. His approval, his support, his laughter, his teasing...I cherish it all.

My heart had a hole in it the remainder of the afternoon once everyone left for home. Our house was quiet; the walls echoed. I couldn't bear going out to the porch, my usual refuge, as it seemed so barren without laughter and family. I mindlessly picked up some straggling things that were lying around the house, checked my email, dusted off my phone which I'd barely touched over the past 48 hours so that I could be fully present.

Last night, Tami, Chas, Roy and I loaded up and headed to Sweet Frogs as a last hoorah. We chatted about the weekend, rehearsed some of the fun things that happened, and treasured the last bit of Mother's Day as if we were squeezing the last remnants of juice from it. They dropped us off at home around 9:00 and we waved goodbye as they drove away.

One more goodbye.

And then we turned around and saw their house right next door. It's framed now and the roof should be put on this week. The future loomed up in front of me -- our kids coming home, hanging out on our back porches and watching the sun set as fireflies flit, bonfires on the back acre, our families converging as one.

So much ahead...so much beauty to look forward to.

Roy and I walked inside and locked the door behind us.

Storms

I love storms.

A couple of weeks ago, I had the windows open while I cleaned the house and a thunderstorm rolled in. The sky crashed and somersaulted, lightning flashing across the sky, as I stood in wonder in my living room and gazed out our sliding glass door. The storm lasted quite some time and I fully relished every moment.

This past weekend, Roy sent me a text (as he was out of town): a huge storm is headed your way. It should arrive in 30 minutes.

Fabulous.

And so, I went out to the porch, gazed up at the tumultuous sky, and waited. The sky turned from shades of blue to dark and gray; the wind picked up; anticipation built.

And then, just that quickly, the sky was blue and the sun was shining brilliantly.

The storm bypassed us.

Yesterday? Same thing. I even received a warning on my phone that we were under a severe thunderstorm alert.

Yes!

But again...nothing.

So disappointing. I'm ready for a good, Oklahoma-type storm with all of the bells and whistles. But of course, without the tornado, thank you very much. I'm not interested in THAT sort of storm.

Yesterday, Tami, my boss--but really my very true blue friend, flew to Albuquerque for the funeral of a University donor. Tami and this donor's daughter have become good friends and so she wanted to give her a book. A couple of days ago, Tami and I brainstormed for a minute about what sort of book, and then I mentioned Option B. I just purchased it on Amazon though I haven't read it yet. I'm anxious to get it in the mail.

Option B is about a lady who suddenly, unexpectedly, lost her husband. This happened a little over a year ago and she writes about the devastation and anguish of grief. However, she also writes about resiliency and finding joy in the midst, and she includes all kinds of stories of people who have suffered great loss or overcome great challenges.

It's my kind of book.

And so, Tami purchased it and she and the book headed to Albuquerque where she will give it to her friend.

Later on in the day, I was scrolling through Facebook and happened upon a commencement speech that the author of this book, Sheryl Sandburg, was giving. She told her story of losing the man who held her up, who walked by her side, whom she adored and loved completely.

And then she talked about how, before his death, she used to question herself. She would go to bed at night and think of all the things that she had done wrong, or that she disliked about herself. She bypassed the joy and settled for the sad.

But the death of her husband taught her to change her thinking simply because our thoughts create out worlds.

Yesterday Jace was telling me how sometimes complaining just feels good. He likes to find the negative and just tear it all apart.

(Let's remember that he's 14.)

I couldn't help but laugh, because sometimes this boy is just a kick. But I was quick to say, "You may want to be careful with that. When you focus on the negative, that's all you see. And your thoughts create your life. It's a much better place to live when you focus on the good things in life and let the negative things pass you by. Both exist. Focus on the stuff that makes you feel good."

Pretty sure he tuned me out right after I said ...You may want to...

Pretty sure I turned into Charlie Brown's mother about that time. "Waaa waaaa waaa..."

But that's okay. I'll keep preaching, because it's what I do.

And I'll keep waiting for those thunderstorms until anticipation becomes reality.

And hopefully, I'll focus on more joy than misery throughout my day -- especially when the storms of life are bypassing me.

You know...building that resiliency muscle...

That's, at least, what I want to do.

Free for the Taking

On Saturday, I met the abandoned cat that lives across the street. She hangs on the back porch behind a fencing that gives her some protection. Around here, that’s important as we often hear the coyotes howling at night.

Recently we watched a few minutes of one of my favorite all-time movies, Forrest Gump, and so as soon as I met this cat, I called her Jenni in my head. She is the sweetest girl – big eyes, calico, and she stands up on her hind legs for me to pet her. She is starving for attention. Poor thing.

Anyway, I took Tami over to meet her on Saturday afternoon while they were visiting as they always do on Saturdays. We noticed that she seemed a bit “developed” on her belly and we discussed whether she’s pregnant.

Surely not.

I set her up with a couple of bowls – one for food, one for water – and then we headed home for the evening. She followed us to the gate but refused to leave her yard. She clearly knows where home is.

As soon as I got home I did some research: do we have any no-kill shelters nearby? And sure enough…we do. However, they have long waiting lists and the chances of this sweet kitty being accepted are slim. The humane societies around here are filled to the brim with unwanted pets; unfortunately, this means that if I turn her into one of the local shelters, her chances of survival are slim to none.

I have a heart for cats. It is just who I am. I’ve always been a cat person – from as early as I can remember. And so, the question begs: what to do with Jenni.

I have two cats and I absolutely don’t need more. Stray cats are as common as grass around these parts, and if I start the process of adopting every homeless cat I see…well, it won’t be long before I will be surrounded on all sides.

Yesterday (Sunday) we headed to Six Flags for the day. Jace invited a couple of buddies – Kristian and Emmanuel – to hang with him as his parents just don’t cut it anymore. That was just fine with me as I am not a fan of hydraulic seat compressions for rides that flip me upside down and every which direction. I prefer the kiddie rides, frankly. And so, the boys lived it up on the thrillers while Roy and I walked the park. We rode a few rides every now and then, but mainly we just enjoyed the day. We loaded up around 6:00 that evening, stopped by Taco Bell, and then dropped off two exhausted boys at their respective homes before heading home ourselves.

We were all worn out.

I scooped up some cat food into a red Solo cup and headed across the street for a quick visit with Jenni. And there she was – just behind the porch, happy to see me. She quickly jumped up on her hind legs, using her front paws to reach upwards so that I would pick her up and give her some love. I petted her for a bit, filled her bowl with food and checked on her water. And it was then – as I checked out her living quarters there on that back porch – that I spied a little pile of fur balls tucked into the back corner of a woodpile: 5 tiny kittens.

“Jenni, you are a mama,” I said as I reached over to pet a little one’s soft, silky head. They are brand new – eyes aren’t even opened yet. She seemed unconcerned with my attention to her babies. She quickly hopped up onto the woodpile to peer at them. I wasn’t quite sure how she could nurse them as wood poked in from all sides, and her babies were nestled in the midst of poking twigs, leaving no room for her to squeeze in.

And so, I headed home. “Jace, come with me,” I said, peeking my head into his room.

“I’m so tired, Mom,” he said, his eyes red-rimmed.

“It’s worth it,” I said. And so he threw on my pink flip flops with glittery straps and walked with me yet again across the street. He stared in wonder at those precious little bundles, all cuddled up in a huddle.

“What are we going to do with all of these kittens?” he said as he tenderly stroked their tiny heads.

Yet again we went home, scouted out the house for a medium sized box (which we found in the garage), lay an old towel inside so that it created a bed, and headed back across the street. I gingerly picked up the kittens, lay them in their new bed, and showed Jenni her babies. She immediately lay down to nurse them, perfectly at home in her new bed. We watched her for a bit, made sure all was well, and then we headed home.

Last night I was talking to my dad on the phone and I told him the story of Jenni and all of her babies.

“I know what I would do with them,” Dad said. Now let me say, my dad is a country boy. I well remember as a kid growing up when one of our bird dogs had puppies that Dad was going to sell…until they came out looking like the neighbor’s mutt. Shortly after their births, I came home from school, rushed out to the pen to play with the puppies…and they were gone.

“Where are the puppies, Dad?” I asked, concerned, when Dad came home from work.

“They went coon huntin’,” Dad said. I’ll leave the rest to your imagination.

But suffice it to say, if those kittens were my dad’s? Well, they’d all be coon hunting right about now.

I have no idea what I’m going to with 5 fuzzy kittens. I have no idea what I’m going to do with Jenni.

So, if any of you need a kitten? They’ll be ready for their new homes in about six weeks.

And they’re free.