This photo as part of my banner, in some ways, could be the symbolic poster of my life. I have loved animals, and particularly cats since I was small. The cat in this photo has a tender story. We were living in upstate New York in Massena near Cornwall, Ontario and the St. Lawrence Seaway. This cat arrived on our doorstep with a full litter of kittens on a cold wintry evening. My parents were not cat lovers, but of course they took her into the warmth of the house, so she could care for her brood. I do not recall what became of the kittens. They were gifted away most likely. The mother became mine almost immediately. I was fixated by her presence. After many months of devotion to her every move, I came home from school one day, and she was gone. I was devastated. When I questioned the disappearance, my mother told me they had sent her away to a farm to live, and that she would be very happy roaming the countryside. A few days before this, I had broken out in hives, and within a short time it had been decided I was allergic to cats. Since that time and until now I have never had an allergic reaction to cats, only people, stress and trauma. I carry this photo around to remind me that sometimes in life we have to trust what we love and forgive the mistakes that people regrettably make.
That story is so poignant. The photo of you and your cat is so delightful. You look like you loved that cat so much. I can imagine you devastationwhen she left.
I had a similar desire for cats as a child. The first poem that I learned to recite, a 3 years, was The Three Little Kittens. I was always asking for a kitten or cat. But my parents were not cat people. I would bring them home and take them back to where I found them, I was “gifted” a kitten that then went to the pound. Finally, at twelve, I got my cat. And since that time have not been without.
It sounds like you are a “cat person” too.
Pat, Your story sounds similar to mine, and a little heart wrenching too. I think we are drawn to certain animals because our nature connects with them in a way we cannot define. I love dogs too, but I simply cannot live without cats.
Important words, an important thing to remember.
I’m lucky, my parents are cat people too.
Deb, Oh to be born to cat people! How fortunate for you.
i have always felt that people , stress and trauma cause way more problems than cats. ha! great story.
I’m a cat person too, but my dog won’t let me have one at the moment. Your childhood cat story reminded me of Tippy, my childhood cat. She used to leave dead birds all over the place which led to my lifelong squeamishness when it comes to birds but she just disappeared one day. My mother later told me that she was very sick and went away to pass on.
Debra Ann,
I am glad you have a dog. I would have one too except my peaceful, cozy cats would suddenly be traumatized if I brought this lovely creature home. Now I know why you are not a bird person and that is why my cats are all indoor cats. I want to preserve the wild life too.
I love this image of you! As you well know, I’m a dog person. What can I say? Pathetically, I must have my adoration enthusiastically returned in a way that a cat just refuses to do.
Linsey,
I think the most important thing is really not what animal we choose to favor, but that we remember that we must find compassion for all animals.
“Until he extends the circle of his compassion to all living things, man will not himself find peace.” Albert Schweitzer