November 10, 2010

  • A Kitten and a Cane

         Adjusting from a walker to a cane was something I never thought I would be doing in the middle age of life. Yet, I was grateful for the upgrade with aid in walking. It had been approximately 8 months since the death of my beloved Kitty who had been with me aproximately ten years. I had been told he was old when I picked him up from a vet who needed to find him a home. I was told he was not much interested in people but when I went to visit him at her home, this kitty was trying to climb up my leg into my arms. There was an instant attraction which was a start of a beautiful relationship. Yet, with his death, I resisted the thought of getting another cat.

         Receiving a call to go to a craft show to be shown a special kitten, I had many excuses not to go. I struggled in being in public with the cane and did not want to risk falling. Why, why, why echoed in my brain but I still showed up. Plus, I wanted out of my four walls besides my trips to therapy to get stronger to return to work.

         Arriving at the place to see this little kitten is a day I will remember. He was held by those giving him away with a warning that they didn't think another would want him or put up with his ways for long. He was born with a very large head which threatened the life of his mother and him due to being stuck in the birth canal. They feared lack of oxygen and he had been a slow "special" kitty compared to his little siblings. Yet, his blue little eyes in his black and grey tiger stripes made him a cutey. Yet, it was his eyes that followed me despite who held him in this circle. Who can resist cute little kittens just over 4 weeks old? His future looked bleaked due to  his developement next to his siblings and life not to be long. Who would really want a "special" kitty in this way? Cuteness can wear away when actions are challenging.

         His gaze did not leave me no matter who or how he was held as his head kept turning back to me. Was my heart even ready to love a little furry one again as I had before? How many times had I told myself no more?  Yet, those eyes that fastened to me and the future I heard for this little guy tore at my heart. Once in my arms he did not want to leave as he snuggled in close like duct tape secured in place. One hand for the cane and one for him as I walked to my car. All the way home he clunged to me like his last chance at life.

         At times, I was not the most stable one on my feet but his claws held tight. As I protected this little guy from his frightful fate he watched and protected me as I continued to heal. If I was up he was near my side or not more than 3 feet resting near me as I grew stronger to go to work again despite others thought. I did not give up on going back to a job that I was told was history to me repeatedly. Faith and God's promise of healing I clung to like this kitten clung tight with his claws to me. We both had predicted negative outcomes by humans around  us both. Never underestimate the power of prayer!!!

         That was in 2008, today a different outcome did create. I went back to work after six months and little kitten grew out of his many interesting traits. As I write this he is resting three feet away keeping an eye on my every move. If I move to get up he will follow my steps. He grew into his huge head with a healthy weight of 14 pounds of lovely soft kitty fur.  Some of those things we fight can become a great gift we don't expect.