Nightly Gathering

Open Thread Post 101 - The Love of Cats

My old cat, Milo, now almost 15, was a rescue back in 2008. He's always been a laid back black cat, but being indoor outdoor until we moved here in 2019, was also a ferocious killer. Like most cats, he brought us gifts or trophies. Morgan really loved him. She’d share pictures of his presents with friends or on Facebook.

In the morning when I start my day at the computer in my office, Milo often comes in after having slept with me all night for some extra attention. I recently became aware, through Rock 3, of a device called the Furminator. She had used it on our dog when they dog sat for us during our Biloxi trip, and said my dog didn't mind it. I bought one and use it on both animals, and not only do they not mind it, they love it. I love it. I love doing it, and I love there is less shedded fur around.

As I furminated Milo this morning, I thought how much Mo would have loved this, and that I probably would have bought one for her for her two precious kitties, once they got older. Those are the thoughts that bring on a wave of grief. Whether I give into the grief right then depends on what else is going on, but it sits there and stews and can get bigger or subside depending on the next things that happen in that day.

Within a few hours, it had grown to the “needing to be released point” and I again cried it out for several minutes.

This may always be how it will be. It gets me thinking though that my pain is allowed, visible, and fully supported in our culture. Losing a child is about as bad as anybody can imagine, however, plenty of people feel all kinds of pain, and are not near as supported.

What about the military personnel who lose good friends on the battlefield, or to suicide after they return? What about people fighting debilitating illnesses or drug or alcohol addiction and nobody understands how awful it is? What about the pain of divorce or other unwanted family separation?

These are all very painful but “less supported” on an ongoing basis I think. I am thankful for every bit of support, but maybe people in many circumstances named above could use extra prayers, too. Do you know anyone affected by anything named above or something else you can think of? Let them know you care. What if the universe is set up in a way that what YOU do REALLY matters? What if you get to see your choices at the end of your life in this realm?

Getting kind of deep tonight. Thanks, Milo.