Humor Happens

Some say, “it’s just a cat.” I’d never agree with that, and most people in my life would condemn that phrase as well. But if you do buy that, try this on for size: I’ve lived with her for 16 years. Can you suddenly be without someone you’ve lived with and loved for 16 years? I sure can’t.

My Daisy needed little care most of her life, but she gave us so much joy. In the end, much care was required, and I gave it willingly, without reserve, and with passion for her comfort. And now, she doesn’t need me. She’s in Heaven, where she belongs, with her grandpa who saved her from the life of a barn cat (for which she thanked him daily). Learning to live without him was also painful and too abrupt. These 11 years without him seem like 11 minutes at times.

Yet I still live with a sick kitty. Daisy’s sister has kidney failure. If Daffodil doesn’t eat her prescription food, she starts to fail. Talking her into eating the nasty stuff is a job I take on with the heart’s desire I took on for Daisy’s needs. Anything for quality time with these gifts from God. As I type this, Beyoncé and Sam Smith are singing “Stay with Me” on the Grammy Awards. I’m praying I have a long while yet with this lovely spirit in fur.

As painful as losing Daisy has been, I know it will be ten times worse when Daffodil follows. For today, she’s here and actually doing quite well. But I’ve been warned her time here is short. I ache and lose my breath to even consider that today.

Daily life with pets is so very much better. There is a love and care there that is extraordinary. It is a two-way street. Our one cat has such love for my mom, the kitty is nothing but dejected without her mommy. She mopes around and cries out for her, seeking her. It’s not just a matter of food or a clean litter box. It’s friendship, appreciation, and companionship.

As sad as I am now, I know I’m better for these girls. I miss Daisy so much because she was vital to my happiness, and we were to her. I wouldn’t trade one moment with her to avoid this pain. God blessed us with each other.

Daisy Lynn Bourner
August 1998 ~ January 2014

It’s late, and I wasn’t going to post tonight, but something happened. I’ve been worried about a few things all day, and trying to figure out the best possible course of action on each. Just a few moments ago, I remembered something I have not done today to help resolve my concerns: pray.

Dear Lord, I’m sorry I didn’t come to you earlier. Please help guide me. Amen!

Suddenly, I don’t have the answers, but I have something that will help find the answers. I now have relaxed shoulders, my neck is no longer stiff, and my frown turned up-side-down. Whatever is on your mind, I hope you’ll consider prayer or talking to your spirit guide or meditation (you get the idea) to release the weight and pressure. There is light in the darkness.

Today is a snow day from church. The snow was such a whirlwind, it was hard to see the neighbor’s home at times. My nephew plowed our driveway, and an hour later, my mom asked if I thought he would do it. I told her had done it an hour ago. I went to the window to see, and she was right, if I hadn’t witnessed him plowing, I wouldn’t have been sure either. Now, schools are already closing for tomorrow at 5 p.m. in the evening.

Today, I’m thankful for much:

1. A warm home with warm cocoa and fuzzy blankets.
2. Kitties to curl up by my side as I read under the covers while the wind howls and the snow blows.
3. Blankets fresh out of the dryer.

So many good reads! Where to start? Recently…

1. Giving thanks for Angelina’s Bachelor’s by Brian O’Reilly. It is an enticing book of recipe’s far beyond my abilities, the five senses of food fully described, friendship that lasts, and hope for goodness.
2. Giving thanks for The Farmer and the Clown by Marla Frazee. It’s a children’s book with few words and gentle drawings. I asked my mom to read it too, and she said, “That farmer is just like you’re dad. He would have done that too.” Now this book means even more than it did just a few minutes before she said those heart touching words! Only because she’s right, he would have.
3. Giving thanks for Unfinished Business by Carolyn Ridder Aspenson and read by Kathy Poelker. A well written and well read story of celestial beings and a mother’s love. It made me feel better about my recently passed kitty, eleven-years passed dad, and all who have gone before.

What books are you thankful for of late?

Giving thanks, or am I?

1. Thankful apples are only in season three months per year. Even though I live in an apple orchard, so glad the other 9  months I don’t have to try to like them because they’re not fresh. They do make for fine photos.
2. Thankful there are other flavors of sherbet besides orange. Goodness comes in raspberry.
3. Thankful movies come in forms other than 3D. Nauseous isn’t my favorite state in which to watch a movie.

Today, instead of thanks to give, I have prayers to request:

1. A dear family member has stomach cancer. Your prayers are appreciated.
2. A neighbor is being tested for pancreatic cancer. Your prayers are appreciated.
3. A young family member had his heart broken by a long-time girlfriend. He’s also away from home, so the comfort of his family isn’t nearby. Your prayers are appreciated.

Everyone needs a bit of light. Please help shine some light with prayers.

Today I witnessed a traditional church wedding. I haven’t been to one in a long, long while. I’ve been to weddings recently, but those have been in wedding halls, in nature’s theater, or homes. Of course, God is there witnessing all of these, but it was pleasant to be a part of a church wedding again. The reception at our local country club didn’t hurt either! The best part, is that I now have a new niece and we find her family delightful.

1. Giving thanks for the wedding of Dan and Danielle. Beautiful in every way, every moment, and every dance.
2. Giving thanks for photos of family. Especially group shots of siblings and cousins.
3. Giving thanks for the bride who found a place in Grand Rapids to make a tiered, gluten-free wedding cake. It was gorgeous, tasty, and she didn’t get sick.

If you wouldn’t mind doing so, the bride has an opportunity for a job that is right up her alley, please take a moment and pray that this becomes hers.