"They say cats have 9 lives. I've had 6. I don't know how many more I will get."
I feel like a cat who is on the latter side of nine lives. Here's how it has played out so far.
Life #1: Picture me as a newborn kitten, yawn-stretching into the world on April 7, 1952. This fuzzy little part of life wrapped up in 1959 after a sudden tragedy, the death of my mother. The big takeaway? Life is uncertain and we need to make the most of it while we're here. And, never take anyone for granted because you never know when they might be gone.
Life #2: This life purred along for about 4 1/2 years. But, flash forward to Christmas Day 1963, when life chucked me a hairball. Dad got sick, real sick. But here’s a cool memory: Dad teaching us honesty over a measly $5 at the dry cleaners. Might not sound like much, but back then, $5 was like hitting the catnip lottery to a little kitten like me. Beyond the lesson in honesty, I was reminded of how fragile life truly is.
Life #3: This chapter began with a heavy heart, in the wake of Dad's passing in 1964. Aunt and Uncle took the wheel, steering with a strict paw. Though a tad more claws-out than cuddly, they taught me that kids need a mix of both discipline and love.
Life #4: The Fall of 1970 is when the independent cat in me really came out. I moved out, and guess what? I rocked it! Picture a cat donning sunglasses, strutting in a world of big dogs. This was me, a lady trailblazer in a man's world. Oh, the tales I could tell! But those are tales (or is it tails) for another day.
Life #5: Enter Max, 1983. Imagine 28 years of frolicking, napping in sunbeams, and occasionally hissing at life's hiccups. With five kittens (kids!) in tow, we experienced all the moods of a cat: the playful, the feisty, and the downright lazy Sundays. But the big takeaway? Loving someone through it all can feel as warm and comforting as a sunlit windowsill. Who knew a person could love that much?
Life #6: When Max passed away in 2011, I felt like a kitty left out in the rain, drenched in sorrow. But with time, I've found my sunny spot again. While I miss him like that favorite toy lost under the couch, I have learned you can find joy in cherishing memories.
And now? Well, I'm like a curious cat peeking out the window, eager for whatever adventure comes next. Let's see where these feline feet take me next.
This is my entry into the August 2023 Challenge: Embracing Life's Lessons.
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