Y’all, this is MY chair. My comfy reading chair. That I bought especially for me. Where I do all my best thinking and writing and napping and stuff. Or, I guess, it used to be…
Sigh. I suppose I can’t fault Merlin for having good taste.
This photo popped up in my memories earlier this week.
Apparently, I took it in May of 2007. I don’t remember the when, but I do remember the why. Graham had just come home from work, and Gatsby immediately curled up right beside him as soon as he sat down. And stayed there. It was just such a sweet moment I felt like I had to capture it, and now, all these years later, I’m so glad I did.
I look back now – at how young Graham looked, at how much Gatsby always loved us, at how lucky it was that I had a camera nearby – and I’m grateful. I’m also reminded that we are legacies for the people (and animals) that we love. Even when they’re no longer with us, we carry them in our hearts, and so they’re never really gone, as long as we’re still here to love them and remember them. How very powerful that is.
And I think it tired her out.
We’ve actually not gotten her groomed in a very long time (probably too long, honestly), because there’s been a dog flu going around in our area. We know someone who lost a beloved pet to it, and it was scary and sad. Annie’s older and not in the best health – nothing awful, just aging and such – and so I worried about her being in a place with lots of other dogs. And unfortunately, she doesn’t really enjoy it when we try to bathe and brush her. Luckily, we found a mobile groomer!
And also luckily, cases of this particular illness have been going down pretty precipitously.
At any rate, she’s looking much better, and I’m sure feeling better, too. The groomer said she didn’t really want to stand up much, which isn’t surprising. She’s just a little old and creaky these days. But it’s funny, looking at her little graying muzzle. No matter how old she gets, I will always see her as the spunky puppy we brought home all those years ago.
You see, I told the cat
that we have things to do today.
And what did he have to say?
Nothing, because he
is still fast asleep,
monopolizing my lap.
Priorities…
So, I suppose the work can wait.
After all, what’s a little
procrastinating
between feline and friend?
Guess I’ll just have to wait.
(But seriously, may we all be so loved and wanted as Graham and me on Monday morning when Merlin basically demands all of our attention to play and cuddle. I wouldn’t change a thing.)
And sometimes,
friendship
truly feels as simple as
sitting quietly
together
(waiting for your humans
to drop some food
on the floor).
But in the best way possible.
Seriously, is there any higher honor than being chosen by a cat? (He did eventually get up. Then we went to bed. And he slept on my foot.)
I know y’all are probably tired of Merlin content, but just look at him:
He’s growing so fast! And I feel like we only brought him home, like, a second ago. How time flies!
She needs some attention, too.
With a new kitten in the house, and with how much I’ve been talking about Merlin here on the blog, I know Annie’s feeling a little left out. Don’t worry – she’s getting plenty of treats and cuddles. But I know it’s an adjustment for her. And she’s handled Merlin so well. They’re not friends yet, but they keep getting closer and closer to each other, and Merlin occasionally makes a move to play with her. Maybe one day, she’ll actually respond!
Annie’s going to be thirteen this spring, and we’ve had her since she was a tiny puppy.
She’s so sweet, and much slower than she used to be, but she’ll always be our puppy girl. Dogs love us in a totally different way from cats, and Annie is the first dog I’ve ever had. I’m so glad I get to be her person, though she’d tell you, if she could talk, that Graham is actually her person and I’m the other one. Doesn’t matter.
She’s a good dog. And if I’m even a small part of making her happy, then I’m happy.
As most cats do, Merlin has found the laundry basket. And claimed it.
Cats, y’all…
But seriously, this little kitten – who won’t be little for long, judging by how fast he’s growing – has brought us so much joy since we brought him home. I’m grateful. I firmly believe that cats, if we listen, can teach us the value of slowing down, of being quiet and still, of observing.
And of a very good nap. (Yes, even on a busy Monday.)
A Virginia Writer's Diary 