Tiffy Cat

Yesterday I picked up our sweet Tiffy from the vet. Her cremains were in a pretty wooden box that had a pale pink plaque with her name scripted on it. As well, there were her two front paw prints imprinted on a heart-shaped, white ornament that we can hang on our Christmas tree this year, as well as the certification that it was indeed our girl whose remains were in the box.

My sons and I unpacked her, tenderly holding what was left of our dearly departed cat. I’ll admit we all were teary as she was almost fourteen years old and had been with us from the beginning. It was the end of another chapter in our lives that we are going through together.

We’ve been through many changes together, my sons and me. Those difficulties have only bonded us closer together as we have endured many losses. I am proud of who they are and where we are as a family. I feel very blessed to be their Mom and even through these shared experience of losses, we have continued to grow together.

As we set Tiffy’s beautiful box next to our previous cat Chessie’s, our sweet Tigger whom we rescued seven years ago appeared. She sat on the floor facing the boxes, staring up at them. Her ears perked from time to time, but she remained still, her eyes looking up into the space where the boxes were.

I wondered if she felt their energies. If our Chessie and Tiffy were still here with us in spirit? If Tigger saw something that I could not? Or heard something that my ears were not able to hear? Or sensed something that I wasn’t noticing? Or if it was just a figment of my imagination that she was acting this way?

You know it has been said that cats can see spirits. Have you ever heard that? Have you ever heard that those who love us never leave us?

Either way, after a few minutes she went to cat nap in her bed. When she got up a little while later, she came over to snuggle with me. Pushing her head against me, marking me and reminding me that she is still here. Oh how grateful I am for her presence in our lives! I am sure it was a bit of an adjustment for her as well when Tiffy passed. She’s now the only cat here, and she seems to have begun to mimic some of Tiffy’s snuggling traits as well as meeting us at the door when we come home, which she hadn’t done before now. That was Tiffy’s job and she never failed to greet us enthusiastically!

While Tigger’s meow isn’t quite as bold as Tiffy’s, she seems to be practicing more often now. I guess it was easier when Tiffy spoke up for the two of them when it was time for treats. Now she has to speak up for herself.

Thanks for reading. I just wanted to let you know that Tiffy is back where she belongs, with her family who loves her. We are grateful for the years her loving presence was a part of our lives.

Shine On!

xo

Falling Back in Time with Gratitude to Sandy

Yesterday was an awesome day….after 6 days of no power and daylight savings time heralding the early morn, I am happy to report I am back online today…I have power back at our house and I feel reborn.  Silly though it may sound to you, this past week has been very difficult for me.  We had a few trees down on our property, but within the neighborhood, we had many huge trees down, some completely blocking the road, many taking down power lines as they fell during Hurricane Sandy.

Surely, I am not alone in my trials and tribulations with Hurricane Sandy.  In fact, I am in better shape than most having only lost power and thus two refrigerators and freezers of food.  Our family has our health, our home and our pets with no damage to our home.  We are blessed.  I know we are and I am grateful for everything.

Unable to leave our home, our family settled in and bonded.  We played Monopoly and Rummikub.  We had my mom with us so we had lots of good chats, some tears for the loss of my dad and we bonded over memories.  We snuggled under blankets, read books by the light of the sun (when we could) and we walked around with battery operated candles which made life safer with 2 cats who have no understanding of open flames.

We visited neighbors, bonded together while we helped eachother cut up and haul to the curb fallen trees.  We shared news, we walked the neighborhood to expend nervous energy and we were just thankful for all of the little blessings.

Now that the power is back in our little alcove, we are looking to others to help them as they endure Hurricane Sandy’s wrath.  The devastation is mind-blowing now that we have the ability to see on tv and on the internet what is happening locally.  The sadness is truly heart-wrenching…

So please take this opportunity to count your blessings today…and always.  Look around and help others when you can…be kind, reach out and give a helping hand to someone who needs it…and you will find that your life force, your blessings and your vibrations increase!

And in case you don’t know what Rummikub is…you’re missing out! It’s a family fun game!

click on the picture…

Blessings to all of you!
Happy Monday!
xo