Good job, Mom! You finished your classes! NOW LET’S PLAY!
Finally! Now, take a break and play with me!
After weeks of studying and testing and helping your sister, you finally finished your courses and can be human again! Maybe now you can type for Sushi and I and get back to spoiling us like you did before all this stuff started. It’s no wonder you haven’t had much free time- with the classes, counseling, physical therapy, and the Critters- and making time for a grief journal too-
But seriously, Sushi and I are about to take matters into our own paws if you don’t back off from some things and get back to spoiling us! And get us some new toys, too!
Wait- WHAT? WHAT VET?
Wait- Who said anything about the VET? We’re not sick!
TWO APPOINTMENTS? THEY’RE BOTH FOR HER, RIGHT?
That’s it- I’m outta here!That’s it. I’m taking my toy and hiding!Photo by Sam Lion on Pexels.com
Oh, no you don’t! If you leave, she’ll take ME!Whatever- I already saw the vet- wake me up after your appointments.
The coffee is a little weak this morning, Mom. In fact, it looks just like water… How about some expresso?
My Human has had a hard week. Good thing I’m here.
No, Human. I mean MY OWN cup!!
Every time my Can Opener seems like she’s able to move on from the loss of the Backup Can Opener in January, something always seems to happen to stir it all up again. Sushi and I have our paws full comforting her and trying to remind her to sing praise, (it lifts her above grief, sorrow and depression every time- if she just remembers to do it)! She never had to be reminded before. But now every day events bring back waves. We help her get through it.
We’re always hearing her sing praise and give thanks to the Lord for all He’s done for her and for the ways he has sustained and preserved her. Especially since the loss. But lately a couple of things have happened in the neighborhood that has never happened here before in the 15+ years we have lived here. One of those things was an act of violence against a woman down the street (who was attacked by her live-in- whoever). She was only walking to her car – the assailant followed her cursing and slammed her to the ground- she did absolutely nothing but try to get away. He tried to prevent her from getting into her car to leave- but she kept trying and she got in and locked the doors.
Then he went to the passenger side and tried to open it – (the Human and her sister and others saw it on the first warm, sunny day we had, when they were discussing plans for their gardens). They called the police right away- others just looked away.
Meanwhile, the assailant hung onto the car as the woman tried to drive away and he hung on for the longest time until she was able to go fast enough (without hurting him) to pull away and leave. He had thrown glass bottles at her as she was leaving, and other things- the neighbor closest to him who lives alone, watched it and did nothing but wait until the man went back in his house and then he cleaned up all the broken glass in the street and on the lawn.
The police came- but by the time the officer got here, the woman was gone and so was the assailant. That upset everyone in the neighborhood- but our Can Opener especially was grieved – she knows these things happen. But never has she seen it so close to her house. It left her (and her sister and others in the neighborhood) feeling vulnerable and almost as though they themselves had been assaulted.
This has always been a peaceful neighborhood where everyone watched after each other. Seeing this just added to the waves of (normal) grief that our human has been dealing with since January. It also showed her the need to pray for her neighbors. And to pray for the police officers and first responders who literally lay their lives on the line every time they show up for work.
For about 3 days our human couldn’t concentrate enough to help us post. But she has resumed singing praise when anxiety and depression rears its ugly head to threaten her peace, and every time it lifts her above all the chaos in the world and brings comfort, peace, and even joy in the middle of it all.
Jesus Himself is her peace. And He makes her know she’s not really alone- or vulnerable
Peace I leave with you; My peace I give to you. Not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your hearts be troubled. Neither let them be afraid.
The Can Opener has been sleeping in lately. Probably making up for not being able to sleep for more than a couple of hours a night for the last month or more.
The problem is, if she sleeps late, we get fed late. But we’ll live- especially Sushi- she’s a large storage tank. I don’t think the diet thing is working for her- I haven’t seen her lose as much as a whisker!
The Can Opener is trying to carry on as usual, (what choice does she have, really)- but some days are harder than others. We know it’s going to take a while and we’re trying to be patient. Today I’m going to post some random memes to make her laugh. That is, if she can slow down long enough to read them!
I’m going to make the Can Opener rest today- (after she feeds us, of course). Have a good day- and keep those purrayers coming, please.
I can actually be nice to Sushi sometimes. (Without pouncing on her afterward).
A little Comfort for you
Our Can Opener feeling better, but the Back-up Can Opener is still not feeling well, so she spent extra time praying last night. I like it when she does that, because she tends to pace back and forth sometimes and I like to hang over her shoulder and purr as she holds me and prays. When she’s done she’s more peaceful and I’m ready for a nap.
She knows things are hard for everyone right now, not just him and her. So this morning is all about comfort.
Did you know that we cats are great for stress relief? Yep. And that’s not just coming from me. Even doctors agree.
Here’s a few random facts for you about the benefits of having a pet – (cats, specifically, because- well, I’M A CAT).
This is the short version- there are many more benefits to having a cat.
We are great companions and reduce loneliness- and petting a cat helps our owners relax and even reduces blood pressure! Studies also have shown we reduce the chances of heart disease, and strokes, help your immune system(s), and our purrs even help heal your bones!
And if that’s not enough, we also have been shown to help autistic children, and to help prevent ashtma (in children) and improve your mood.
I could go on- but you might want to read it for yourself here.
Or, you could just consult your cat. If you don’t have a cat, I think you should get one- immediately if not sooner.
Siamese like me are a great choice- we love to play – and talk.She’ll also keep the sheets down on your bed. Trust me.We even greet you with a smile..
A tortoiseshell like Sushi will talk to you- CONSTANTLY. And guard the remote.
And if you’re blessed with TWO cats, you’ll always have live entertainment.
How to Train your Humans 