Do It Myself Blog – Glenda Watson Hyatt

My Faith kitty has been unwell for a week. Geriatric Vestibular Syndrome? Brain tumour? Diabetes? I do not yet know. Yesterday’s blood test does not reveal a definitive answer. What ever it turns out to be, hopefully it is easily treated.

I am taking a leave from everything that can wait. Writing about my evening with Oprah (!) can wait, as can launching my speaker site, finishing year-end bookkeeping and sundry other things that typically occupy my time. Rather, I am spending my time caring for and watching over Faith – my top priority at the moment.

In this photo, the green lump beside me is Faith, safe and cozy under the Mom-knitted blanket. Note the water and food bowls on the end of the couch: the cutting edge trend in home decor!

During this leave I have had time to reflect the upon the lessons I have learned from Faith over the last (nearly) 17 years:

1. When tired, nap. She often tells me it is nap time. I am not sure whether it is because she knows better than I do when I need a nap or it is because she needs time with me, on her terms. Either way, I generally do not argue; she is persistent.

2. Be in the moment. Whatever might happened tomorrow, next week or next month might or might not happen. Right now a purring kitty wants her ear rubbed or her back massaged – until she tells me she has had enough. If I am listening and paying attention, I don’t need to be told a second time because that involves a claw in the back of my hand, immediately bringing me back to the now.

3. Relinquish ego and control. Faith cuddles on her own terms, not when I would like her to and I need to be okay with this. Surely this can be applied to other aspects of life too.

4. Take the last bite of a meal to another level. Faith typically takes the last mouthful to the floor to eat; when the bath mat is down, even better. I have yet to realize the significance of this, but I am sure a profound one exists. After 17 years, I am still learning.

5. Appreciate the small gestures made by others. Both will feel good.

What lessons have your beloved pets taught you?