Things I Learned from my Cat #2

When you are feeling in need of a little bit of love,

don't wait for it to come to you.

Grab it whenever/wherever you can.

I had a friend who often told the story of when her son was young how he would follow her around talking nonstop. As he grew older he would tell stories she really didn't want to here. Her only reprieve, or so she thought, was the bathroom. She'd take a book and lock herself into the room where there was only one seat and the promise of privacy.

Thing was, her son would sit right down on the other side of the door and continue talking.

I think about this every time I go into the bathroom and forget to shut the door til it clicks in place. Girl Cat has decided my bathroom time is "our" special time. It doesn't matter what the clock says, whether it is day, night, or the wee hours of the morning. If Girl Cat hears me lift the toilet lid, she's there beside me. Sometimes she's even there before I get there, jumping on the seat as I'm lowering myself without looking. One day soon she's going to get peed on. When it happens she can't say she hasn't been warned.

Some days she is content to perch herself on the edge of the sink and wait while I tinkle, shower, slather myself in body lotion or dry my hair. Other days, like this morning, it's all about stop-what-you-are-doing-because-I-need-some-loving-and-I-need-it-now. Or in other words, MEOW! MEOW! MEEEEEOOOOOWWWW!

I wrapped the towel around my dripping self, sat on the commode, pulled her into a rather wet but loving embrace. Nuzzling the toilet paper roll and the grab bar and the crossword puzzle book then circling around for the most comfortable spot, she settled in. This was my sign to scratch her head and stroke her back. The cat who rarely purrs, began to rev up her motor. Ahhh, cat bliss.

Once when I was complaining that a certain someone (not my Sweetie) rarely if ever hugged me, a very wise person asked me why I didn't trade places, becoming the hugger instead of the huggee. Or if that didn't work, why not ask for a hug if that is what I need. Huh? Does a hug count if you have to ask for it?

Well, yes, Virginia it does. A hug is a hug is a hug. What I didn't know at that time but have come to discover is a hug, asked for or not, undoubtedly feels good for both parties.

Stepping out of the shower this morning, I was tuned into getting dry, getting dressed and getting Dad's breakfast. However, after sitting with Girl Cat and having a few quiet moments of unexpected bonding, I felt much less hurried. A reminder that humans don't know everything.

Wishing for you something furry to hug and time to reflect,

Merry ME