A Thanksgiving Love Story

Ten years ago today the love of my life walked into my world—or rather, I should say, my barn.  Like a beacon beckoning to lost and alone animals, the barn at Bon Bon Pond has always been a magnet for strays.  Seldom dogs—probably because of the fencing—but rather a multitude of cats have come to its sheltering arms over the years in search of refuge and food and a family to love.  That day was no different. 

Turning on the light, my eyes caught movement in the rafters.  A large tortoise shell-colored Maine Coon was perched precariously on a dusty pew.  I called to the cat, but he was too wary to come. Returning to the house, I grabbed a can of wet food and went back outside.  Smelling the aroma of “fragrant” fish the animal jumped down from the beams and hungrily devoured the entire contents of the dish.  When finished, the cat approached and rubbed against my leg.  Bending down to pet my new friend, I was bombarded with grateful kisses.  For this little waif, Thanksgiving had arrived five days early.

Over the next few weeks, I moved heaven and earth to find this wanderling’s human but alas my flyers, newspapers ads and calls to vet clinics and local police went unanswered.  Lucky me, for I had gained a faithful friend and new family member: my beloved Kikki.

I have never understood how anyone could dispose of a family member.  ??? For my way of thinking, it’s unthinkable.  We all experience tough times but you pull together as a family and get thru it.  Like the Marines,  leave no one behind! 

The bond between Kikki and me has deepened over the past decade.  At night he sleeps by my side, with one paw touching my hand, and during the day he’s always close by.  Every morning while I was getting ready for work I would find him in my briefcase.  “Take me with you mommy!” Each time I return home I can count on a welcome fit for a head of state. His love for me is unconditional.  He is a constant and reassuring presence in my life.  His love has gotten me thru more bad and/or sad stuff than I can count.  Nothing comforts like soft fur and a full-throated purr.

I don’t know where my big beautiful boy came from, or what happened, but I do know why he came here:  because I needed him.  Kikki: my Thanksgiving gift sent from God.