I recently adopted an elderly cat whose name is Sasha. I had had one or two cats for most of my adult life, but when the last one passed away a couple of years ago, I decided to wait a while before considering caring for another pet. I’d look at the pet adoption websites from time to time but never felt ready to make the commitment. When I thought about adopting, I was quite sure I would adopt an adult cat rather than a kitten, but not a senior. My hesitation to adopt an older cat was that she would be closer to the end of her life and our time together would be limited. And, if I’m to be honest, I didn’t want to have to feel the sadness of her passing away so soon.
But circumstances led to my adopting an elderly cat. Sadly, the person Sasha had lived with passed away. Friends of mine who knew that person had taken Sasha to live with them, but they already have several pets and they said Sasha wasn’t used to being with other animals and didn’t seem happy there. They asked me if I would consider caring for her, and I said yes. And I’m glad I did, for it has felt right from the moment I made that decision.
In addition to enjoying her company and feeling good about being able to give her a home, Sasha has become a reminder to me: a reminder to appreciate each day. I sometimes find myself wondering about the future, thinking about things that might happen in my personal life as well as about the larger picture of national and global happenings. And, as much as I don’t like this about myself, I will sometimes worry about difficult or sad things that might potentially occur. When I catch myself doing that, I tell myself to instead appreciate each day I am given and do my best to live each day well, to try to follow my inner path.
The way that Sasha has become a reminder to me to appreciate each day is that instead of wondering how much longer she’ll be with me, I think about how nice it is that I’m able to be with her each day that I am. She’s a special little presence in my life.