Thursday, December 11, 2008

Perspective

It's been a rough week around here.

Our little kitty is a pretty old gal. We found out yesterday that she's in kidney failure. We brought her home for some goodbye time, but she's not well. It's obvious she's dying. It's so obvious that I'm a complete mess. We'll be calling later today to make the appointment to do the unthinkable, to put her down so she won't suffer. I know this is the right decision and the most humane, but it's horrible, sad and painful. And I would give anything for her to be the lard-butt cat who puts my legs to sleep when she sits on my lap during movies again.

Ugh.

To add insult to this very raw injury, my bank card was somehow compromised and someone has racked up a lovely Christmas on my dime. Luckily, they were stupid enough criminals to actually send one of the items to be delivered to my house. That's how we found it - a nice Playstation 3 arrived yesterday. Not sure if it was a mistake or a thank you from the thieves for all the other gifts they purchased on my card. Either way, I'm fighting with the merchant to convince them I didn't order it, closing accounts and opening new ones.

Ugh. Ugh.

But in the midst of the chaos, I'm feeling lucky. Lucky because another mother I know is fighting for her two-year-old. Imagine going to a specialist one day to find out why your toddler can't shake a sinus infection and watching him wheeled into surgery less than 36 hours to remove a baseball-sized malignant brain tumor. Imagine the doctor's visits, the words chemotherapy and neurosurgeons becoming part of your daily vocabulary. Imagine the fear, the fight, the love.

I can't. I can't even imagine how she's surviving. But she is. She's fighting. She's fighting hard for her beautiful, happy little boy. The power of a mother's fight should not be underestimated in the battle for her child's health. If the size of the fight and the amount of love and prayer for their family is any indication, this kid is going to beat this thing. And beat the hell out of it.

So this week, as I pray that all cats go to heaven - or at least somewhere with lots of tuna, soft blankets and sunshine - I'll also be praying that all two-year-olds stay right where they are. As a safety on both counts, I'm gonna hug peanut a little harder and a little longer.

10 comments:

Sarah said...

Hi, I'm a frequent reader of yours, but I don't often (perhaps never) comment on blogs. Still, I was compelled to tell you that I too had to put my beloved kitty to sleep because of kidney failure. It happened very fast, but my vet was able do put him down while he was in my arms. This made it both more painful and somehow easier at the same time. Oh, and I was 8.5 months pregnant, so as you can imagine the pregnancy hormones were flowing! Anyway, thanks for your posts, your honesty and your perspective. I'll be hugging my daughter a little tighter tonight too!

Megan said...

Powerful post...and very sorry about your kitty and your friend's child and the people who do rotten things with your money!

Amy Jo said...

Wow. It sounds like you and your friend need all the love you can get right now, virtual or otherwise.

{{{hugs}}}

Stephanie said...

I am so sorry about our kitty. I can only imagine how hard that has to be. And I couldn't imagine at all what that mother, child, and family are going through. Things are just so unfair sometimes. I will be like you and hug the little ones tighter and longer. Thanks for the post and putting things in perspective.

Meredith said...

Love to you on this crappy day! :(

The Thomasville Harrisons said...

Crappy days make brighter tomorrows. You're in for some major sunshine! I hope your kitty gets lots of tuna-lovin' in her future, and that your friend has lots of sunshine for her little buddy in their future, too.

And I thought staying at home with a little toddler vomit was a bad day... perspective!

Liz Jimenez said...

I'm so sorry to hear about kitty. Truly, a pet is a member of the family, and it's terrible to lose one.

Unknown said...

I am so sorry to hear about your kitty. :( My heart breaks for you guys. I can't even imagine. And your friend with the sick child will bein my prayers. Sending you a hug and I'll see you on Monday.

Anonymous said...

I'm so sorry about your kitty! And your friend's little boy. I'll keep everyone in my prayers. My mother's kitty passed recently and will keep him company up there! Keep us posted. Good to see you on Wednesday, though! Hope things get better and let's get together after the holiday.

Cancer-fighting Mama said...

Love you and all who pray for my brave little warrior... I just read this today and I am thankful each day for the hugs from my precious little boy! XOXO