I think Blessing looks like this Japanese print.
Blessing's story here began when she was listed as part of a bonded pair with a young Maine Coon type kitten named Sunshine at the Baltimore County Animal Shelter. The story of these two cats started with the passing of my beloved 17 year old Wilberforce who died two days after my parents moved into assisted living. The story of my parents moving into assisted living began with a car accident in August. Shortly after the accident and the move, my mom was found to have a subdural hematoma and was med-evac'd to Denver from rural Colorado. All of this was about a week and a half before a trip to Spain and also around the time I started to feel a lump that would turn out to be breast cancer.
But back to these cats. I was leaving for Spain. Wilberforce was gone. My only cat left, Katharina von Schlegel, would have been all by herself during my venture to Spain since my dog was heading for the kennel. That didn't seem good.
Having 2 Maine Coon type cats in the past had me on the lookout for another cat of that type. They are known for their fearlessness, for being affectionate and for sticking close to their person. Ah, but would I take two new cats? Moreso, would I take them if they were on quarantine and needed antibiotics for respiratory infections? In the past, I had been reticent about having three cats and becoming the crazy cat lady; however, another story explains how I got over that hang up. It was actually fun to embrace being a childless cat lady this fall; though I did stop short of the snarky lawn signs. When I went to greet the two cats at the shelter, Blessing was the one to come forward to greet me. Sunshine had just gotten over his surgery.
Who could resist these two? As they recovered from illness, I would sing hymns to them in the bathroom where they were sequestered. They were both very affectionate. I renamed Sunshine, because what kind of boy cat should be called Sunshine? No offense if yours is! He was named Song which is short for PsalmsHymnsSongs (Ephesians 5:19). "Psalmsong, Blessed Blessing" became the refrain I would sing to the tune of "Great is Thy Faithfulness". They seemed to like it and gradually got over their bug. They came out of quarantine a day before my trip after Zeke had gone to the kennel.
I think Song looks a little like this Japanese print. I was thinking of other artwork of cats by various artists after this fashion. As I was getting over jetlag and resting at home, I realized Song would be another snugglebunny. Even after Zeke got back home, Song braved it just to be with me. He is currently sitting 2 feet away from me with Zeke underfoot. They are "my guys".
Song has been a leader, emboldening the other cats to share space with Zeke and giving Zeke a few clad lessons as well. Zeke, for his part has had to be reminded time and again not to chase the cats. He will stop in his tracks when I call to him and will turn and look at me as if to ask, "Not this time either?" I can see how older siblings get blamed for younger siblings' actions, and Song can be a little instigator. Zeke has learned to put up with a lot; though he will rush to break up cat fights between Blessing and Katharina. Zeke also breaks up dogfights at the dog park. He is a big, strong peacekeeping force.
I am grateful for these furry companions for what almost feels like the pandemic: more time at home, slowing down of outside activities even if this time it is for the sake of bodily rest and recovery and not for the sake of avoiding contagion. Song and Blessing are young cats and so are playful, agile and social. Song has been growing by the day. Katharina, though not so sure she was pleased to have these new creatures join the household, is coming out of her shell. She will come out to greet everyone who attends our Sunday night church community group which meets here.
These cats came to our household amidst family changes and health challenges, because of the loss of Wilberforce. Though I do miss my old cat, whom I always felt was my very best one, he made room for these very special creatures. Who knew they would be seeing me through breast cancer along with their other furry housemates? I believe they are a gift from above, like the songs and hymns and blessings we speak to one another in our circles of faith. Like the psalmist of Psalm 40, "I will sing, sing a new song."
I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.
he turned to me and heard my cry.
2 He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.
3 He put a new song in my mouth,
a hymn of praise to our God.
Many will see and fear the Lord
and put their trust in him.
- Psalm 40: 1-3
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