Yesterday was a somber day.
The girls started their extracurricular classes at the local private school again, typically a joyous event. But can you see it? Their puffy, red eyes and forced smiles?
Earlier that morning our sweet Sassy kitten passed away at the veterinarian’s office. She took a sudden turn, and, though we rushed, faded away in my hands from organ failure– a result of being orphaned too soon from her poor mama kitty. We are heartbroken.
She wasn’t ours long, but with tedious round-the-clock bottle feedings, grooming, and affection, we bonded quickly. We are grateful for the week she was in our care, the privilege of watching her little personality blossom. And what a full week she had– snug in Center Sister’s bunny buggy she accompanied us to the library, the pet store, the farmer’s market, Target, Starbuck’s, church, a potluck, back to school night, and several walks around the neighborhood. If she wasn’t nestled in someone’s arms, she was tucked into her carriage by our side, never alone.
Our compassionate vet likened her to a cut rose, who bloomed beautifully for a short time, but who inevitably was slowly fading away after being plucked from the vine– too soon from her mama.
Still raw from the sting of Sassy’s sudden departure, we received jarring news of family friends whose sweet son was freshly diagnosed with cancer– every parent’s nightmare. In the same hour we corresponded with family of a cousin who is quite near the end of her arduous marathon fighting malignant cells that have wracked her radiant, beautiful frame. This strong young mama has fought so hard, for so long.
After these devastating blows, we still had to bury our kitten and tend to her empty nest, to wash and put away her blankies and bottles. There are signs of her everywhere in the house.
Our hearts remain heavy today. The kind of heaviness that settles in your chest and makes it hard to breathe, weights down your arms as sour, sad blood pumps from your center to every limb.
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28
“In this world you will have trouble, but take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33
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