Winter’s Woes, and Wonders

Linda Burton posting from Arkadelphia, Arkansas – Today is the first day of spring. An entire season has passed since the Scion stopped in Arkadelphia last December. So many wonderful things have happened in the last three months, but there’s an overwhelming sadness too. On March 11 our dear companion Alex died. Alex came into my life in December 1997; a grand and joyful Christmas that was! The vet estimated his age to be eight months, a foundling from the pound, history unknown. He remained my faithful friend for seventeen years, moving cross-country with me twice, and recently, of course, making the journey to 48 of the states as part of our little troop. He died in my arms, just after midnight; his tiny body succumbing to the effects of hyperthyroidism, and methimazole; his nine lives used up, at last. “Why would you take a cat on such a long trip,” someone asked me once. “Why didn’t you leave him at home?” “I was his home,” I replied. And he was mine. Every place I’ve been has felt like home because of Alex. A picture of him in the bloom of life graces the front of a walnut box on a shelf in our living room now, his ashes tucked inside. He always liked hidey spots! Under the bedspread (making a prominent lump). On top of the refrigerator. On top of the cabinet above the refrigerator. Beneath the hostas by the back fence. Even inside the wall of the bathroom when I had some remodeling done. Yes, he got sealed in. “You’re lucky he was able to finish the Journey with you,” people are saying; “you have such memories.” That’s true, I do. But they don’t fill the empty spot in my heart. Jack misses him too, except, as cats tend to think, it finally dawned on him that he is now King of the Hill. Scratching with clawless paws, he marked every piece of furniture in the house after a week. God love precious cats! Did you notice I said “house”? Now let me tell you our wonderful news. » read more