Most of my friends and family (along with other random people that come by my page from time to time) have learned that we recently adopted two little tiny kittens. Elizabeth named them herself; the little girl was Leela. And the boy she named, appropriately enough, Fry. We didn't have them long before they were called back into the Vet Hospital to be treated for a 'cat cold'. They had them for about a week, and Elizabeth made it a daily countdown to when they would be coming home. The weekend before they were to come home tragedy struck. Fry did not make it. He was actually killed by a kitty cold. How does one explain to a 5 year old that her kitten was no longer with the living??? She was gone the day we found out, but was quick to ask when she got home if her kittens would be coming home the next day. I told her carefully, while simultaneously preparing a speech in my head, that Leela would be coming home. She asked if Fry was still sick, and if the doctor would be keeping him. Fortunately for me, or maybe not so fortunately, we have had the 'God' talk before in regards to previous pets we have had. The most recent one was my parents' dog, Hobbie. He passed away last summer. I told her that Fry had gotten very sick, and while the doctor had done everything he could to get him healthy again, God had called him to go be with him. She thought about it for a moment, before she said in her cheerful 5-year-old-voice, 'I bet he is in heaven, scratching Hobbie'. I had this entire speech played out in my head, and she was perfectly fine, thinking of Fry chasing Hobbie around in the clouds. In her mind they are both completely carefree and happy... AND as an added bonus of going to be with God, they both get to have *wings*. It makes you reevaluate a few things, and realize that there are so many things that should be taken more lightheartedly. Another lesson, happily learned from my brilliant 5 year old.
We have recently adopted another kitten, not necessarily as a replacement. I just don't like the idea of the Leela babe being at home alone while we are gone for 9 or 10 hours a day. So we now have our newest (and lets hope a more permanent) addition. Her name is Lolly (lovingly named after my mom... that was her nickname as a child). She is a calico kitten with the most perfect balance of personalities. She is loving, playful, and ever-so patient with the daily taunting she receives from 15 month old Alden, who has not *quite* grasped the concept of 'gentle'. His new favorite pastime is holding the kittens up by their fur and proudly saying 'kitty'. Yes. Yes, Alden. That is a kitty, I always say as I untangle his little fingers from the poor things' fur. Fortunately, we have been blessed with two very patient kittens, and we have yet to have any scratches or clawing out of the eyes. But, just to be safe, if you have a minute or two, say a prayer for our ever growing family.
