Thankful Thursday

 Thankful Thursday brings me to a topic I have not expressed the deep appreciation I have for it.

This photo is the second one I took of my Miss Priss. It was taken inside the PetsMart where we adopted Annabelle from. I was in the process of filling out the paperwork to adopt Annabelle. There were  these open bookshelves in the adoption area where she made herself right at home at. She was very relaxed but wary.

 When I was drawn to the cat area last December I really wasn't thinking that I would be bringing this young cat, or any cat into my home. My heart knew I wanted to adopt again, but I was battling with the notion that it would be a betrayal to Abby if I did. It's a silly irrational thought, but I imagine one that many have had when their beloved cat or dog passes to the Rainbow Bridge. When is the right time? Is there a right time? Am I doing the right thing?

When I saw Annabelle, then Fritzie my heart started singing. But I still hesitated, for 24 hours I hesitated and then I starting wondering would she still be there when I got back? What would Abby think?

Now I believe whole heartedly Abby had a huge part in this entire event.

 Little did I know how much healing Annabelle would bring to my empty and broken heart. She made me smile and she brought life back into my world. Annabelle has performed a second miracle, she helped me so much with the loss of Gracie. Without her, the anguish and the sadness of going through those two weeks of intense care for Gracie would have been overwhelming and I believe would have made me tumble back into that doom of despair I had just begun to come out of.

 There was one very sweet and parting gift given to me from Gracie to Annabelle. I recorded a scene the day before Gracie left for the Bridge. It was of Gracie and myself at the kitchen table. I was recording Gracie to get her meow. She did meow for me, but while I was recording Annabelle jumped up on top of the table and she walked up to Gracie. Gracie gave her a head butt and Annabelle in turn began to groom her. It all happened so quickly and then Annabelle was off -- ZOOMING as she does-- into the dining room where she jumped onto the fringe of the rug. Something she relishes playing with. Gracie watched her intently. I pondered for a moment ... did Gracie think that used to be me? Now my time is nearly done here? It was a wistful moment. For me. For Gracie.

 The recording stops at that moment but it is a gift. One I was so happy to have, of Annabelle accepting Gracie. It made me sad too, because I thought of all the cats, Gracie and Annabelle could have been good friends who played together. Gracie loved to play and Annabelle does too. But there wasn't enough time for that to develop. Not enough.
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I will always treasure that moment, it was special.
 I will always be thankful for Annabelle helping me get through these dark dark days.
So today what are you Thankful for?
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