Yesterday was the first morning at home in over ten years that my cranky calico, Lucy, didn’t keep me company while I read my morning devotionals. It felt odd not to have her perched on the bar stool beside me, but I’ve known it was coming. You see, Lucy was old and her body was betraying her. A rescue cat, she, like other mysterious beauties, never revealed her exact age. We think she was fourteen or fifteen.
As she and I made the journey over the bridge to the Emergency Animal & Specialty Clinic near Maumelle Sunday night, I knew it might be her last ride. After talking to Dr. Smith, I felt I was making the right choice to release Lucy from her miserable existence. And I didn’t doubt the decision as I whispered my goodbyes to the old girl while the kind doctor administered a mercy drug.
Even yesterday morning as we buried her in our flower bed-feline cemetery, I felt the same. Lucy is free.
Those who knew Lucy in her prime will remember a fat cat who ruled the house like an imperial monarch. Dubbed Queen Lucy by our neighbor, Cissy, she lived up to her title in every way. Queen Lucy chose me as her lady-in-waiting and ruled with an iron paw. When she wanted in my lap, she was by-golly-getting-there.
As a one-woman cat, Lucy even snubbed her kitty-loving master, Terry. The only time she ever sat in his lap was early on while we were still trying to decide whether to keep her. When he mentioned she didn’t seem to like him much, I admonished her that she should probably sit in Dad’s lap if she wanted to stay here. Within the hour, she jumped up on his lap and sat a while before walking away—never to return.
Okay. Check in that box.
I’m not sure Lucy ever understood or forgave us for bringing two kittens into the family to keep Terry company. We adopted brothers with the thought they’d entertain each other and leave her alone, which they mostly did. However, they were fascinated by her aloofness and tried to make friends.
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Lucy, pretending not to notice Timmy |
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Tuna Time |
Toward the end, Max and Timmy finally wore her down so she tolerated being in close proximity for treat time. Sometimes she even allowed Timmy to curl up near us on the couch. But her message was always same: Don’t touch me!
I imagine I sometimes remind God of Lucy as I elbow my way into his presence, seeking what I want, delivered the way I want it, on my schedule. How many times have I ignored his other children with greater needs? Clamored for first place? Sought position or recognition? When I think of His long-suffering and kindness, I am grateful that God loves me even when I’m unlovable.
The wonderful thing about our Heavenly Father is that He loves us more than we can ever comprehend. There’s more than enough to go around for all of us.
… I will not forget you. 16 Behold, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands …
Is. 49: 15b-16a
R.I.P.
LUCY (NOT BAINES) JOHNSON
Birth ???? – September 21, 2014
IMPERIAL
IMPERVIOUS
IMPRINTED ON MY HEART
Copyright © Reflections Dorothy’s Ridge 2014. All rights reserved
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Published by Dorothy Johnson
I'm a lover of God, mother of three, grandmother of eight, and a collector of friends. I like nothing better than talking, listening, laughing and eating with that crowd. My husband, Terry, and I feel blessed to wake up each day to a magnificent view of the Arkansas River. An amazing variety of creatures, from bobcats and coyotes to deer, bunnies and nutria, along with all sorts of birds roam the natural area behind our house. We also share our home with three silly kitties. I often find a lesson in what I see both indoors and out on any given day and usually find myself writing about it. I hope you'll join me in exploring the ways God speaks to us through His creation.
View all posts by Dorothy Johnson
Great story and thanks for sharing. I like puddy tats.
Geno
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Thanks for reading!
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Sad but nice little story. Glad you shared it. She was a beautiful cat.
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Thank you, Freeda. She was pretty, but you know what they say about pretty is ….
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Loved it as usual for your postings, Lucy was different but a good ole girl in her own way. swr
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Different for sure! Thanks.
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The others over the rainbow bridge will soften her up, you can bet. OR maybe she will get them in shape to be her servants. xoxo
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You're right, Pat. I think she's walking in clover over there, one way or the other!
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Dorothy, I'm so sorry for your loss, but thankful for all the memories that Queen Lucy made with you.. Julita
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Ahhh….nice memories, DJ. I let one go over the bridge just about a month ago. I sympathize with you in your loss. Be glad you were able to give her a long and happy life with your family.
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Julita, thank you for reading. I love reconnecting with you and my other classmates.
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Then you know how I feel. I'm sorry for your loss, too. I am relieved for Lucy. I think she had it pretty good with us and now she's probably sitting on some heavenly lap, happier than she ever was here.
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