Day 1111 Memories & keepsakes

 

I came home after a long, exhausting day to find a pretty gift box with a big bow waiting for me. Inside was the sweetest little photo box, featuring a beautiful picture of my beloved Peps. I immediately remembered the day that photo was taken—Peps had strutted slowly across the road, as if daring any car to come too close. Then, with her usual dramatic flair, she climbed up a tree and sat majestically, overseeing the world below like a queen surveying her kingdom.

My daughter-in-law had gone across the street to capture the moment while we all laughed at Peps' boldness. That cat had attitude, elegance, and a touch of wild mischief. Peps is missed so dearly, and it's still hard to believe that all we have now are our memories and photos of her. Darn it. The house doesn’t feel the same without her presence.

Neither Tim nor I are ready to welcome a new pet just yet. It's just too soon. I truly love this little photo box—a thoughtful, heartfelt gift from my daughter-in-law that now sits in a special place a keepsake filled with memories and is a sweet reminder of my Peps. 

I’m sure everyone on Columbia Street feels the void she left behind. The birds, bunnies, mice, and other small creatures are probably living their best lives without my sharp-eyed hunter patrolling the yard. These days, the bunnies bounce across my backyard like they own the place! It’s a whole new world out there without Peps keeping them in check.

I don’t know when—or even if—we’ll be ready for another cat or kitten. I imagine the universe will give me a gentle nudge when the time is right, and I’ll just know. But for now, it’s a quiet house, a purr-free life, and a very busy backyard full of birds rejoicing in their freedom.

"What we have once enjoyed deeply we can never lose. All that we love deeply becomes a part of us." – Helen Keller