Back in the spring of 2017, Elysha decided we needed cats.
“I need to pet a cat,” she declared.
Given the political climate at the time, I understood her need and grudgingly agreed. I didn’t want another pet because the heartache of losing our dog, Kaleigh, and our two cats, Jack and Owen, was too hard for me to bear.
But I could see that Elysha needed this, and I love her, so I consented.
Elysha went online and immediately fell in love with two cats — brothers — needing adoption.
Then she discovered that the cats were in Egypt, bound for Connecticut through a program that rescues cats from the streets of Cairo and brings them to loving homes in the United States.
Mind you:
The Connecticut Humane Society happens to be located in our town, but instead of driving up the street to adopt a couple of cats, we waited for them to arrive via an international, overseas flight.
A couple of weeks later, Elysha took possession of the cats in the dark of night behind a Denny’s restaurant in Southington.
Just the way you want to adopt a pet.
I wasn’t nearly as excited about getting the cats when Elysha declared her need for them, but boy, was she right.
Tobi and Pluto have brought immeasurable joy, laughter, and love into our lives. They have become beloved family members and sources of comfort and happiness every single day. I can’t imagine my life without them, and we are all better, happier, healthier people because of their presence in our lives.
I will forever be grateful to Elysha for finding them and bringing them into our home.
Sometimes, when the world feels upside down and things make no sense, the very best thing you can do is focus on the things that bring you joy.
Sometimes, when a minority of Americans in geographically relevant locations make horrendous decisions based upon racism, sexism, xenophobia, misinformation, a lack of information, and fear, it can help to remind yourself of all that is good in your life and how lucky you are in so many ways.
Today, this morning, for me, it’s our cats — Tobi and Pluto — and my wife, Elysha, whose wisdom brought them to us, and the blessed, unforgettable memories of their arrival and first few months with us more than seven years ago.
I’m so happy Tobi and Pluto are with us today, bringing us joy, love, and comfort when we need it most again.
In the words of my wise and beautiful wife, I shall pet a cat today, and it will undoubtedly make me feel better.
