I was trying to go to sleep last night in my bed when I had a rather severe asthma attack. This happens rarely, as I have a mild form. But I was coughing and exceeding the doctors limit on how much I should use the emergency inhaler. Finally, raspy (you don't know the panic of not getting enough air is) I fell asleep. I woke up at four in the morning, paralyzed, unable to move. Why?

I was surrounded by caring cats who sometimes cough themselves. They knew I was not perfectly well, and cloistered me. Cleo and Velvet as one, on my right, sleeping on each other, hard against me. Tippy at my face purring (he has NEVER got so close before). Bella snuggled at my chest, on my left, her small warm firm body pushing into me. They were there to protect me.

Normally, Cleo sleeps in her "bed of dreams" a an expensive cat bed I found. ($75 USD) Bella still likes the top of the fridge. Tippy sleeps at the bottom of the bed, away from Velvet, who claims me as her own. She often sleeps in my arms.

That night, she gave in to the others, knowing I love them all, and because I love Tippy and Bella too (she sees it daily) that she must leave them alone. I love them; so it must be right. So no fights, no hissing, even a few inches apart.

I just make my way in the sure warm love of my cats, and I am sure in the spiritual power of love cats can give. *Sigh*... My asthma was gone by morning, and I thanked each and every child in turn. The answer I got from patting and fawning over them was typical...

"Hey! Ain't no big thing!"... Feed me!

Copyright © Bill Mason
October 12, 2002