I've been thinking of all the things I have learned from my furry friends.

T'Chan (Siamese - Rainbow Bridge) taught me, through a long and happy lifetime, a lot about love, companionship and bonding. Dear cat -- I miss him still.

Lizzie (Tortie - Rainbow Bridge) was a single mother. She taught me resourcefulness and that family is everything. She overcame terror, feral cat that she was, to cling to me and to love with all her small being. She crossed over too young, but she brightened my days while she was here.

Tony (Mixed breed - Rainbow Bridge) taught me a lot about having fun, about making time to play every day of your life, to really get a "big kick" out of life, and how to stand up for your rights. (He usually got his way, sooner or later!)

Sugar (Tiger striped - Rainbow Bridge) taught me to head butt. He showed me how he could ride on my shoulder, and he also showed me love in spite of pain, both his and mine. He took me along the hard road of saying goodbye with dignity.

Precious (Persian Tortie) is teaching me to love myself and to value myself for my own -- worthiness, to show pride in all that I do, to rise above "silliness" and to demand respect.

Gizzi (100% angel!) taught me to go after what I want, to be persistent, and to throw myself completely into the moment at hand! He knows how valuable a tool a friendly nuzzle can be!

All my dear ones gave me lessons in love, affection and caring; in appreciation of what pleasures are here now; in loving the touch of a friendly hand; and in living life to the fullest degree possible, however long or short it is.

Copyright © Renee Darvin
September 6, 2002