Today I wanted to share a little about myself personally, so you can get to know me better. I’d like to share a lesson that I learned from someone who had a very big impact in my life. This is <Vadruli/Vadrouille?>, my cat, who passed away about this time last year, so I have been thinking about him a lot.
I remember the day in August 2004, when I decided to adopt a cat and ended up taking home two brothers. They were adorable, not even 8 weeks old. After raising him as a kitten, we brought Vxxxxxx with us from France, while his brother stayed back home. I learned so much from the 20-year relationships that developed with both Vxxxxx and Valmont.
Last year, when we finally had to make the decision to let Vxxxxx go, he knew. For about two weeks, he had been unable to interact with us, staying in the corner of a room. We would bring him love and things to ease his pain. The day I went to see the veterinary specialist, our beautiful cat knew something would happen.
When we finally made the decision to let him go, let him ease out of his pain (a moment that still tears me up today), I was surprised to see how much he trusted us. He jumped up on my lap in that moment. For the last two weeks, he had not been able to jump or connect with us. But on this day, at that moment when we made the decision, he came and showed us love.
It was certainly one of the most beautiful moments I have ever experienced.
I wanted to share that moment with you because I feel we don’t often realize how much love we are receiving from those around us, including the pets who are part of our family. For me, and maybe for you too, they are more than mere pets. They are amazing, steadfast and unconditionally loving beings.
For years we had traveled with Vxxx, sometimes when it was uncomfortable for him. At other times we were traveling and unavailable for him. But when we returned, he was the always same. Same moods. Same way of looking at us. Same way of seeking affection.
And the same love for us. Unchanged.
What can you do with this gift from my past? I would love if you could honor the memory of Vxxxx and your pets and look at the ones you love with the same kind of eyes they did.
In your life, whatever happens, whether people are not as available for you as you would like, whether they are traveling, busy or simply don’t seem to have the time for you, can you ask for the affection or attention you need?
Can you love them for who they are, whether or not they are perfect, whether or not they are exactly how you want them to be?
My sister’s dog Osborne showed me the same unconditional love. He was always available. Always jumping on our laps whether we were in the mood for it or not, whether the day was good or not. He was always the same. He loved all equally, even when we were late giving him his food.
Let’s honor the animals in our lives, especially those who have passed, by being a little more like them. Their roles have been so important, and they have been so steadfast that I sometimes feel pets are more human than human beings.
How can you help along a smooth change or transition in your life by thinking more like an animal?
How can you bring more unconditional love to the people in your life? To yourself?
How can you make sure you enjoy every single moment, even when you have conflict with others, when others may neglect or hurt you, or when they miss what is important to you?
Remember that these others, like pets, have always been there for you, and will be tomorrow, if you let them.