Hello there big cat coming into my life.  Mr. Simon, my Dad’s cat finding a home with me when Dad moved across the country.  Of course I would take him in–keep him in the family.  No matter that I was not allowed a cat in my rental home.  It was temporary, after all.

Eight years temporary.  We moved two different places, had kids coming and going.  He made friends of sorts with the huge dog we had.  Of course, he, growing up with a huge dog, maintained his alpha status.  When chastised by us for hissing to get food, he would casually walk across the room to where the big 85 lb dog was sleeping and swat the dog! 

Now goodbye.  A little tiny body melting into his bones.  Staggering when he walked, bumping into the water dish.  But still getting into the kitchen and right underfoot when we starting cooking.

Set free now to dance and sing and fly.  I salute you, Mr. Simon, for the grace, fierce independence (he was mayor of the neighborhood, after all), and singular presence that you brought to my life.

What a wonderful place for God to play with me.