Flapper's Folly

I really dropped the ball blog-wise in December, but I was juggling plenty elsewhere. So much work and anticipation building up to one day is stressful, but I can honestly say that my family and I had a wonderful Christmas. We are blessed in every way. I am very thankful.

The older I get, the more I appreciate good times. There was a time I never really enjoyed the moment for worrying what disaster was around the corner. I now know there will always be troubles that come and go. Hopefully, small ones. (Knock on wood) :) All the more reason to savor those precious moments when all is well.

A few years ago, in the middle of a separation and divorce and alienated from my son, I never would have believed things could work out so wonderfully. I'm now married to my true companion, a remarkable man with whom I am compatible in ways I continue to discover. After living with us for almost two years, my son loves me and is happy. He has brought a wonderful girl into our lives whom we love and appreciate in so many ways. He is less than two hours away and I talk to him several times a week. In my opinion, that's damned good for a 20 year old male. Note to all guys: Call your mother!

My ten year old stepson and I have finally forged a relationship which feels strong and true. I love him. We have him about half the time and there are inherent difficulties with his mother, but I know that everntually he will be grown and we won't have to deal with her any more. Of course, first we will have to go through his teens and I don't expect it to be easy. I only hope my experience and perspective will help in the process.

Now, the only sad part of this soliloquy. I've been so lucky that for a few years my daughter has lived in the metroplex. She and her husband, whom we love and is a huge help to us so often and a great cook to boot, live about an hour away. She and I get to go on fun shopping expeditions and often share her horrible commute on the phone. My dear daughter, my best friend, is moving. January 31st, she will begin a new job in Lubbock. I'm proud and happy as can be for her. It's the right move, career wise. It's her old familiar stomping ground and I think they will be happy there. But I will miss her so much.

I have to remind myself to appreciate the moment again and remember that I made a change that affected all these people a few years ago. Change is not bad. We really can't foresee what glorious things are in store for us.

Happy New Year!

Posted by Rockelle at 5:31 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

What a week the last week has been. On Sunday before Thanksgiving, we lost one of our cats. Josephine, pictured at right, disappeared from the backyard. First of all, let me explain how she came to be outside in the first place. We have three cats, Wellington, ten, Josephine, about 8, and Bijou, 4. Wellington, otherwise know by me as Willy, is a neutered male but doesn't know it. Were he a horse, I would say he was proud cut. His and Josie's presence predates mine. I came and I added Bijou to the mix.

Two years ago Josephine developed an auto immune disorder affecting her soft tissue. Her paws and ears began to just dry up. After a proper diagnosis, and many months of experimentation, she is maintained on steroids. Her skin was healthier, but her personality changed. The other cats picked on her and soon she stayed hidden under the bed all the time, barely venturing out to eat and drink and never venturing to the litter box. It became unbearable. We tried everything. As an ill adult cat is difficult to find a new home for, we felt we could either have her put down or try keeping her outdoors. We put her in the backyard last spring and she flourished. Queen of her fenced domain, she chased insects, ran laps, and never jumped the fence. It was great. Then on Sunday the 23rd, with the wind blowing horribly and temperatures dropping, we came home in the afternoon and she was gone. Night came and no Josie. We searched and searched. On Monday I made posters and put them up all over the neighborhood and surrounding area and at the nearest veterinarian's office. All week, we heard nothing. Then last night, we came in from Christmas shopping, and had a message from someone, who having seen the poster at the vet's, thought she might have her. At least a mile away and over busy streets, we hurried to see if it was our Josie. And there she was, in a box in their garage. Thin and slightly dirty, but otherwise unharmed. Oddly, three weeks ago, they had to put to sleep their 14 year old calico, and the woman had seen Josie a couple of times during the week, but when she mentioned it to her family they thought she was just imagining seeing the beloved cat they had lost. Yesterday, the daughter saw her and realizing she might be the cat on the poster, they managed to capture her and hold her until we could get there. How she got so far away, we'll never know. What wonderful people! They wouldn't accept a reward, so we are making a donation to the Humane Society in their name and nearer Christmas we plan to do something special for their sweet family. As for us, Christmas came early this year.

Posted by Rockelle at 10:45 AM | Permalink | Comments (3)