Last night I had the strangest dream...It's a dream I've had before. Not only have I dreamed of this particular thing, but my wife, Della, has too. These dreams always are so vivid. It's like we could reach out to touch all the imagery -- smell all the smells and taste all the tastes. This dream that we share in common concerns our departed cat, 'Lil Bit.
Like with so many aspects of our lives, we are unable to grasp the significance until someone or something is gone. It's not that we don't enjoy a being's company or the perks of certain circumstances while they are with us -- we certainly do -- but we often don't fully embrace the gift until it has passed beyond us.
The more I think about our departed one-eyed kitty cat, the more I realize that we were blessed with a pure expression of Tao in our midst and we simply didn't realize it. In the graceful way he lived his short life*, he was offering us lessons that we only now are beginning to grasp.
For example, one of the hallmark principles of Taoism is that the Way is impartial. 'Lil Bit gave of himself to everyone he met, be it human, dog, cat, butterfly or the wisp of a wind. While our other animal companions form cliques in varying degrees, 'Lil Bit was everybody's best buddy. He even was able to penetrate the psychotic mask worn by our elder cat, Dylan. This, in and of itself, borders on amazing!!
Tao is said to nourish all things and 'Lil Bit was a supreme nurturer. During my many fibro flare-ups (like the major one I am experiencing right now), 'Lil Bit stayed close by me day and night until he was assured that I was feeling better. He did the same thing when Della was sick or injured and he provided deep companionship to Becca, Scruffy and Heidi during their final days.
Most of all, he always lived in the present moment. I remember that, when he was a young kitty boy, we decided to buy him some cat toys to aid him in channeling his abundant energy. He quickly taught us that he had no need nor interest in such artificial stimuli! He could find just as much unmitigated joy in chasing dust balls across the floor, dandelion puffs across the yard or batting at flies and grasshoppers. Who needs toys with the world at your paw tips?
I suppose our family is still a bit traumatized at his sudden departure. Too bad we didn't truly understand we had a sage living in our midst.
* 'Lil Bit disappeared on July 1. Though we don't know, for certain, what happened to him, the assumption is that he was killed and, probably, eaten by a coyote, bobcat or puma who frequent the same forests that 'Lil Bit traversed daily.
Like with so many aspects of our lives, we are unable to grasp the significance until someone or something is gone. It's not that we don't enjoy a being's company or the perks of certain circumstances while they are with us -- we certainly do -- but we often don't fully embrace the gift until it has passed beyond us.
The more I think about our departed one-eyed kitty cat, the more I realize that we were blessed with a pure expression of Tao in our midst and we simply didn't realize it. In the graceful way he lived his short life*, he was offering us lessons that we only now are beginning to grasp.
For example, one of the hallmark principles of Taoism is that the Way is impartial. 'Lil Bit gave of himself to everyone he met, be it human, dog, cat, butterfly or the wisp of a wind. While our other animal companions form cliques in varying degrees, 'Lil Bit was everybody's best buddy. He even was able to penetrate the psychotic mask worn by our elder cat, Dylan. This, in and of itself, borders on amazing!!
Tao is said to nourish all things and 'Lil Bit was a supreme nurturer. During my many fibro flare-ups (like the major one I am experiencing right now), 'Lil Bit stayed close by me day and night until he was assured that I was feeling better. He did the same thing when Della was sick or injured and he provided deep companionship to Becca, Scruffy and Heidi during their final days.
Most of all, he always lived in the present moment. I remember that, when he was a young kitty boy, we decided to buy him some cat toys to aid him in channeling his abundant energy. He quickly taught us that he had no need nor interest in such artificial stimuli! He could find just as much unmitigated joy in chasing dust balls across the floor, dandelion puffs across the yard or batting at flies and grasshoppers. Who needs toys with the world at your paw tips?
I suppose our family is still a bit traumatized at his sudden departure. Too bad we didn't truly understand we had a sage living in our midst.
* 'Lil Bit disappeared on July 1. Though we don't know, for certain, what happened to him, the assumption is that he was killed and, probably, eaten by a coyote, bobcat or puma who frequent the same forests that 'Lil Bit traversed daily.
As one who has had dogs for most of his life, I know pets are definitely family. I feel your loss.
ReplyDeleteI have had the pleasure of the company of eleven cats over the course of my life, so far. Each of them was so individual, so sensitive and so sage-like. I remember all of those who passed on, and the two that live with me now continue the role of sages in their own way.
ReplyDeleteWhat you just wrote is one of the most heartfelt and beautiful post I have ever read. Lil Bit is still reaching out and touching not only you but all who remember him and those of us reading here. Simply amazing. Thanks you so much for this bit of reassurance of the power of the Way.
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