I have so much more to share about the trip to visit my parents--we had some amazing experiences. But before I get to those, I should report that we have some little additions to our home.
They are sisters from the same litter, and they could not be more cute. Given their age (8 weeks), they are extremely sweet with children, which I can only chalk up to the fact that they were loved from birth by a 2-year-old, a 5-year-old, and a 7-year-old, before joining our family.
Back in April, I had taken note that Molly of MommyCoddle had some little additions around her house. Her kitty, Black Walnut, had given birth to 5 kittens. I knew Molly lived in a neighboring state, and I guessed, correctly, that it would be less than a two hour drive.
One day I was reading this post of Molly's, which I found incredibly touching and sad. On impulse I sent a comment including a question about the kittens. Almost immediately I had regrets. Molly's family has had a string of tough losses, and here I was selfishly wondering if she had given away all the kittens. So I figured, she'd never respond.
To my pleasant surprise, Molly commented here that she had two sister kittens left and wouldn't we like to have them. We e-mailed a bit and soon a plan was set for my tykes to visit hers and receive the kittens.
I should back up and say I wasn't entirely sure I'd ever own another pet. For over 19 years, I (and eventually, D, my husband) owned a sweet little kitty who was incredibly healthy and strong despite her size. That is, until little over a year ago, when she had a stroke.
Ironically, within a few days of kitty falling ill, I broke my ankle while taking her to the vet. The kids were whisked away to grandma's until I could have surgery. So kitty and I were laid up together and I was able to give her round-the-clock attention. Sadly, although our kitty regained the use of her front legs, after two weeks, she seemed weaker by the day. One late night she passed away.
Dear D, my husband, had had an amazingly long-lived kitty, too (20 years!). So, we both know quite a bit about cats. And what it can be like at the end. It took a bit of courage--or, as these things usually go, blind faith--to take on two more.
When we came to get the kittens, Molly kindly invited us to stay through lunch, and I gratefully accepted. The kittens were as coal-black and adorably indistinguishable as promised. After lots of oohing and aahing and cuddling, we set off for the creek, leaving the kitties to sleep in the rose bushes with their mama one last time.
The kids had a grand time splashing about, with N joining in enthusiastically and getting soaked to the skin. Molly and I had some fun getting-to-know-you conversations.
After a while, E could not bear to be separated from the kittens for another minute, so we trooped back up to the house for lunch.
We sat and chatted right up until nap time while I admired Molly's kitchen table and other vintage treasures gracing her home. It was so satisfying knowing a little more than we might otherwise about where our new kitties came from and to meet the sweet girls who gave them so much love.
Now when N and E are each holding a surprisingly patient little darling, I am deeply grateful and full of wonder at the turns life takes.
