TGIF

Smokey (aka “The Big Smoke”) sauntered in the door, jumped on the bed, bathed himself, and went to sleep.

This is not especially notable except for the fact that I don’t let Smokey in the house because he tries to murder the other feline residents.

He knows why he stays in his own house outside and he has heretofore accepted the terms and conditions of his residency.

Before I could move him back outside, Miss Kitty came in and seeing Smokey, let out a shriek.

Smokey turned his back and pretended to go back to sleep.

The rest came and went…Cinnabon, Marcel, Grem, Punky, and a few I haven’t named yet.

Smokey…never moved.

After his nap, he sauntered back outside to do whatever cats do when they’re not eating or sleeping.

He now does the same routine every morning after Missy has her breakfast and leaves on her morning constitutional.

Miss Kitty has changed as well.

She has always slept on the bed with me, but now she sleeps with her head pressed against mine and at least one paw on my hand.

I wondered if I was imagining this “holding paws” but each time I moved my hand, her paw would follow.

She seems to be trying to care for me, as she knows my sleep is troubled.

Cinnabon just brought me a mouse and laid it carefully beside the communal feeding dish…just in case I run out of food for myself.

She climbed up my chair and tapped me on the arm, then stood by the rodent to make sure I saw it.

It was a classic example of sacrificial love and it was received as such.

The cats sense something.

While I do not know how or what they are perceiving, I do know how they are responding to what they perceive.

They are laying aside instinctive territorial impulses to be in community and close to Dad.

They are giving each other space to live and find comfort.

They are concerned about my well being as well as their own.

It is not without some tension, but it’s real cooperation.

I confess that when my little lion laid down her mouse I teared up a little.

I’m from the species that is supposed to practice sacrificial love in community…

Make your own application…