May

Our May started on a sad note. Five years ago, when life was hard and painful, we decided to adopt a cat. After much research, we drove to the humane society to adopt a young three-legged cat. Instead, we left with Gertie. Gertie had four legs, was thirteen years old, and was missing half her teeth. She was also the sweetest, cuddliest cat we had met. Once she made it home with us and got settled, she informed us that she was more of a stuffed animal than a pet. She just wanted to lie in a warm place and would cuddle, if you insisted. She did decide that living on Libby's bed was ideal, and cuddling at night was manageable. She did not appreciate being picked up and quickly trained the dogs to leave her completely alone. She was a welcome addition to the household, and she gave a lot of comfort during rough times.

As we knew would happen, though, she continued to age and slow down even more. Then her kidneys started to shut down, and prescription food only helped a little. Eventually, she quit eating and drinking, so we called the vet for an appointment. They could not see her until Tuesday, but on Saturday she spent all day cuddling with all her humans and then slipped away. She wasn't great at being a cat, but she was our cat, and we loved her. I'm glad we gave in to the begging children and adopted an old, toothless, lying cat. She fit right in.

May marched on and Grace turned 17 years old. She had a great time having family and friends join us at the park. She only has one more year until graduation, adulthood, and college adventures. In my heart, seventeen to eighteen is the fastest year as a parent. It always passes in a blink. I think I have one more year with this person, but only get a heartbeat.

Just a few days after Grace's birthday, Lily had the audacity to graduate. She is attending BSU in the fall, so at least she will still be close to Grace. I'm not sure Grace will survive without her. 

In May all the plants bloomed, the trees turned green, and my babies turned into independent people. May, in fact, might be the cruelest month.