Lately, I've been told more than usual that I'm crazy. What inspires this comment is that I seem to take on a lot of 'trouble', or 'work' in the form of a rescued dog, a foster dog, 2 cats, and now 2 newborn foster kittens.
I don't think this is crazy at all. To me, the most fun part of my job is sharing with my children the things I loved in my own childhood. Growing up, I LITERALLY had a pony. I rode her every day. At the barn, there was one kitten that I loved dearly. One day, my mom said I could take him home. He was my first true love. Another time, we were at a party and my mom heard that the host had unwanted kittens. They planned to put them in a sack and throw them in a river. My mom immediately said, "Girls, go pick a kitten." (Other guests did as well - don't worry this wasn't Sophie's Choice). Later, that adopted cat gave birth to her own litter in our back stairwell as I watched. I remember everything about that experience.
The sense I had as a child was that there was more than enough care-taking to go around. My mom had plenty for us, and for all these animals that became part of our lives. I learned that a pregnant cat is a treasure to be watched in wonder, not a nuisance. I learned that mucking a stall is what you do for a sentient creature you love, not a disgusting chore. What would be disgusting would be letting your sweet pony live in a dirty stall. The wellspring of energy that is generated to care for others is endless if you feel love. In fact, the essence of loving another is meeting their real needs.
What I hope my kids learn is that making choices is not always about assessing how much work something will be. Sometimes it is just about opening your heart and welcoming what comes, and trusting that you will be capable of meeting the needs that arise.
My mantra this week is less philosophical. It is my own much needed reminder: eventually, they will ALL be housebroken! ;)
