Two weeks ago darling Allie didn't come home at night and there was a night of anguished worry. And yet two weeks on, time has marched on, just as it always does. I can't help but be thankful that the flyer drop at least brought with it finality- even though the news was bad. I was fully ready to get up the next day and continue the search, and even though hope would have faded over time if the hunt was not successful, I would have kept looking and looking for my girl. More than I can say I feel for those families of the "presumed dead" with a feeling of dread- and yet still a glimmer of hope.
But in the aftermath of tragedy there are always things that stick out... When I was looking for Ms. Allie I dropped about 20 flyers off at targeted houses in the neighbourhood. I got an amazing response rate. In addition to the one person who had seen her the day she disappeared, and then the one who found her, I had two futher phone calls from people who had seen white cats. I also had one from a near neighbour who said she often saw Allie in the afternoon in her yard and told me she'd keep an eye out. It was so encouraging to find out there are so many thoughtful neighbours in the neighbourhood, regardless of the sad outcome.
Also- I have a calendar on my desk at work. The day I found out about Allie the quote on the day's calendar was from Pericles. "What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others." What stuck out in my mind is that if one little cat can have such an influence on one person, think about the influence each of us as individuals can have...
And suddenly, all of those little annoyances about her becoming charming in my memory. Cleaning the closet tonight I found a roll of tin foil. I left it there to perpetually keep covering the bottom of the bed to deter her from scratching it. It's a good reminder to think of those close in our lives with the perspective that those little things are the things that make them "them", and special, and to not sweat the small stuff.
Jasper has been rather lost since Allie went missing. Always a foodie, he has not seemed overly hungry. In fact today was the first day he had a full breakfast and dinner. He has been meowing a lot and searching, still. I don't want him to spend his days lonely so the plan is to get another kitten. She will be another ragdoll, completely different in colouring to Allie, but I hope she will come with the laid back ragdoll personality that I have come to love. I expect it will be a difficult introduction and transition between her and Jasper. But this time I do hope my two kitties will be able to spend years together. More than 2 1/2 years, I hope...
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