Not Just A Cat

 I lost my son, Tyler, in 2005, after a tough two year battle of him fighting for his life. The three years that followed, were an emotional hell. I wasn't the mom I was supposed to be, or the wife I should of been, I was so wrapped up in my grief, the the couch and empty space stole all of my time. I still, to this day, try to make it up to my kids in any way I can, because I, quite frankly, failed them those three years. Everyone needed me, needed my strength, and I was heartbroken, I had nothing to give. Then I seen an ad for an orange cat. My husband said no, and I was depressed enough to not care what he thought. I somehow managed to drag my entire family down to Macomb to a rescue. Now, the cat I went to see literally climbed the walls, and as we went to leave, the couple said wait, we have another Orange Maine coon mix. He came out and right into my arms. I said he's it, and he was it. I named him Oliver, from the Disney movie, Oliver and Company. This was the entire turnaround of learning to cope with my son's death and becoming the mom and wife I needed to be for my family. I began exercising, losing 80 pounds all together ( we won't discuss how it didn't last) I got actively involved in every aspect of the kid's lives, I was busy each minute of the day, I woke up early to feed my animals, get the kids off to school, started writing, actively seeking work and, all the while, my buddy Ollie was right there with me. He followed me everywhere. He sat next to me when I worked, at my feet when I exercised, ran after me running after the kids, and cleaning the house, and at night he laid on my side and when I fell asleep he went and had his night, his time. I've never had a cat that I was this close to, so connected to. I'd talk to him and he'd talk back. For all I know he was telling me to shut up, but he was such a sweet and loving cat, I can almost bet he was saying, I love you. All he ever asked of me was to return his love, so I did.

 Ollie saved my life, he saved my family, he made me get back up and live life again. How?  The unconditional love and support he gave me allowed me to be for my family what they needed from me, because he gave me the love and strength I so desperately needed to be there for my family following the loss of our sweet Tyler. On January 16, 2025, at the age of 18, Oliver/Ollie left my side for the first time. My heart is broken once again, but I'm trying to remember what he taught me, to keep myself going, even if my tears follow along with me. 

There are a lot of people who will say, it's just a dog, it's just a cat. I feel bad for those people because every person should give and receive the amazing unconditional love a pet can give to you, and you can give back. It is the purest and most beautiful love you will ever feel. Thank you, Ollie, for giving this to me, my Orange Prince.