We all face unexpected moments when we must choose whether to get involved in someone’s life or decide this particular situation is not our calling. This is a story of a time when we decided to say Yes to the stranger God brought to our door.
Once upon a time a little gray cat found herself in a strange place. Somehow she had lost her family and her home. She didn’t remember how that had happened, but she did know one thing: she needed a family. She needed humans who would love her, and who she could love in return.
If only she could find them.
She greeted any human she found, hanging around their houses, pleading with them at the front doors. But in one house after another, the humans did not want her. They told her to scram and chased her with brooms.
The little gray cat was sad. And lonely.
One day, after being chased from yet another yard, the little gray cat noticed two humans standing in the driveway of a house she had not yet visited. By now she knew better than to run up to them, so she sat and watched them. They seemed like nice people, but would they love her?
Finally she worked up her courage and gave them a mew of greeting. The people looked up. They smiled. One of them walked over, reached down, and stroked her head.
Oh joy!
The human said nice things to her. When the human stood up, the little gray cat followed. Instead of shooing her away, the second human smiled and reached down to greet her. Could this be the family she had been searching for?
“What a friendly little cat,” the first one said.
“You are not feeding this stray cat,” the other one answered.
The humans went into their house. The little gray cat sat at their door, telling them how long she had been searching for a family. How much she needed someone to love.
Lo and behold, it worked. The humans came out and invited the cat to their back deck. They gave her a bowl of food. (It was a little stale, but she didn’t complain.)
More importantly, they sat down and invited her to hop into their lap. She rolled over and over on the human’s lap, soaking up the petting she had missed for so long.
This is what she was made for. Love.
A few days later, the humans invited the little gray cat to come into their house. She was very worried—so many strange smells and noises. But she bravely succumbed to their coaxing, and soon learned that the house was safe after all.
“I guess we’d better come up with a name,” one of the humans said.
After several days of debate, they settled on Gracie. Gracie was happy with her new name. It meant she belonged, that she once again had a family. A home. A purpose.
She made sure her new family understood how much she loved them. She kept them company whenever they were home. When one of them sat down in their favorite chair, Gracie would run over, hop into their lap, and greet them. This always produced big smiles.
Life was good.
However, sometimes other humans would show up who did not seem as pleased with Gracie. One of them said, “Mom, I don’t think keeping a stray cat is such a good idea. Just think what bad habits she might have.”
But Gracie’s new human replied, “Look at how affectionate she is. Wouldn’t it be sad if such a loving cat didn’t have anyone to love her?”
The suspicious human looked at Gracie with different eyes. “I guess you’re right. She is a really loving cat.”
After that, the other humans loved her too. And Gracie knew she’d found a home for good.
Gracie loved us with her whole heart. We enjoyed her company for a year and a half. We wish she were still with us, but we are thankful for the time we did have.
We love you Gracie. Thanks for adopting us.
Kathy R. says
Hi Lisa, What a great love story!
What happened to Gracie?
Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Lisa says
Poor Gracie suddenly started to act like something was in pain. Two weeks later–despite vet visits and meds–she was gone.
Kathy R. says
Oh, Lisa, I am so sorry for your loss. What a beautiful tribute to her here on your blog. She is such a precious and cute kitty!! Thank you, Lord, for your grace and comfort. We love our pets as well, and your writing about her is such a gift. Thanks again for sharing!!
Lisa says
It was hard to write, but I knew I needed to do it. Thanks for your encouragement. Now we will see who else God brings into our life.
Kathleen Rouser says
Lisa, so sorry for your loss. Sounds like Gracie was a sweet little
cat and that you gave her a wonderful, loving home. Thanks for
sharing your story.
Lisa says
I think pets are one of those things that connect people. Certainly, I was surprised by how many responded when I posted her goodbye photo on fb. We need to share those moments together.
Jackie G. says
Love that cat, too. (I think I was spelling her name wrong–Lizzybitz–thinking of a nursery tale.) Cats are so photogenic! There was one sitting on my front porch Welcome mat days ago, looking beautiful in black-gold tiger fur. Thanks for sharing, Kathy.
Lisa says
My husband calls cats “living sculpture” because they so often add beauty to our lives. (Both literally and metaphorically, I suppose.) But sometimes I wish I were half as photogenic as my cat. Sigh.